Several manufacturers produce FITC-conjugated SLC11A2 antibodies with varying specifications. These antibodies are typically:
Developed in rabbit as polyclonal antibodies targeting human SLC11A2
Recognized epitopes include the amino acid region 1-69 of human SLC11A2
Cross-reactivity varies by product, with some showing reactivity in human, mouse, and rat samples
Generally purified using Protein G methods with purity levels >95%
Stored in preservative buffers containing components like glycerol (typically 50%) and PBS (pH 7.4)
Researchers should verify specific product characteristics, including the binding domain and cross-reactivity, to ensure compatibility with their experimental systems.
Dilution requirements vary significantly by application and specific antibody preparation. Based on manufacturer recommendations:
| Application | Recommended Dilution Range |
|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:1000-1:4000 |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:50-1:500 , 1:50-200 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF-P) | 1:400-1:1600 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF/ICC) | 1:200-1:800 |
When working with FITC-conjugated antibodies specifically, researchers should:
Begin with the manufacturer's recommended dilutions
Perform titration experiments in their specific biological system to optimize signal-to-noise ratios
Include appropriate negative controls to account for potential autofluorescence
Document tissue-specific and application-specific optimal dilutions for reproducibility
Consider that sample-dependent factors may require adjustments from standard protocols
For optimal immunohistochemical detection of SLC11A2, researchers should consider several critical methodological factors:
For FITC-conjugated antibodies specifically, researchers should employ appropriate anti-photobleaching mounting media and minimize exposure to light during processing.
SLC11A2 has emerged as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer research, particularly for ovarian cancer . For researchers investigating SLC11A2 in cancer contexts:
Expression Manipulation Models: Establish overexpression and knockdown models using techniques demonstrated in studies with OVCAR8 ovarian cancer cell lines. This involves:
Transfection with overexpression plasmids or knockdown siRNAs
Verification of manipulation efficiency via qPCR or Western blot
Specific siRNA target sequences such as GGAGGAATCTTGGTCCTTA, GTACCTGCATTCTGCCTTA, and GAGTGACTTTGCCAATGGA
qPCR primer sequences: F: ATCGGCTCAGACATGCAAGAA; R: TTCCGCAAGCCATATTTGTCC
Functional Assays: Following transfection, conduct functional assays (e.g., colony formation assays) by plating approximately 1000 cells per well, culturing for 10-14 days, fixing with formalin, staining with crystal violet, and quantifying results using imaging software like ImageJ .
Comparative Tissue Analysis: Analyze SLC11A2 expression across normal tissues (e.g., ovarian and fallopian tube) versus primary and metastatic cancer samples using immunohistochemistry .
Serum Biomarker Studies: Measure SLC11A2 concentrations in patient serum using ELISA to evaluate its potential as a non-invasive biomarker, analyzing results against clinical diagnoses .
Rigorous validation is essential for ensuring reliable results with SLC11A2 antibodies:
Western Blot Validation:
Verify detection at the expected molecular weight range (60-70 kDa observed; calculated 62 kDa)
Include positive control samples with known SLC11A2 expression (e.g., HuH-7 cells, COLO 320 cells, Caco-2 cells, rat kidney tissue, SH-SY5Y cells, Neuro-2a cells)
Implement proper membrane sectioning based on protein markers—e.g., separating SLC11A2 (72kD) and β-actin (42kD) regions
Genetic Manipulation Controls:
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Fluorescence Controls for FITC-Conjugated Antibodies:
Include secondary-only controls to assess non-specific binding
Implement tissue autofluorescence controls, particularly for highly autofluorescent tissues
When encountering inconsistent results with FITC-conjugated SLC11A2 antibodies, researchers should implement a systematic troubleshooting approach:
Antibody Storage Assessment:
Protocol Optimization by Application Type:
Sample-Specific Considerations:
Evaluate sample preparation methods, including protein extraction protocols for Western blot
Assess fixation parameters for tissue samples in IHC/IF applications
Consider developmental stage, treatment conditions, or disease state that may affect SLC11A2 expression
Technical Controls:
When analyzing troubleshooting data, maintain detailed records of all protocol variations to identify critical parameters affecting antibody performance.
