The RORB Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a specialized immunological reagent designed for detecting the RAR-related Orphan Receptor B (RORB), a nuclear receptor involved in developmental signaling and cellular differentiation. This antibody is chemically modified with biotin, enabling its use in assays that leverage biotin-avidin/streptavidin interactions for enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Below is a detailed analysis of its structure, applications, and research implications, supported by diverse scientific sources.
The RORB Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a polyclonal rabbit IgG antibody raised against recombinant human RORB protein spanning amino acids 1–269 . Key structural features include:
Conjugation Method: Biotin is covalently attached via NHS-ester chemistry, which targets lysine residues on the antibody .
Purity: Affinity-purified using antigen-specific chromatography .
Buffer: Typically formulated in PBS (pH 7.4) with stabilizers like glycerol and sodium azide .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Species | Rabbit |
| Immunogen | Recombinant human RORB (1–269AA) |
| Conjugate Type | Biotin (via NHS-ester linkage) |
| Purity | Antigen-affinity purified |
| Storage | -20°C or -80°C |
This antibody is optimized for assays requiring biotin-avidin systems, including:
Direct/Indirect Detection: Biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies enable sandwich ELISA by pairing with streptavidin-HRP for signal amplification .
Sensitivity: Demonstrated utility in detecting RORB in human lysates, with limits of detection in the low nanogram range .
While primarily validated for ELISA, the antibody’s specificity supports WB applications when paired with streptavidin-conjugated secondary reagents .
Capable of isolating RORB protein complexes for downstream mass spectrometry or functional studies .
RORB is critical for neuronal patterning and differentiation. Studies using this antibody have localized RORB expression in human neural progenitors, confirming its role in retinoic acid signaling .
Biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies have been employed to study receptor occupancy during therapeutic interventions. For instance, flow cytometry assays using streptavidin-PE reveal drug-bound RORB levels in clinical trials .
RORB (RAR-Related Orphan Receptor B) is a nuclear receptor protein involved in neural development and circadian rhythm regulation. RORB antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression patterns in neural tissues, particularly in developing sensory systems and the cerebral cortex. When working with these antibodies, researchers should first validate expression in their specific tissue of interest, as RORB shows tissue-specific expression primarily in brain tissue, including regions like the cerebral cortex and retina. Methodologically, researchers should begin with recommended dilutions (typically 1:500-1:1000 for Western blot and 1:50-1:500 for immunohistochemistry) and optimize based on their specific experimental conditions .
Quality assessment of biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies should include verification of both protein concentration and biotin incorporation ratio. While commercial suppliers may not routinely provide biotin:protein ratios on datasheets, this batch-specific information can be requested from technical support. Methodologically, researchers should perform functional validation using positive controls (such as mouse brain tissue or Y79 cells) known to express RORB . For advanced applications, perform side-by-side comparisons with unconjugated antibodies to assess whether conjugation has altered epitope recognition or binding affinity. This is particularly important for conformational epitopes that might be affected by the biotinylation process .
Optimization of biotin-conjugated RORB antibody dilutions requires systematic titration across different concentrations for each specific application. For Western blotting, begin with the recommended range of 1:500-1:1000 and test at least three dilutions within this range using positive control samples like mouse brain tissue . For immunohistochemistry applications, start with 1:50-1:500, recognizing that paraffin-embedded tissues may require different concentration optimization than frozen sections. Methodologically, it's essential to maintain consistent total protein concentration when comparing different dilutions by using unconjugated antibody as a diluent, as demonstrated in receptor occupancy assay validation studies .
Comprehensive validation of biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies requires multiple controls. Primary controls should include: (1) known positive tissue/cells (mouse/rat brain tissue, Y79 or SH-SY5Y cells) ; (2) negative controls lacking primary antibody to assess streptavidin binding to endogenous biotin; and (3) competitive blocking with the immunizing peptide (AA 385-470 for catalog ABIN715873) . For advanced validation, implement additional controls including tissues from RORB knockout models and pre-absorption controls using recombinant RORB protein. Methodologically, when detecting low-abundance targets, researchers should design validation experiments that include concentration gradients of the target protein to establish detection limits and linear range of the antibody .
Biotin incorporation ratios significantly impact detection sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios in experiments with RORB antibodies. While commercial suppliers typically achieve biotin:protein ratios between 4:1 and 7:1, variation between lots can occur . Higher incorporation ratios may increase detection sensitivity but can potentially mask epitopes or alter antibody binding characteristics. Methodologically, when changing antibody lots, researchers should perform side-by-side functional assessments rather than relying solely on specification comparisons. When significant ratio differences exist between lots (e.g., 4-fold difference in biotin conjugates per antibody), prepare dilution series of the higher-ratio lot to identify a dilution producing comparable signal to the original lot .
