Biotinylated SFR1 antibodies are utilized in multiple experimental workflows:
Western Blotting: Detects SFR1 in lysates, with signal amplification via streptavidin-HRP or fluorescent streptavidin conjugates .
Flow Cytometry: Enables quantification of SFR1 expression at single-cell resolution when paired with fluorophore-labeled streptavidin .
ELISA: Measures SFR1 concentration in biological samples with high sensitivity .
The biotin-streptavidin system enhances detection limits by 10–100× compared to direct enzyme-linked antibodies, particularly for low-abundance targets .
SFR1 (SWI5-Dependent Recombination Repair 1) facilitates DNA repair through homologous recombination, interacting with SWI5 to stabilize RAD51 filaments during double-strand break repair. Dysregulation of SFR1 is implicated in genomic instability and cancer progression .
Signal Amplification: Multiple biotin molecules per antibody allow sequential binding of streptavidin-enzyme/fluorophore complexes, enhancing sensitivity .
Versatility: Compatible with enzymatic (e.g., HRP, AP) or fluorescent detection systems (e.g., Alexa Fluor®-streptavidin) .
Low Background: Minimal cross-reactivity due to high-affinity biotin-streptavidin binding (Kd ≈ 10⁻¹⁵ M) .
SFR1 (SWI5-Dependent Recombination Repair 1) is a protein involved in DNA repair mechanisms, particularly in homologous recombination pathways. As a component of the DNA repair machinery, SFR1 plays a critical role in maintaining genomic stability. Antibodies targeting SFR1 are valuable tools for investigating DNA damage response mechanisms, recombination processes, and associated cellular pathways. The anti-SFR1 antibody is typically generated from rabbits immunized with a KLH conjugated synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 1-30 from the N-terminal region of human SFR1 (previously known as C10orf78) .
Biotin conjugation of SFR1 antibodies leverages the biotin-(strept)avidin system, which features one of the strongest non-covalent interactions in nature, approximately 10³ to 10⁶ times higher affinity than typical antigen-antibody interactions . This conjugation strategy provides significant advantages for detection sensitivity, including signal amplification capabilities that enhance detection of low-abundance SFR1 protein. The biotin tag allows for versatile detection methods through secondary streptavidin-conjugated reporters (enzymes, fluorophores) without altering the antibody's binding specificity to the SFR1 target .
The biotin-(strept)avidin system offers substantial technical advantages for SFR1 detection over direct methods. The interaction's extraordinary stability against manipulation, proteolytic enzymes, temperature and pH extremes, and harsh organic reagents makes it exceptionally reliable for experimental protocols . In practical applications, this interaction enables:
Signal amplification: Each biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody can bind multiple streptavidin molecules, each carrying multiple reporter molecules
Enhanced sensitivity: Detection of very low concentrations of SFR1 protein becomes feasible
Reduced background: The specificity of the interaction minimizes non-specific signals
Flexible detection options: Compatible with various streptavidin-conjugated reporters (enzymes, fluorophores, quantum dots)
Biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibodies demonstrate versatility across multiple experimental platforms. Based on established protocols for similar biotin-conjugated antibodies, the SFR1 antibody (AA 1-30) with biotin conjugation is validated for:
Western Blotting (WB): Detecting SFR1 protein in cell/tissue lysates with streptavidin-HRP secondary detection
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Quantitative measurement of SFR1 protein levels
Flow Cytometry (FACS): Analysis of cellular SFR1 expression in single-cell suspensions
Additional applications supported by the biotin-conjugation platform may include immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, though specific validation for SFR1 antibodies in these applications should be confirmed.
