The RS1 Antibody, Biotin Conjugated, is a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody chemically linked to biotin, allowing its use in assays requiring streptavidin-based detection systems (e.g., ELISA, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry). This conjugation enhances signal amplification and specificity in low-abundance protein detection .
Full Name: Retinoschisin 1 (RS1)
Function: Binds phosphatidylserine and phosphoinositides; critical for retinal synaptic organization .
Isoforms: Expressed in photoreceptors, inner nuclear layer, and ganglion cells .
The LYNX Rapid Plus Biotin Conjugation Kit (Type 1) is optimized for labeling antibodies like RS1 with biotin:
Steps:
Component | Quantity (LNK263B) | Quantity (LNK262B) |
---|---|---|
Lyophilized Biotin Mix | 1 mg | 3 × 100 μg |
LYNX Modifier Reagent | 1 vial | 1 vial |
LYNX Quencher Reagent | 1 vial | 1 vial |
Application | Dilution Range |
---|---|
Western Blot (WB) | 1:2,000–1:10,000 |
Immunohistochemistry | 1:50–1:500 |
Immunofluorescence | 1:50–1:500 |
Retinal Disease Models:
Biochemical Interactions: RS1 binds membrane lipids in photoreceptors, confirmed via immunoprecipitation .
RS1 (retinoschisin 1), also known as XLRS1 or X-linked juvenile retinoschisis protein, is a 224 amino acid secreted protein with a molecular weight of approximately 25.6 kDa. The protein is primarily localized to the cell membrane and is also secreted extracellularly . RS1 serves several critical functions in retinal physiology:
Binds negatively charged membrane lipids, particularly phosphatidylserine and phosphoinositides
Plays an essential role in cell-cell adhesion processes during retinal development
Maintains normal structural integrity and function of the retina
Absence of functional RS1 results in retinal cavities, synaptic dysfunction, reduced visual acuity, and increased susceptibility to retinal detachment
RS1 shows particularly high expression in the retina at the protein level, and research indicates it is required for proper retinal organization and function .
The RS1 Antibody, Biotin conjugated typically has the following technical specifications:
This information is essential for determining experimental compatibility and appropriate application conditions .
To maintain antibody stability and functionality, researchers should adhere to the following storage and handling protocols:
Store upon receipt at -20°C or -80°C for long-term stability
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can compromise antibody integrity
The antibody is typically supplied in liquid form containing buffer components:
Ship at 4°C during transport, then aliquot and freeze upon arrival to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Consider creating small working aliquots to avoid repeatedly thawing the entire stock
Following these guidelines ensures maximum retention of antibody activity and specificity throughout your research timeline.
The biotin-conjugated RS1 antibody supports multiple experimental applications with varying recommended dilution ranges:
ELISA: Primary validated application for all commercially available versions
Methodology: Can be used as a capture or detection antibody in sandwich ELISA configurations
Advantage: Biotin conjugation allows amplification with streptavidin-enzyme systems
Western Blot (WB): Some versions validated for use at 1:2000-1:10000 dilution
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Validated products usable at 1:50-1:500 dilution
Immunofluorescence (IF): Validated for paraffin-embedded sections at 1:50-1:500 dilution
Each application requires appropriate optimization for specific experimental conditions and sample types.
Optimizing protocols with RS1 Antibody requires systematic approach considering multiple variables:
For ELISA optimization:
Conduct antibody titration experiments (1:1000 to 1:20000) to determine optimal working concentration
Test different blocking agents (BSA, milk proteins, commercial blockers) to minimize background
For biotinylated antibodies, implement a biotin blocking step if using tissues with endogenous biotin
Evaluate the effect of incubation time (2-16 hours) and temperature (4°C, room temperature)
Consider signal amplification using streptavidin-HRP/AP systems with different substrate combinations
For immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence:
Compare antigen retrieval methods - data indicates TE buffer pH 9.0 performs better than citrate buffer pH 6.0 for RS1 detection
Optimize primary antibody concentration between 1:50-1:500 based on signal-to-noise ratio
For biotin-conjugated antibodies, use avidin-biotin blocking kit to reduce endogenous biotin interference
When working with retinal tissue specifically:
Test different fixation protocols (4% PFA, methanol, acetone)
Consider thickness of retinal sections (7-10 μm optimal for most applications)
Implement longer permeabilization steps for better antibody penetration
For Western blot:
Test both reducing and non-reducing conditions
Optimize transfer time and voltage for efficient protein migration at RS1's molecular weight (26 kDa)
Evaluate membrane types (PVDF vs. nitrocellulose) for optimal signal
Consider extended blocking (2-16 hours) to minimize background with retinal tissue extracts
Systematic optimization across these variables will maximize detection sensitivity and specificity.