Interpreting fluorescence data from FITC-conjugated antibody experiments requires careful attention to several technical and biological factors:
Signal Specificity Verification:
Compare staining patterns to published localization data for SLC11A2 (cell membrane, endosomal compartments)
Examine subcellular distribution patterns in relation to known SLC11A2 functions in iron transport
Validate unexpected localization patterns with alternative detection methods
Quantitative Analysis Approaches:
For tissue sections: Implement systematic scoring methods accounting for both staining intensity and percentage of positive cells
For cell cultures: Use standardized image acquisition parameters and objective quantification via software like ImageJ
Account for tissue autofluorescence through appropriate background subtraction
Comparative Expression Analysis:
When comparing samples (e.g., normal vs. cancer tissues), maintain identical acquisition parameters
Document exposure times, gain settings, and post-processing steps
Consider the dynamic range limitations of fluorescence detection
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
Rigorous statistical analysis should be applied when comparing experimental groups, with at least three biological replicates for quantitative comparisons.
Differentiating specific from non-specific signals is particularly challenging in complex tissues:
Control Implementation Hierarchy:
Genetic controls: Use tissues/cells with confirmed SLC11A2 knockdown or knockout
Absorption controls: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide to block specific binding
Secondary-only controls: Omit primary antibody to assess secondary antibody non-specific binding
Isotype controls: Use non-targeted IgG from the same species (rabbit IgG)
Signal Validation Through Multiple Approaches:
Confirm key findings using alternative detection methods (e.g., validate IF results with IHC or Western blot)
Employ alternative antibodies targeting different SLC11A2 epitopes
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data
Technical Signal Optimization:
Adjust blocking protocols to reduce background (adjust BSA or serum concentration)
Optimize washing steps (duration, buffer composition, number of washes)
Fine-tune antibody concentration based on signal-to-noise ratio
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
Be aware of endogenous peroxidase activity in certain tissues
Account for tissue autofluorescence, particularly in FITC's emission spectrum
Consider lipofuscin or other autofluorescent cellular components when interpreting results
SLC11A2 antibodies are enabling significant advances in understanding iron metabolism disorders:
Subcellular Localization Studies:
Neurodegenerative Disease Research:
Hepatic Iron Overload Mechanisms:
Erythropoiesis and Anemia Research:
Investigation of SLC11A2 in erythroid precursor cells illuminates mechanisms of iron incorporation during red blood cell development
These studies contribute to understanding iron-deficient erythropoiesis and potential therapeutic approaches
Future directions include developing therapeutic antibodies targeting SLC11A2 for iron-related disorders and expanding research into additional metal transport pathologies involving manganese, cobalt, and other divalent metals transported by SLC11A2.
Recent advances in SLC11A2 cancer research methodologies include:
Combined Protein-mRNA Detection Systems:
Integration of FITC-conjugated antibody staining with in situ hybridization for simultaneous protein and transcript detection
This approach enables correlation between transcriptional regulation and protein expression in tumor samples
Serum Biomarker Development:
Functional Manipulation Models:
Establishment of overexpression and knockdown systems in cancer cell lines (e.g., OVCAR8)
Quantification of colony formation and other functional parameters to assess SLC11A2's role in cancer progression
Integration of antibody-based detection with functional assays to correlate expression with phenotype
Comparative Tissue Analysis Platforms:
These methodologies collectively advance our understanding of SLC11A2's potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer, particularly ovarian cancer .
Designing robust experiments to investigate SLC11A2 regulation requires careful attention to several physiological variables:
Iron Status Manipulation:
Implement controlled iron loading and depletion protocols
Verify iron status using complementary measures (ferritin levels, transferrin saturation)
Document time-course of SLC11A2 expression changes in response to altered iron availability
pH-Dependent Transport Mechanisms:
Account for SLC11A2's proton-coupled transport activity in experimental design
Include pH controls in transport studies
Consider how tissue/cellular pH variations might affect antibody binding and protein function
Tissue-Specific Expression Patterns:
Interaction with Other Metal Transport Systems:
Disease State Considerations:
In cancer studies, account for tumor heterogeneity with appropriate sampling strategies
For iron overload/deficiency models, verify physiological relevance of experimental conditions
Consider how inflammation and oxidative stress affect SLC11A2 regulation
Each experimental design should include appropriate controls for antibody specificity, particularly when crossing species boundaries or studying tissues with limited validation data.