The SLC16A11 antibody, Biotin conjugated, is a polyclonal rabbit-derived immunoglobulin designed for detecting the human and mouse SLC16A11 protein. This monocarboxylic acid transporter, also known as MCT11, plays a critical role in lipid metabolism and is implicated in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology. The Biotin conjugation enhances detection sensitivity in assays requiring streptavidin-based systems, such as ELISA and Western blotting .
SLC16A11 variants are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes in Latin American populations. The risk haplotype (introduced via Neanderthal introgression) disrupts plasma membrane localization by impairing interaction with basigin (BSG), leading to altered lipid metabolism .
The biotin-conjugated SLC16A11 antibody (such as ABIN1935529) demonstrates versatility across multiple experimental applications. This antibody has been validated for Western Blotting (WB), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Flow Cytometry (FACS) . For Western Blotting applications, this antibody can detect SLC16A11 protein from human and mouse samples, making it particularly useful for comparative studies across species . The biotin conjugation enhances detection sensitivity through streptavidin-based secondary detection systems, allowing for amplified signal detection in samples where SLC16A11 may be expressed at lower levels.
The biotin-conjugated SLC16A11 antibody (ABIN1935529) specifically targets amino acids 48-76 located in the N-terminal region of human SLC16A11 . This region is significant as it falls within the protein's N-terminal domain, which plays a role in the protein's trafficking and localization. The antibody is generated from rabbits immunized with a KLH-conjugated synthetic peptide corresponding to this amino acid sequence and undergoes affinity purification to ensure specificity . Researchers should be aware that this specific binding region differs from other available antibodies that target the C-terminal region (AA 428-471), which may result in different detection patterns depending on protein conformation or degradation states.
SLC16A11 functions as a proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporter belonging to category I of the SLC16 family . This classification is supported by structural analyses showing SLC16A11 contains three key charged residues (R57, D290, and R294) located in the inner pore of the protein, similar to other category I SLC16 transporters . When designing experiments using the biotin-conjugated antibody, researchers should consider that SLC16A11's transmembrane domains and conformational changes during transport cycles may affect epitope accessibility. Additionally, the protein's cell surface localization, which is critical for its transport function, may influence detection patterns in different subcellular fractionation experiments.
Research has identified two separate mechanisms through which SLC16A11 function is disrupted in Type 2 Diabetes: (1) decreased gene expression in liver and (2) disruption of interaction with basigin, reducing cell-surface localization . To investigate these mechanisms:
For expression studies:
Use the biotin-conjugated antibody in Western blotting with quantitative analysis to compare SLC16A11 protein levels between samples with reference and risk haplotypes
Combine with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to correlate protein levels with allele-specific expression differences
For protein-protein interaction studies:
Employ co-immunoprecipitation experiments using the biotin-conjugated antibody to pull down SLC16A11 and detect basigin interaction
Use immunofluorescence microscopy to examine co-localization of SLC16A11 and basigin at the cell surface
Develop cell-surface biotinylation assays to quantify SLC16A11 membrane localization in the presence of T2D risk variants
These approaches should be conducted in relevant cellular models, particularly human hepatocytes, where SLC16A11 expression has been shown to be physiologically relevant to T2D risk .
The T2D risk haplotype in SLC16A11 has been shown to cause a significant reduction in gene expression. In heterozygous individuals, expression from the risk allele is 62% lower than from the non-risk haplotype . When designing experiments to evaluate this:
Sample selection is critical - liver samples from heterozygous individuals allow direct comparison of expression from both alleles within the same cellular environment
Employ allele-specific quantification methods:
Use the biotin-conjugated antibody in conjunction with allele-specific probes or primers
Combine antibody-based protein detection with techniques like droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to distinguish expression from different alleles
Include controls for antibody specificity to ensure equal affinity for proteins encoded by risk and non-risk alleles
Consider the impact of post-translational modifications that might differ between proteins encoded by risk and non-risk alleles
This approach controls for inter-individual confounders that might influence total gene expression levels and provides strong evidence for cis-effects of genetic variants on SLC16A11 expression .