Proper experimental design requires multiple controls to ensure reliable and interpretable results:
Positive controls:
Known RS1-positive samples: human, mouse, or rat retinal tissue lysates or sections
Recombinant human RS1 protein (similar to the immunogen region 24-224AA)
Cell lines transfected with RS1 expression vectors
Negative controls:
RS1 knockout tissues or cells (when available)
Secondary antibody-only controls (omitting primary antibody)
For biotin-conjugated antibodies specifically:
Specificity controls:
Pre-adsorption/blocking with immunizing peptide
For retinal tissues, comparison with known RS1 expression patterns
Western blot verification of single band at expected molecular weight (26 kDa)
Reproducibility controls:
Technical replicates across different experimental runs
Biological replicates from multiple donors/samples
Standard curves using recombinant protein for quantitative applications
Implementing this comprehensive control strategy ensures data integrity and facilitates proper interpretation of experimental outcomes.
RS1 Antibody provides a powerful tool for investigating X-linked juvenile retinoschisis through multiple research approaches:
Disease mechanism investigation:
Analyze RS1 protein expression and localization in patient-derived samples compared to controls
Correlate RS1 protein levels with specific RS1 gene mutations reported in clinical studies
Examine structural changes in retinal layers associated with RS1 deficiency using immunohistochemistry
Gene therapy assessment:
Monitor RS1 protein expression following AAV8-RS1 gene augmentation therapy
Quantify restoration of RS1 protein in treated versus untreated tissues
Correlation analysis between RS1 protein levels and functional/structural improvements
Analysis of antibody responses against AAV8 vector and RS1 protein itself - clinical trials showed no detectable antibody response against RS1 protein following gene therapy
Experimental methodologies:
Tissue immunostaining to visualize schisis (splitting) in retinal layers in relation to RS1 expression
Quantitative ELISA to measure RS1 protein concentration in vitreous or aqueous humor
Western blot analysis to compare RS1 protein isoforms or degradation products
Co-immunoprecipitation studies to identify binding partners involved in RS1 adhesion functions
Clinical-research correlation:
Stratification of patients based on RS1 protein expression patterns
Association studies between RS1 antibody-detected protein levels and clinical parameters
Immunohistochemical analysis correlated with OCT imaging findings
The biotin conjugation offers additional advantages through signal amplification when studying tissues with potentially low RS1 expression levels.
Researchers may encounter various technical issues when working with RS1 Antibody. Here are systematic troubleshooting approaches:
High background issues:
Implement more stringent blocking: Extend blocking time (2-16 hours) and test alternative blocking agents
For biotin-conjugated antibodies: Use commercial avidin/biotin blocking kits to reduce endogenous biotin signals
Increase wash duration and frequency between steps
Dilute antibody further (start with manufacturer recommendations, then adjust as needed)
For retinal tissue specifically: Implement autofluorescence quenching steps
Weak or absent signal:
Verify antigen retrieval efficacy: Compare TE buffer pH 9.0 with citrate buffer pH 6.0
Optimize antibody concentration: Test concentration range around manufacturer recommendation (1:50-1:500 for IHC/IF)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
For biotin-conjugated antibodies: Implement signal amplification with streptavidin-HRP/AP systems
Verify sample integrity: Confirm RS1 presence with alternative methods
Non-specific banding on Western blots:
Optimize blocking conditions (5% BSA vs. 5% milk)
Test longer wash durations between incubation steps
Consider membrane type (PVDF may give cleaner results than nitrocellulose for certain applications)
Verify lysis buffer compatibility (avoid detergents that might disrupt epitope recognition)
Inconsistent results between experiments:
Standardize sample processing: consistent fixation time and conditions
Implement internal controls for normalization
Standardize image acquisition parameters
Consider batch effects in experimental design
Systematic documentation of these variables will facilitate effective troubleshooting and protocol optimization.
