RASSF3 is a tumor suppressor protein involved in cellular signaling pathways, including microtubule stabilization and apoptosis regulation . The biotin-conjugated antibody binds specifically to the RASSF3 protein, enabling its detection through techniques like ELISA and Western blotting. This conjugation enhances assay sensitivity by leveraging biotin-streptavidin interactions, a common platform in immunodetection .
The antibody is primarily validated for ELISA protocols, with recommended working concentrations of 1:500–1:2000 for Western blotting and 1:5000–1:20000 for ELISA . Its specificity for the 2–109 aa region ensures minimal cross-reactivity, making it suitable for studies involving:
| Product | Epitope (aa) | Conjugate | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qtonics RASSF3 (QA60517) | 2–109 | Biotin | ELISA |
| St John’s Labs RASSF3 (STJ191256) | 160–240 | Unconjugated | WB, ELISA |
| Antibodies-Online RASSF3 (ABIN913081) | 51–150 | AbBy Fluor 350 | WB, Immunofluorescence |
The Qtonics antibody’s biotin conjugation offers superior flexibility in assays compared to unconjugated variants , while the 2–109 aa epitope overlaps with regions critical for RASSF3’s tumor-suppressive functions .
Specificity: The antibody detects endogenous RASSF3 levels in human samples, with no reported cross-reactivity with homologous proteins .
Sensitivity: ELISA protocols using this antibody achieve picogram-range detection limits, comparable to high-affinity HA-tag antibodies .
Stability: Long-term storage at -80°C preserves activity for up to 24 months, aligning with industry standards for antibody stability .
St John’s Labs: STJ191256 Antibody Specifications.
Sigma-Aldrich: Anti-HA-Biotin (3F10) Technical Datasheet.
Antibodies-Online: ABIN913081 RASSF3 Antibody Details.
Qtonics: QA60517 Technical Documentation.
RASSF3 (Ras association domain-containing protein 3) belongs to the RASSF protein family, which is known to function in tumor suppression pathways. With a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa, this protein contains signature domains that facilitate interactions with Ras proteins and other signaling molecules . RASSF3 is involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptotic pathways, and has been implicated in various cancer-related mechanisms, making it a significant target for oncology research. Studying RASSF3 provides insights into fundamental cellular processes related to growth control and tumor suppression.
Mass spectrometry represents the gold standard for characterizing antibody conjugates. Specifically, intact protein analysis by liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) effectively determines both the amount and distribution of biotin molecules on the antibody . For more detailed structural assessment, hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) provides valuable insights into how conjugation affects the antibody's higher-order structure . Complementary methods include colorimetric assays such as the HABA/Avidin assay, which can quantify biotin incorporation using a 500 nm extinction coefficient of 34,000 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ . This multi-method approach enables comprehensive characterization of the conjugated antibody before experimental use.
Biotin-conjugated RASSF3 antibodies should be stored at -20°C or -80°C immediately upon receipt . The antibody formulation typically contains preservatives such as 0.03% Proclin 300 and stabilizers like 50% glycerol in PBS buffer (pH 7.4) . It is crucial to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as these can progressively degrade antibody structure and function. For routine experimental work, preparing small single-use aliquots is recommended. When preparing working solutions, gentle mixing rather than vortexing prevents protein denaturation that could compromise binding specificity and sensitivity.
For ELISA applications, the biotin-conjugated RASSF3 antibody has been specifically validated and optimized . Researchers should begin with a titration experiment to determine optimal antibody concentration, typically starting with 1-10 μg/mL in standard ELISA buffer. The detection system should utilize high-affinity streptavidin conjugates (HRP, AP, or fluorophores) with sensitivity appropriate for the expected RASSF3 expression levels. When developing the assay, critical parameters to optimize include: antibody concentration, incubation time (typically 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C), washing stringency (3-5 washes with PBS-Tween 0.05%), and blocking conditions (3-5% BSA or non-fat milk in PBS). Including appropriate positive and negative controls is essential for proper data interpretation.
High background is a common challenge when working with biotin-conjugated antibodies due to endogenous biotin in biological samples and potential non-specific binding. Effective strategies to minimize background include:
Pre-blocking samples with avidin to sequester endogenous biotin
Implementing more stringent washing protocols (increased wash buffer volume and duration)
Using specialized blocking reagents containing biotin-blocking components
Reducing antibody concentration if signal-to-noise ratio analysis indicates over-saturation
For tissue samples, performing biotin-blocking steps using commercial kits before antibody application
The biotin conjugation to lysine residues in the RASSF3 antibody may affect binding patterns differently than unconjugated versions, necessitating protocol adjustments specific to this conjugate .
Distinguishing genuine RASSF3 detection from artifacts requires implementing robust validation controls:
Include peptide competition assays using the immunizing peptide (recombinant Human Ras association domain-containing protein 3 protein, residues 2-109AA)
Compare detection patterns with unconjugated RASSF3 antibodies recognizing different epitopes
Analyze RASSF3-knockout or knockdown samples as negative controls
Include isotype controls to identify non-specific binding patterns
Perform orthogonal validation using alternative techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry-based validation)
Additionally, researchers should compare their results with known RASSF3 expression patterns across cell types and consider molecular weight verification (~28 kDa) when applicable .
The conjugation chemistry significantly influences epitope recognition capacity. According to structural studies using HDX-MS (hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry), lysine-conjugated antibodies exhibit decreased structural flexibility compared to their native counterparts . Since RASSF3 Antibody, Biotin conjugated undergoes NHS-ester chemistry targeting lysine residues, researchers should be aware that lysines within or proximal to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) could affect antigen binding if modified. Mass spectrometric mapping of conjugation sites can help predict potential epitope interference. When designing experiments, researchers should consider that conjugation may alter binding kinetics even when epitope recognition is preserved.
When developing multiplexed detection systems:
Carefully evaluate potential cross-reactivity between multiple antibodies in the assay system
Consider sequential detection approaches if signal interference occurs
Implement appropriate fluorophore or enzyme selection to minimize spectral overlap
Validate the multiplexed system using single-antibody controls first
Account for potential steric hindrance between detection reagents
The biotin-streptavidin system offers amplification advantages but requires careful optimization when integrated with other detection modalities. Researchers should test whether the 50% glycerol buffer component of the antibody formulation affects assay compatibility when combined with other detection systems .
When analyzing RASSF3 detection data:
Implement appropriate normalization using housekeeping proteins or total protein staining
Apply paired statistical tests when comparing treated versus untreated samples from the same source
Consider non-parametric statistical approaches when sample sizes are small or data distribution is non-normal
Account for technical variability by including technical replicates in experimental design
Use appropriate positive controls (e.g., cell lines with known RASSF3 expression levels) to establish assay dynamic range
For experiments examining RASSF3 in signaling pathways, time-course studies with multiple timepoints provide more informative data than single-timepoint measurements.
For quantitative analysis in ELISA:
| Analysis Approach | Application Scenario | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard curve | Absolute quantification | Provides concentration values | Requires purified RASSF3 standard |
| Relative comparison | Treatment effect studies | Simplifies across-sample comparison | Cannot determine absolute values |
| Endpoint dilution | High sensitivity needs | Can detect low abundance targets | Labor intensive, less precise |
| Kinetic analysis | Binding affinity studies | Provides on/off rate information | Requires specialized equipment |
When generating standard curves, use recombinant RASSF3 protein diluted in the same matrix as your samples to account for matrix effects. For biotin-conjugated antibodies, the detection system (typically streptavidin-HRP) should be titrated separately to ensure optimal signal-to-noise ratio without creating artificial plateaus due to detection reagent limitations .