For optimal Western blotting with biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies, researchers should implement specific methodological adaptations. Begin with standard protein extraction from tissues with high RORB expression (brain tissue) using RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors . After gel separation and transfer, block membranes with biotin-free blocking agents to prevent non-specific streptavidin binding to endogenous biotin in tissue samples. Use dilutions between 1:500-1:1000 of the biotin-conjugated RORB antibody, followed by detection with streptavidin-HRP conjugates at 1:2000-1:5000. For challenging samples with low RORB expression, incorporate signal enhancement steps such as tyramide signal amplification, which can provide 10-100 fold signal improvement while maintaining specificity .
Immunohistochemistry with biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies requires specific procedural adaptations to maximize signal specificity. First, implement stringent biotin blocking steps using avidin/biotin blocking kits to neutralize endogenous biotin in tissues, which is particularly abundant in brain, kidney, and liver samples. For antigen retrieval, use TE buffer at pH 9.0 for optimal results with RORB antibodies, though citrate buffer at pH 6.0 provides an acceptable alternative . When working with paraffin-embedded sections, extend deparaffinization and rehydration steps to ensure complete removal of paraffin, which can trap antibodies and create artifacts. For multiplexed detection protocols, carefully plan fluorophore combinations to avoid spectral overlap when using streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores such as streptavidin-PE .
Flow cytometry applications with biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies require specific optimization strategies. Given that RORB is a nuclear receptor, cell permeabilization protocols are critical - use 0.1% Triton X-100 or commercial permeabilization buffers optimized for nuclear proteins. When designing multi-parameter flow panels, confirm that streptavidin-fluorophore conjugates (particularly streptavidin-PE) do not interfere with other detection channels. For quantitative applications such as receptor occupancy assays, calibrate using molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF) standards to ensure precise quantification across experiments . When analyzing low-abundance populations, implement a sequential gating strategy starting with viability markers followed by lineage markers before RORB detection to reduce background and improve sensitivity .
Specificity concerns with biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies can be systematically addressed through multiple validation approaches. When non-specific binding is suspected, implement parallel experiments comparing the staining pattern of multiple RORB antibodies targeting different epitopes (e.g., AA 385-470, AA 329-358, AA 136-224) . Cross-validate results across different applications (WB, IHC, IP) to confirm consistent target recognition. For advanced specificity confirmation, perform RNA interference experiments to knockdown RORB expression and demonstrate corresponding reduction in antibody signal. Methodologically, always include absorption controls with recombinant RORB protein to confirm specific epitope recognition, especially when working with new tissue types or species not previously validated .
Signal variability with biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies often stems from several methodological factors that can be systematically addressed. First, establish standardized storage conditions (4°C, with glycerol, aliquoted to minimize freeze-thaw cycles) to maintain consistent antibody performance over time. For batch-to-batch variability, implement an internal control sample processed with each experimental batch to normalize results across experiments. When signal intensity changes during long-term studies, prepare a dilution series of the antibody (1X, 0.75X, 0.5X, 0.25X) using unconjugated anti-RORB as diluent to maintain total protein concentration, then identify the dilution producing signal equivalent to previous batches . For quantitative applications, create standard curves using recombinant RORB protein to calibrate signal intensity across experimental batches.
False positive results with biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies in high-endogenous-biotin tissues require specialized methodological approaches. Implement comprehensive blocking protocols using commercial avidin/biotin blocking kits, applying avidin first to bind endogenous biotin, followed by excess biotin to saturate remaining avidin binding sites. For tissues with exceptionally high endogenous biotin (liver, kidney, adipose tissue), consider alternative detection strategies such as directly conjugated fluorescent RORB antibodies to bypass the biotin-streptavidin system entirely. In flow cytometry applications, add a pre-incubation step with unconjugated streptavidin to block endogenous biotin before adding the biotin-conjugated RORB antibody. For advanced applications requiring absolute specificity, validate results using antibody fragments (Fab or F(ab')2) directly conjugated to alternative labels like fluorophores or enzymes .
When faced with contradictory results between biotin-conjugated and unconjugated RORB antibodies, implement a systematic analytical approach. First, verify epitope accessibility by comparing target sequences - biotinylation occurs on lysine residues and may affect nearby epitopes differently than distant ones. Compare the performance of antibodies targeting different RORB regions (e.g., hinge region versus ligand binding domain) . For advanced troubleshooting, perform epitope mapping studies using truncated recombinant RORB fragments to identify specifically which epitopes may be masked by biotinylation. Methodologically, implement parallel detection with alternative conjugation systems (such as fluorophore-direct conjugated antibodies) to determine whether the biotin-streptavidin system itself is contributing to the discrepancy through non-specific interactions or endogenous biotin competition .