For optimal Western blotting results with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibodies:
Sample preparation:
Lyse cells in RIPA buffer containing protease inhibitors
Determine protein concentration (BCA or Bradford assay)
Denature 20-40 μg protein with Laemmli buffer (95°C, 5 minutes)
Electrophoresis and transfer:
Separate proteins on 10-12% SDS-PAGE gel
Transfer to PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane (wet transfer recommended)
Immunodetection:
Block membrane with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST (1 hour, room temperature)
Incubate with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody (1:300-1:5000 dilution) overnight at 4°C
Wash 3x with TBST (10 minutes each)
Incubate with streptavidin-HRP (1:10,000-1:20,000) for 1 hour at room temperature
Wash 3x with TBST (10 minutes each)
Develop using ECL substrate and image
Controls:
Include positive control (cell line with known SFR1 expression)
Include loading control (β-actin, GAPDH)
Consider including a blocking peptide control to verify specificity
For flow cytometry applications with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibodies:
Cell preparation:
Harvest cells (1-5 × 10⁶ cells per sample)
Fix with 4% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes, room temperature)
For intracellular staining, permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100 or commercial permeabilization buffer
Staining protocol:
Block with 1-5% BSA in PBS (30 minutes, room temperature)
Incubate with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody at optimized dilution (typically 1:100-1:500) for 30-60 minutes at 4°C
Wash 2-3× with PBS containing 1% BSA
Incubate with streptavidin-fluorophore conjugate (PE, APC, FITC) at manufacturer's recommended dilution for 30 minutes at 4°C in the dark
Wash 2-3× with PBS containing 1% BSA
Resuspend in appropriate buffer for analysis
Optimization steps:
Titrate antibody concentration to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Include appropriate compensation controls when using multiple fluorophores
Incorporate isotype controls to assess non-specific binding
Consider using viability dye to exclude dead cells from analysis
Endogenous biotin can interfere with detection systems that rely on the biotin-streptavidin interaction, particularly in biotin-rich tissues like liver, kidney, and brain. To minimize this interference:
Implement avidin/biotin blocking:
Prior to primary antibody incubation, block with unconjugated avidin (10-30 minutes)
Rinse briefly
Block with unconjugated biotin (10-30 minutes)
Rinse thoroughly before proceeding with primary antibody incubation
Alternative fixation methods:
Use methanol or acetone fixation instead of formaldehyde when possible
Reduce fixation time to minimize biotin exposure
Sample preparation considerations:
For tissue sections, thinner sections (3-5 μm) may reduce endogenous biotin exposure
For cell cultures, serum starvation prior to fixation may reduce biotin levels
Detection alternatives:
Consider tyramide signal amplification as an alternative to direct streptavidin detection
In extreme cases of interference, consider using non-biotin conjugated antibodies with direct detection systems
To maintain optimal activity of biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibodies:
Recommended storage conditions:
Handling practices:
Divide into small single-use aliquots upon receipt to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Thaw aliquots at room temperature and briefly centrifuge before opening
Keep on ice when in use during experiments
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (limit to <5 cycles)
Working solution stability:
Diluted antibody is typically stable for up to 7 days at 4°C
For longer storage of working dilutions, add carrier protein (0.1-1% BSA)
Monitor for precipitation or changes in color which may indicate degradation
Multi-parameter imaging with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibodies enables simultaneous visualization of SFR1 alongside other cellular components. This approach provides valuable spatial information about SFR1's relationship with interaction partners or subcellular structures. Advanced implementation strategies include:
Sequential multiplexing protocol:
Perform standard immunostaining with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody
Detect with streptavidin-conjugated fluorophore (e.g., streptavidin-Alexa Fluor 488)
Capture images
Elute or quench first-round antibodies
Repeat with additional markers using distinct fluorophores
Combine images for co-localization analysis
Simultaneous multiplexing considerations:
Combine biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody with directly-labeled antibodies of different species
Carefully select fluorophores to minimize spectral overlap
Implement appropriate controls to assess bleed-through
Consider spectral unmixing algorithms for closely overlapping fluorophores
Super-resolution microscopy applications:
Use streptavidin conjugated to photoconvertible fluorophores for STORM/PALM
Employ streptavidin-quantum dots for enhanced photostability in extended imaging
Optimize antibody concentration to achieve appropriate labeling density
When investigating SFR1 protein interactions:
Co-immunoprecipitation strategy:
Use biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody to capture SFR1 and associated proteins
Precipitate complexes with streptavidin beads
Elute and analyze interacting partners by mass spectrometry or western blotting
Consider epitope accessibility: the SFR1 antibody (AA 1-30) targets the N-terminal region, which may be involved in certain protein interactions
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) approach:
Combine biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody with antibody against potential interaction partner
Use streptavidin-oligonucleotide and secondary antibody-oligonucleotide probes
Implement rolling circle amplification for detection of close proximity (<40 nm)
Quantify interaction events at the single-molecule level
FRET/BRET considerations:
Pair biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody with streptavidin-fluorophore (donor)
Label potential interaction partner with acceptor fluorophore
Measure energy transfer as indicator of molecular proximity
Control for potential steric effects of antibody-biotin-streptavidin complex
Adapting ChIP protocols for biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibodies:
Modified ChIP protocol:
Crosslink cells with 1% formaldehyde (10 minutes, room temperature)
Lyse cells and sonicate chromatin to 200-500 bp fragments
Pre-clear chromatin with protein A/G beads
Incubate chromatin with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody overnight at 4°C
Add streptavidin magnetic beads for 2-4 hours at 4°C
Wash stringently (low salt, high salt, LiCl, TE buffers)
Reverse crosslinks and purify DNA
Analyze by qPCR or sequencing
Technical considerations:
The large streptavidin-biotin complex may impact efficiency; optimize antibody:chromatin ratios
Consider using biotinylated protein A/G instead of direct biotin conjugation for improved orientation
Include controls for non-specific binding of biotin to endogenous biotinylated proteins
Implement stringent washing steps to reduce background
Sequential ChIP (Re-ChIP) application:
First round: Conventional ChIP with non-biotinylated antibody against chromatin modifier
Elute complexes under mild conditions
Second round: ChIP with biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody
This approach identifies genomic regions where SFR1 and specific chromatin features co-occur
Different immunoassay platforms present unique considerations for biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody applications:
ELISA considerations:
Conventional sandwich ELISA: Biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody can serve as detection antibody with streptavidin-HRP for signal development
Bridged Avidin-Biotin (BRAB) method: Enhances sensitivity through additional signal amplification steps
Competitive ELISA: May use biotin-conjugated SFR1 antigen competing with sample SFR1 for antibody binding
Flow cytometry platform effects:
Increased sensitivity compared to direct conjugates due to signal amplification
Additional washing steps required, potentially increasing cell loss
Multiple fluorophore options through different streptavidin conjugates
Proximity-based assays (AlphaLISA, HTRF):
Biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody paired with streptavidin-donor beads
Second antibody conjugated to acceptor beads
Energy transfer occurs only when antibodies bind same SFR1 molecule
Provides homogeneous (no-wash) detection format
Imaging applications:
Immunohistochemistry: Biotin-conjugated antibodies may show higher sensitivity but require biotin blocking steps
High-content screening: Signal amplification beneficial for detecting low-abundance SFR1
Super-resolution microscopy: Additional streptavidin layer may impact spatial resolution
Recent technological integrations of biotin-conjugated antibodies with single-cell platforms offer new opportunities for SFR1 research:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) applications:
Biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody followed by metal-tagged streptavidin
Enables integration into high-parameter panels (40+ markers)
Eliminates fluorescence spillover concerns
Protocol modification: longer incubation times and additional washing steps
Single-cell sequencing integration:
CITE-seq approach: Biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody with streptavidin-oligonucleotide tags
Simultaneously profiles SFR1 protein expression and transcriptome
Allows correlation between SFR1 protein levels and gene expression patterns
Technical consideration: optimize concentration to avoid barcode swapping
Spatial transcriptomics combination:
Biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody with streptavidin-fluorophore detection
Combine with in situ hybridization for spatial gene expression
Provides tissue context for SFR1 protein localization and associated gene expression
Implementation requires careful optimization of multiplexed protocols
Microfluidic protein analysis:
Immobilize streptavidin in microchannels to capture biotin-conjugated SFR1 antibody complexes
Enables single-cell protein secretion analysis
Can be combined with other cellular readouts for multiparameter analysis
Requires optimization of surface chemistry and flow rates