Studies have shown that genetic perturbation of SLC16A11 induces changes in fatty acid and lipid metabolism associated with increased T2D risk . To investigate this relationship:
Combine antibody-based detection with metabolic profiling:
Use the biotin-conjugated SLC16A11 antibody to quantify protein levels in cellular or tissue samples
Correlate protein levels with comprehensive lipidomic and metabolomic analyses
Develop functional transport assays:
Utilize the antibody to confirm SLC16A11 expression in cellular models before measuring transport of potential substrates
Compare transport activity in cells expressing normal versus mutant SLC16A11 proteins
Investigate downstream metabolic pathways:
Use immunoprecipitation with the biotin-conjugated antibody to identify protein-protein interactions with metabolic enzymes
Employ proximity labeling techniques with the antibody to identify proteins in close proximity to SLC16A11 in relevant cellular compartments
This integrated approach can help elucidate how SLC16A11 function impacts specific metabolic pathways related to T2D pathophysiology.
SLC16A11 subcellular localization is critically important for its function, with disease-associated variants affecting its presence at the cell surface . Common challenges researchers face include:
Detection sensitivity issues:
SLC16A11 may be expressed at relatively low levels, requiring signal amplification
The biotin-conjugated antibody can enhance detection through streptavidin-based amplification systems
Distinguishing between intracellular and membrane-localized protein:
Use cell surface biotinylation followed by streptavidin pulldown and detection with the SLC16A11 antibody
Employ membrane fractionation protocols before Western blotting
Artifact prevention in immunofluorescence:
Optimize fixation methods to preserve membrane integrity while allowing antibody access
Use confocal microscopy with membrane markers to confirm genuine surface localization
Basigin co-localization assessment:
Employ dual-labeling approaches with carefully validated antibodies for both SLC16A11 and basigin
Consider using live-cell imaging with tagged versions of proteins to monitor trafficking dynamics
Researchers should include appropriate positive and negative controls in subcellular localization studies to accurately interpret results.
Variability in antibody performance can significantly impact experimental reproducibility. For SLC16A11 antibodies:
Systematic validation approach:
Test antibody performance in systems with confirmed SLC16A11 expression versus knockout/knockdown controls
Validate across multiple experimental platforms (Western blot, IHC, flow cytometry) as applications may vary in sensitivity
Sample preparation considerations:
Optimize protein extraction methods for membrane proteins, which may require specialized detergents
Consider native versus denaturing conditions, as epitope accessibility may differ
Species cross-reactivity assessment:
Batch-to-batch consistency:
Document lot numbers and perform comparative validation when using new antibody batches
Maintain positive control samples that have previously demonstrated reliable results
Establishing a standardized protocol for each experimental application will help minimize variability.
The SLC16A11 risk haplotype explains approximately 20% of the increased T2D prevalence in Mexico and is associated with a ~30% increase in T2D risk . Researchers can use SLC16A11 antibodies to:
Quantify haplotype-specific effects on protein expression:
Compare SLC16A11 protein levels in liver samples from individuals with different haplotypes
Correlate protein levels with genetic data to establish genotype-phenotype relationships
Investigate the molecular consequences of coding variants:
Use the antibody to examine protein-protein interactions, particularly with basigin
Assess membrane localization differences between wild-type and variant proteins
Develop cellular models for functional studies:
Generate cell lines expressing different SLC16A11 haplotypes
Use the biotin-conjugated antibody to confirm expression and localization before functional assays
Tissue-specific expression analysis:
The liver appears to be a key site where SLC16A11 variants exert their effects
Use immunohistochemistry with the biotin-conjugated antibody to examine expression patterns across different tissues relevant to diabetes pathophysiology
These approaches can help elucidate how genetic variation in SLC16A11 contributes to T2D risk.
The interaction between SLC16A11 and basigin is critical for proper cell surface localization, and this interaction is disrupted by T2D-associated coding variants . To investigate this:
Co-immunoprecipitation strategies:
Use the biotin-conjugated SLC16A11 antibody with streptavidin beads to pull down SLC16A11
Probe for basigin in the immunoprecipitated material
Perform reciprocal experiments using basigin antibodies followed by SLC16A11 detection
Proximity ligation assays:
Utilize the SLC16A11 antibody in conjunction with basigin-specific antibodies
This technique allows visualization of protein-protein interactions within intact cells
FRET/BRET approaches:
When combined with fluorescently tagged proteins, antibodies can be used to validate energy transfer results
Use the biotin-conjugated antibody with fluorescently labeled streptavidin as one component of the FRET pair
Structure-function analysis:
Generate SLC16A11 constructs with mutations in potential basigin interaction domains
Use the antibody to confirm expression before testing for basigin interaction
These methods can provide complementary evidence for the physical interaction between SLC16A11 and basigin and how disease-associated variants disrupt this interaction.
