SERPINI1 (serpin family I member 1), also known as neuroserpin, is a serine protease inhibitor encoded by the SERPINI1 gene. Key functional and clinical aspects include:
The HRP-conjugated SERPINI1 antibody is optimized for direct detection, eliminating the need for secondary antibodies. Key specifications include:
Example Protocol:
Validated in paraffin-embedded sections, with DAB (3,3'-diaminobenzidine) as a common chromogenic substrate .
Direct Detection: Reduces cross-reactivity and procedural steps compared to indirect methods .
Sensitivity: Capable of detecting low-abundance SERPINI1 due to HRP’s high turnover rate .
FENIB: Mutant SERPINI1 forms intracellular aggregates in neurons, leading to neurodegeneration. HRP-conjugated antibodies aid in detecting these aggregates in patient-derived samples .
Ischemic Stroke: Elevated SERPINI1 levels correlate with neuroprotection in preclinical models, with HRP-based assays used to quantify expression changes .
This SERPINI1 antibody is a serine protease inhibitor that specifically targets plasminogen activators and plasmin, but not thrombin. It is implicated in the formation and reorganization of synaptic connections, and plays a potential role in synaptic plasticity within the adult nervous system. It may also offer neuroprotection by inhibiting tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)-mediated neuronal damage.
SERPINI1, also known as Neuroserpin or PI12, is a member of the serpin superfamily of serine proteinase inhibitors. It is primarily secreted by axons in the brain and preferentially inhibits tissue-type plasminogen activator. SERPINI1 plays crucial roles in the regulation of axonal growth, development of synaptic plasticity, and protection of neurons from cell damage. Research interest in SERPINI1 has increased due to its associations with neurological disorders and various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) .
SERPINI1 antibodies are widely used in multiple research applications including:
Western Blot (WB) for protein detection and quantification
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for tissue localization
Immunofluorescence (IF) for cellular localization
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for quantitative detection
Immunoprecipitation (IP) for protein purification
Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) for protein-protein interaction studies
HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase) conjugated antibodies offer several advantages:
Direct detection without need for secondary antibodies, reducing protocol time and potential cross-reactivity
Enhanced sensitivity through enzymatic signal amplification
Compatibility with colorimetric, chemiluminescent, and chemifluorescent detection systems
Long shelf life compared to fluorescent conjugates
SERPINI1 antibodies have been validated for detection in multiple human cell lines and tissues including:
Hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, HuH-7)
Normal liver cell line (L02)
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)
Brain tissue samples
Serum samples from both healthy individuals and HCC patients
For optimal western blot results with SERPINI1 antibodies:
Use appropriate lysis buffers containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Load 20-50 μg of total protein per lane
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels for optimal separation
For HRP-conjugated antibodies, dilute to 1:500-1:2000 based on signal strength
When detecting SERPINI1, look for bands at approximately 45 kDa
Include positive controls such as HepG2 or HuH-7 cell lysates
Optimize blocking conditions (typically 5% BSA or non-fat milk) to reduce background
For enhanced sensitivity with HRP-conjugated antibodies, consider extended exposure times with chemiluminescent substrates
When performing IHC with SERPINI1 antibodies:
Optimize antigen retrieval methods - recommended to use TE buffer pH 9.0 or citrate buffer pH 6.0
Use appropriate dilutions (typically 1:50-1:500) based on antibody sensitivity
Include positive control tissues (such as human brain tissue or liver cancer tissue)
Include negative controls (omitting primary antibody)
For HRP-conjugated antibodies, ensure appropriate substrate (DAB or AEC) is used
Consider counterstaining with hematoxylin for better visualization
When interpreting results, note that SERPINI1 is primarily localized in the cytoplasm and sometimes secreted extracellularly
To ensure specificity of SERPINI1 antibody detection:
Perform western blots with positive control samples (HepG2 cells, brain tissue)
Include knockout/knockdown controls using SERPINI1 siRNA (validated sequences include: 5'-GCUGUGCUGUAUCCUCAAGUUTT-3'/5'-AACUUGAGGAUACAGCACAGCTT-3')
Conduct peptide competition assays using the immunizing peptide
Test multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of SERPINI1
Validate antibody specificity across multiple applications (WB, IHC, IF)
Compare results with mRNA expression data from qPCR
Consider orthogonal validation using mass spectrometry-based proteomics
For studying SERPINI1 in HCC research:
Perform comparative expression analysis in HCC vs. normal tissues using IHC or western blot
Assess serum SERPINI1 levels in HCC patients vs. healthy controls using ELISA
Correlate SERPINI1 expression with clinicopathological features (tumor size, differentiation degree, vascular invasion)
Combine AFP and SERPINI1 detection for improved diagnostic accuracy
Use SERPINI1 knockdown/overexpression in HCC cell lines to study effects on:
Cell proliferation (MTT, EdU assays)
Migration (wound healing assay)
Invasion (transwell invasion assay)
Investigate downstream molecular pathways by monitoring EMT markers (E-cadherin, vimentin, MMP9) after modulating SERPINI1 expression
To investigate SERPINI1 protein interactions:
Perform co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) using anti-SERPINI1 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry
Conduct reverse Co-IP with antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Use proximity ligation assays (PLA) to visualize protein interactions in situ
Consider bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) for live-cell interaction studies
For extracellular interactions, use solid-phase binding assays with purified SERPINI1 protein
Validate interactions through functional assays, particularly focusing on known targets like tissue-type plasminogen activator
For HRP-conjugated antibodies in Co-IP experiments, use special elution protocols to prevent interference from the HRP moiety
For multiplex IF studies involving SERPINI1:
When using HRP-conjugated antibodies, consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for sequential multiplex staining
Select antibodies raised in different host species to avoid cross-reactivity
Optimize the order of antibody application (typically start with the weakest signal)
Use appropriate spectral unmixing for fluorophores with overlapping emission spectra
Include single-stained controls for each antibody to establish specificity
Consider automated image analysis software for quantification of co-localization
To study SERPINI1 in relation to EMT markers, design multiplex panels including E-cadherin, vimentin, and MMP9
| Issue | Potential Causes | Solution Approaches |
|---|---|---|
| No signal in Western Blot | Insufficient protein, antibody degradation, improper transfer | Increase protein loading (20-50μg), verify antibody activity with positive controls, optimize transfer conditions |
| High background | Insufficient blocking, excessive antibody concentration | Increase blocking time/concentration (5% BSA or milk), dilute antibody further, add 0.1% Tween-20 to washing buffer |
| Multiple bands | Cross-reactivity, protein degradation, post-translational modifications | Use freshly prepared samples with protease inhibitors, validate with knockout controls, consider phosphatase treatment |
| Inconsistent results | Sample heterogeneity, technical variations | Standardize sample collection and processing, use internal loading controls, prepare larger batches of working solutions |
| Weak signal with HRP-conjugated antibodies | Insufficient enzyme activity, suboptimal substrate | Use fresh substrate solution, increase antibody concentration, extend incubation time, consider signal enhancers |
For functional studies of SERPINI1:
Combine knockdown/overexpression with antibody-based detection to validate phenotypic changes
For secreted SERPINI1, use antibodies for both cellular and extracellular detection
Design time-course experiments to track SERPINI1 expression and localization during cellular processes
Use recombinant neuroserpin as a positive control in functional assays
Compare results across multiple cell lines with different baseline SERPINI1 expression
Utilize HRP-conjugated antibodies for higher sensitivity in low-expression systems
Consider neutralizing antibodies to block SERPINI1 function in live cell experiments
For quantitative analysis of SERPINI1 in clinical samples:
Standardize sample collection procedures (for serum: centrifuge at 3000 rpm for 20 minutes, store at -80°C)
Use validated ELISA kits with established reference ranges
Include standard curves with each experiment (r² > 0.98)
Run samples in triplicate to ensure reproducibility
Include quality control samples across multiple plates
For serum analysis, consider pre-analytical variables (fasting status, time of collection)
When analyzing immunohistochemistry, use digital image analysis with validated scoring systems
For prognostic studies, correlate SERPINI1 levels with long-term patient outcomes
Recent advances in SERPINI1 research include:
Development of highly sensitive proximity extension assays for SERPINI1 detection in limited samples
Application of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for precise genome editing to study SERPINI1 function
Integration of SERPINI1 in multi-biomarker panels for improved cancer diagnostics
Single-cell analysis of SERPINI1 expression in heterogeneous tissues
Development of aptamer-based detection methods as alternatives to antibodies
Investigation of SERPINI1 in liquid biopsies for non-invasive cancer monitoring
Exploration of SERPINI1 as a therapeutic target in cancer and neurological disorders
Cutting-edge approaches for SERPINI1 protein dynamics include:
Live-cell imaging using SERPINI1 fusion proteins with fluorescent tags
FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) to study SERPINI1 mobility
FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) to investigate SERPINI1 protein-protein interactions
Advanced mass spectrometry techniques for quantitative proteomics
Super-resolution microscopy for detailed subcellular localization
Microfluidic platforms for real-time monitoring of SERPINI1 secretion
Computational modeling of SERPINI1 structure-function relationships
When facing contradictory findings about SERPINI1 in cancer research:
Consider tissue-specific effects - SERPINI1 may function differently in different cellular contexts
Examine methodological differences between studies (antibody clones, detection methods, sample preparation)
Evaluate the cellular models used (cell lines vs. primary cells vs. tissue samples)
Consider post-translational modifications that might affect antibody recognition
Analyze subtypes of cancers separately, as SERPINI1 may have different roles in different subtypes
Integrate findings with genomic data (mutations, copy number alterations)
Consider the tumor microenvironment's influence on SERPINI1 expression and function
Validate findings across multiple patient cohorts to establish reproducibility