RS1 Antibody provides critical tools for assessing gene therapy efficacy in studies targeting RS1-related disorders:
Pre-clinical assessment:
Quantitative analysis of RS1 protein restoration following gene transfer
Spatial distribution mapping of newly expressed RS1 protein across retinal layers
Correlation between RS1 protein expression levels and functional/structural recovery metrics
Time-course studies to determine protein expression kinetics after treatment
Clinical trial monitoring:
Evaluation of RS1 protein expression in accessible samples (if available)
Assessment of anti-RS1 antibody development as potential adverse effect
Methodological approaches:
Quantitative ELISA using biotinylated RS1 antibody for protein quantification
Immunohistochemistry to assess localization patterns (in pre-clinical models)
Western blot for semi-quantitative analysis of RS1 expression levels
Multi-parameter correlation between:
RS1 protein levels (antibody detection)
Functional outcomes (ERG, visual acuity)
Structural improvements (OCT imaging of schisis cavities)
Experimental considerations:
Dose-response relationships: Current clinical trials tested three dosage groups (1e9, 1e10, and 1e11 vector genomes/eye)
Effect of inflammation on protein expression: Higher doses showed correlation between antibody titers and inflammatory responses
Transient versus sustained expression patterns
Effect of pre-existing immunity on treatment outcomes: Pre-existing neutralizing antibodies to AAV8 may affect expression
This antibody enables critical molecular monitoring that complements clinical and electrophysiological assessments of treatment efficacy.
Implementing multiple labeling strategies with biotin-conjugated RS1 antibody requires careful experimental design:
Advantages of biotin conjugation for multiplexing:
Flexible detection using streptavidin conjugated to various fluorophores or enzymes
Strong biotin-streptavidin interaction enhances detection sensitivity
Signal amplification capabilities for low-abundance targets
Sequential labeling strategies:
Implement the following protocol sequence for double or triple labeling:
Apply RS1 antibody-biotin first
Detect with fluorophore-conjugated streptavidin (e.g., streptavidin-Alexa Fluor)
Block remaining biotin binding sites with unconjugated streptavidin
Apply second primary antibody (non-biotinylated)
Detect with species-specific secondary antibody with different fluorophore
Co-localization studies with relevant markers:
RS1 with retinal cell markers:
Photoreceptor markers (rhodopsin, cone opsins)
Bipolar cell markers (PKC-α)
Müller cell markers (GFAP, glutamine synthetase)
RS1 with extracellular matrix components to study adhesion properties
RS1 with membrane lipid markers to investigate binding to phosphatidylserine and phosphoinositides
Technical considerations:
Fluorophore selection: Choose spectrally distinct fluorophores to minimize bleed-through
Order of application: Apply lower-abundance targets first for optimal detection
Control experiments: Single-label controls are essential to validate multiple labeling specificity
Signal separation: Consider spectral unmixing for closely overlapping signals
Microscopy requirements: Confocal or super-resolution techniques may be necessary for co-localization analysis
These approaches enable comprehensive characterization of RS1 protein interactions and localization patterns in complex retinal tissues.