Proper controls are essential for interpreting results from antibody-based experiments investigating SLC16A11 function:
Genetic controls:
Include SLC16A11 knockout or knockdown samples to confirm antibody specificity
When possible, use cells expressing known SLC16A11 variants as comparative controls
Peptide competition assays:
Pre-incubate the biotin-conjugated antibody with the immunizing peptide (AA 48-76)
This should abolish specific binding and confirm signal specificity
Isotype controls:
Include rabbit IgG conjugated to biotin at the same concentration as the SLC16A11 antibody
This controls for non-specific binding of antibodies of the same isotype class
Cross-validation with multiple antibodies:
When possible, confirm key findings using antibodies targeting different epitopes of SLC16A11
This helps rule out epitope-specific artifacts
Functional rescue experiments:
After knockdown or knockout of endogenous SLC16A11, reintroduce wild-type or variant SLC16A11
Use the antibody to confirm expression of the introduced protein before functional assays
These control strategies help ensure that observed effects are specifically related to SLC16A11 and not experimental artifacts.
Research suggests that increasing SLC16A11 function could be therapeutically beneficial for T2D . The biotin-conjugated SLC16A11 antibody can facilitate several approaches in therapeutic research:
Drug screening platforms:
Use the antibody to develop assays that measure SLC16A11 cellular localization or expression
Screen compounds for their ability to increase SLC16A11 membrane localization or prevent its internalization
Assessment of therapeutic interventions:
Evaluate whether experimental compounds restore the SLC16A11-basigin interaction
Monitor changes in SLC16A11 expression levels in response to treatment
Therapeutic antibody development:
Use the epitope information from existing antibodies to guide development of therapeutic antibodies
Design antibodies that might stabilize SLC16A11-basigin interaction or enhance SLC16A11 trafficking
Biomarker development:
Investigate whether SLC16A11 protein levels or localization patterns could serve as biomarkers for treatment response
Develop assays to monitor changes in SLC16A11 function during therapeutic interventions
These approaches utilize antibody tools to advance understanding of SLC16A11 as a potential therapeutic target for T2D.
SLC16A11 functions as a proton-coupled monocarboxylate transporter, but its specific physiological substrates remain under investigation . When using antibodies to support transport studies:
Expression confirmation before transport assays:
Use the biotin-conjugated antibody to verify SLC16A11 expression in experimental systems
Confirm proper membrane localization before interpreting transport results
Structure-function correlation:
Combine site-directed mutagenesis of key residues (R57, D290, R294) with antibody detection
Assess how mutations that alter transport function affect protein expression and localization
Metabolomic integration:
Correlate SLC16A11 expression levels determined by antibody-based methods with metabolite profiles
This may reveal associations between transporter abundance and specific substrate levels
Comparative transport studies:
Use the antibody to quantify relative expression levels of SLC16A11 versus other monocarboxylate transporters
This information is crucial for interpreting transport data in systems with multiple transporters
These methodological approaches can help uncover the physiological substrates of SLC16A11 and how they relate to T2D pathophysiology.
Sample size determination:
Normalization strategies:
Select appropriate housekeeping proteins for normalization in Western blots
For membrane proteins like SLC16A11, consider using membrane-specific loading controls
Accounting for technical variability:
Include technical replicates to assess assay performance
Consider batch effects when processing multiple samples
Statistical tests for different experimental designs:
For comparing two groups (e.g., risk vs. non-risk haplotypes): t-tests or non-parametric alternatives
For multiple conditions: ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests
For correlation between SLC16A11 levels and metabolic parameters: regression analyses
Data presentation:
Include both representative images and quantification data
Present normalized data with appropriate measures of central tendency and dispersion
These considerations help ensure robust and reproducible quantification of SLC16A11 expression patterns.
Multi-omics integration provides a comprehensive view of SLC16A11's role in T2D pathophysiology:
Integration with genomics:
Correlate SLC16A11 protein levels determined by antibody-based methods with specific genetic variants
Stratify samples by genetic haplotypes when analyzing protein expression patterns
Proteomics integration:
Use antibody-based pulldown followed by mass spectrometry to identify SLC16A11 interaction partners
Compare interaction networks between wild-type and variant SLC16A11 proteins
Metabolomics correlation:
Transcriptomics complementation:
Compare protein levels determined by antibody-based methods with mRNA expression
Identify potential post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms affecting SLC16A11
Data visualization and modeling:
Develop integrated models that incorporate antibody-based protein quantification with other omics data
Use these models to generate testable hypotheses about SLC16A11 function in metabolic regulation