Optimization of biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies for multiplex immunofluorescence requires strategic methodological planning. First, carefully sequence your staining protocol - apply the biotin-conjugated RORB antibody first, followed by streptavidin-conjugated fluorophore, then block any remaining biotin binding sites before proceeding with additional antibodies. Select streptavidin conjugates with minimal spectral overlap with other fluorophores in your panel. For tissue applications with high autofluorescence (brain, spinal cord), implement spectral unmixing during image acquisition and analysis to distinguish specific signal from background. When combining with other nuclear markers, carefully select those with distinct subnuclear localization patterns that can be resolved by high-resolution confocal microscopy to avoid signal overlap within the nuclear compartment .
Quantitative receptor occupancy assays using biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies require specific methodological refinements. Establish calibration standards using molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF) for each experimental batch to enable absolute quantification rather than relative fluorescence intensity. When preparing control samples, create a minimum of three conditions: unspiked (Low PC), non-saturating (Mid PC), and fully saturated (High PC) to generate complete occupancy curves . For long-term studies, maintain reference standards of each antibody lot to enable retrospective normalization of data. When changing lots, conduct parallel testing with multiple dilutions of the new lot alongside the previous lot, then use mathematical modeling to determine the equivalent dilution factor that produces comparable MESF values for standardization across studies .
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies offers unique advantages but requires specific methodological adaptations. Begin with optimization of crosslinking conditions specifically for nuclear receptors like RORB - test both formaldehyde (1%) and dual crosslinking with disuccinimidyl glutarate followed by formaldehyde to capture both direct and indirect DNA interactions. Utilize streptavidin-conjugated magnetic beads rather than protein A/G beads for immunoprecipitation, allowing more stringent washing conditions without losing antibody binding. For low abundance transcription factors like RORB, implement carrier ChIP protocols using heterologous chromatin (such as Drosophila) as a carrier to minimize loss during handling. For quantitative ChIP-seq applications, incorporate spike-in normalization controls and rigorous bioinformatic filtering to distinguish true binding sites from background enrichment .
Optimal storage of biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies requires specific conditions to preserve both protein integrity and biotin conjugation. Store antibodies at 4°C for short-term use (up to 1 month) and at -20°C for long-term storage, avoiding -80°C which can accelerate degradation through ice crystal formation. Prepare working aliquots in small volumes (10-50 μL) to minimize freeze-thaw cycles, as each cycle can reduce activity by 5-10%. Add stabilizing proteins such as BSA (0.1-1%) and preservatives like sodium azide (0.02%) to prevent microbial growth. For long-term stability, storage in 50% glycerol is recommended, though this requires recalculation of working dilutions. Monitor antibody activity over time by periodically testing positive control samples alongside stored reference standards to detect any decline in performance before using in critical experiments .
Interpretation of expiration dates for biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies requires understanding both manufacturer guarantees and actual stability profiles. Products can typically be used until their expiry date (found on shipping paperwork and sometimes on product labels), but performance guarantees may cover shorter periods as specified in product datasheets - either a fixed duration (e.g., 12 months after dispatch) or until a specific date on the label, whichever comes first . Methodologically, researchers should implement their own stability monitoring program for critical reagents, testing antibody performance on standardized positive controls at regular intervals (especially before major experimental series). For quantitative applications, consider creating internal reference standards (aliquoted and stored at -80°C) of freshly received antibody lots to enable direct comparison and activity normalization of aged antibodies .
Extending the useful lifespan of biotin-conjugated RORB antibodies requires implementing specialized storage and handling protocols. Prepare multiple small-volume working aliquots in siliconized low-binding tubes to minimize protein adsorption to container surfaces. Add carrier proteins like ultrapure BSA (0.5-1%) to prevent antibody adsorption at low concentrations. For antibodies showing declining activity, investigate signal amplification systems such as tyramide signal amplification, which can compensate for partial activity loss while maintaining specificity. Implement strict temperature monitoring of storage conditions, avoiding temperature fluctuations that accelerate degradation. For critical experiments spanning months or years, consider purchasing concentrated stock antibodies and performing small-scale conjugations as needed using commercial biotinylation kits with controlled challenge ratios (typically 10:1 biotin:antibody) to ensure fresh reagent availability throughout the study duration .