RS1 Antibody shows variable performance characteristics across species commonly used in retinal disease modeling:
Species reactivity comparison:
Human: Primary validated reactivity for most commercial antibodies
Other species: Limited validation data available for bovine, frog, zebrafish, chimpanzee, and chicken models, though RS1 orthologs have been identified in these species
Detection sensitivity by application:
Western blot performance:
Immunohistochemistry performance:
Model-specific considerations:
RS1 knockout mouse models: Valuable negative controls for antibody validation
Transgenic models expressing human RS1: May require antibodies that distinguish human from mouse RS1
AAV-RS1 gene therapy models: Useful for measuring restoration of protein expression
Cross-reactivity analysis:
Epitope conservation between species affects antibody performance
Antibodies raised against human recombinant RS1 (24-224AA) show good cross-reactivity with mouse and rat proteins
Western blot may show slight molecular weight variations between species
These comparative data facilitate appropriate model selection and experimental design based on antibody performance characteristics.
Working with patient samples requires specific methodological adaptations compared to research models:
Sample acquisition and preparation:
Retinal biopsies (rare): Immediate fixation critical for epitope preservation
Vitreous fluid: Concentration methods may be needed for low-abundance detection
Blood samples: Limited utility as RS1 is primarily expressed in retina
iPSC-derived retinal organoids: Emerging patient-specific model system
Technical adaptations:
Fixation protocols: Optimize to balance tissue morphology with epitope preservation
4% PFA (12-24 hours maximum) recommended for most applications
Avoid over-fixation which can mask epitopes
Antigen retrieval: TE buffer pH 9.0 shows superior performance to citrate buffer
Background reduction: Implement stronger blocking protocols for clinical specimens
Signal amplification: Leverage biotin-streptavidin interaction for enhanced sensitivity
Clinical correlation strategies:
Sample stratification based on:
Quantitative analysis methods:
Digital image analysis for immunohistochemistry
Densitometry for Western blot quantification
Quantitative ELISA for protein measurement
Ethical and practical considerations:
Limited availability of human retinal tissues
Appropriate controls (age-matched, treatment-matched)
Consistency in sample handling and processing
Informed consent and ethical approvals
Sample anonymization and data protection
These methodological adaptations maximize research value from limited and precious patient-derived materials.
RS1 Antibody enables multiple approaches for biomarker development in retinal diseases:
Quantitative biomarker applications:
Measurement of RS1 protein levels in accessible fluids:
Vitreous humor (surgical samples)
Aqueous humor (minimally invasive sampling)
Tears (non-invasive but challenging detection limits)
Correlation with disease progression metrics:
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of schisis cavities
Visual acuity changes
Electroretinogram (ERG) parameters
Biomarker validation strategies:
Longitudinal studies correlating RS1 levels with disease progression
Comparative analysis between:
Different RS1 mutations (genotype-phenotype correlations)
Age-matched controls and patients
Different stages of disease progression
Statistical validation of biomarker sensitivity and specificity
Methodological approaches:
Sandwich ELISA using biotin-conjugated antibody for detection
Multiplex immunoassays combining RS1 with other retinal proteins
Immunohistochemical scoring systems for research biopsies
Digital quantification of immunofluorescence intensity
Translational applications:
Patient stratification for clinical trials
Early detection of disease progression
Prognostic indicator development
This biomarker development strategy leverages the specificity of RS1 antibody detection to create clinically relevant disease monitoring tools.
RS1 Antibody provides critical tools for monitoring potential immunological challenges in gene therapy:
Monitoring antibody development against therapeutic protein:
In clinical trials, patients receiving AAV8-RS1 gene therapy showed:
This favorable immunological profile supports continued development of RS1 gene therapy approaches
Methodological approaches for immune monitoring:
ELISA-based detection of anti-RS1 antibodies in patient serum
Comparison between pre-treatment and post-treatment samples
Correlation between antibody development and:
Immunological considerations in experimental design:
Baseline assessment of pre-existing immunity
Time-course monitoring following intervention
Correlation between immune responses and clinical inflammation
Strategies to mitigate immune responses:
Research and clinical implications:
Favorable immunological profile of RS1 protein (low immunogenicity)
Vector-related immunity as primary challenge
Dose-dependent relationship between vector dose and antibody development
Impact of pre-existing immunity on treatment outcomes
These immunological monitoring strategies are essential for developing safe and effective gene therapy approaches for RS1-related disorders.