SLC23A1 antibodies are immunoassays designed to detect and quantify the SVCT1 protein, a transporter responsible for active vitamin C (ascorbate) uptake in epithelial tissues. These antibodies are widely used in molecular biology to study ascorbate transport mechanisms, tissue distribution, and associations with diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders .
SVCT1 facilitates sodium-dependent vitamin C transport across epithelial barriers, maintaining systemic ascorbate levels. Key features include:
Protein Structure: 598 amino acids with 12 transmembrane domains .
Function: Critical for intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption of vitamin C .
Tissue Expression: Highly expressed in kidney proximal tubules, small intestine, and liver .
Antibodies are generated using immunogens such as synthetic peptides or recombinant proteins. For example:
Immunogen: A KLH-conjugated peptide (amino acids 1–30) for antibody ABIN2571551 .
Validation: Applications include Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA, with validation across human and mouse tissues .
Cancer Studies: Low SLC23A1 expression correlates with poor survival in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) .
Genetic Variants: SNPs (e.g., rs33972313, rs35817838) reduce ascorbate transport activity, impacting plasma vitamin C levels .
Mechanistic Insights: Structural studies using cryo-EM reveal SVCT1's inward-open conformation and sodium-coupled transport mechanism .
Renal Cancer: Loss of SLC23A1 in ccRCC is linked to succinate accumulation and reduced survival. Intravenous ascorbate prolonged survival in xenograft models .
Gastric Cancer: SLC23A2 polymorphisms (e.g., rs6116569) are associated with increased risk, modulated by plasma vitamin C levels .
Renal Physiology: Slc23a1 knockout mice exhibit 18-fold higher urinary ascorbate excretion, confirming its role in renal reabsorption .
Therapeutic Targeting: Modulating SLC23A1 activity could enhance vitamin C uptake in deficiency states or cancer .
Genetic Studies: Large-scale cohorts are needed to explore SNP-disease associations .
Structural Biology: Further cryo-EM studies may reveal dynamic transport mechanisms for drug design .
CUSABIO utilizes a partial recombinant protein mapping within amino acids 173-259 of the human SLC23A1 protein to immunize rabbits for the production of the anti-SLC23A1 polyclonal antibody. This SLC23A1 antibody is presented in the unconjugated IgG isoform. The purity of this antibody exceeds 95% through protein G affinity chromatography.
This SLC23A1 antibody exhibits reactivity with human and mouse samples. It has been validated for use in ELISA, Western blot (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Immunofluorescence (IF) applications. Its target protein, SLC23A1, plays a critical role in the absorption, reabsorption, and recycling of vitamin C.
SLC23A1 encodes the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 1 (SVCT1), a protein primarily responsible for whole-body vitamin C homeostasis and regulation of circulating vitamin C levels . The gene spans 16096 bp, contains 15 exons, and maps to human chromosome 5q31.2-31.3 . Its genomic structure includes classical CAAT and TATA 1 boxes, along with two AP-1 and one GATA1 binding sites . SVCT1 plays a crucial role in vitamin C absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and reabsorption in the renal system, making it vital for maintaining appropriate vitamin C levels throughout the body .
Current research-grade antibodies against SLC23A1 include:
| Antibody Type | Target Region | Host | Applications | Conjugations Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyclonal | AA 1-30 (N-terminal) | Rabbit | ELISA, WB, IHC | Unconjugated, APC, Biotin, FITC |
| Polyclonal | AA 173-259 | Rabbit | ELISA, WB, IHC, IF | Unconjugated, HRP, Biotin, FITC |
These antibodies are typically generated from rabbits immunized with KLH-conjugated synthetic peptides corresponding to specific regions of human SLC23A1 . Various conjugated forms enable diverse experimental applications depending on detection requirements .
Selection criteria should include:
Experimental application: Verify validation for your intended application (WB, IHC, ELISA)
Epitope recognition: Consider whether specific protein regions are critical for your study (N-terminal vs. other regions)
Species reactivity: Ensure compatibility with your experimental model (human samples are compatible with available antibodies)
Conjugation requirements: Select appropriate conjugate based on your detection method (unconjugated for standard applications, fluorescent conjugates for imaging)
Validation evidence: Examine provided validation data and literature citations demonstrating reliable performance
Essential controls include:
Positive tissue controls: Kidney and intestinal epithelial cells (known to express SLC23A1)
Negative controls: Tissues with minimal SLC23A1 expression or with SLC23A1 knockdown
Peptide competition: Pre-incubation of antibody with immunizing peptide (particularly for polyclonal antibodies)
Loading controls: For normalization in quantitative Western blotting applications
Antibody dilution series: To establish optimal working concentration (typically starting at manufacturer recommendations)
As a membrane-bound protein, SLC23A1 requires specialized handling:
Protein extraction: Use membrane protein-specific extraction buffers containing appropriate detergents
Sample processing: Avoid excessive heating which may cause membrane protein aggregation
Fixation for IHC: Test multiple fixation methods as they may differentially affect epitope accessibility
Antigen retrieval: Optimize retrieval conditions (pH, buffer composition, temperature) for best results
Storage considerations: Minimize freeze-thaw cycles to prevent protein degradation
Optimization strategies include:
Transfer conditions: Use transfer buffers with reduced methanol content for better transfer of membrane proteins
Blocking agents: Test BSA versus milk-based blockers (BSA often preferred for phospho-specific antibodies)
Primary antibody incubation: Extended incubation times (overnight at 4°C) may improve signal
Loading concentration: Ensure adequate protein loading (typically 20-40 μg for cell lysates)
Sample preparation: Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation during processing
Multiple validation approaches should include:
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide to confirm signal specificity
Multiple antibodies approach: Use antibodies targeting different epitopes of SLC23A1 (AA 1-30 and AA 173-259)
Molecular weight verification: Confirm signal at expected molecular weight for human SLC23A1 (~65 kDa)
Correlation with genetic data: Compare protein detection patterns with known genetic variations
Known expression patterns: Verify expected tissue distribution based on established literature
Common challenges include:
Membrane localization: Requires optimized permeabilization conditions
Low expression levels: May require signal amplification techniques
Background signal: Non-specific binding common with polyclonal antibodies
Fixation artifacts: Formalin fixation may mask epitopes requiring appropriate retrieval
Tissue-specific differences: Expression levels vary significantly between tissues requiring protocol adjustments
Research methodologies include:
Genotype-phenotype correlation: Combine genotyping of SLC23A1 variants (e.g., rs11950646, rs33972313) with antibody-based protein quantification
Expression analysis: Quantitative comparison of protein levels across different genetic backgrounds
Subcellular localization: Investigation of variant effects on protein trafficking using immunofluorescence
Functional integration: Correlation of antibody-detected protein levels with vitamin C transport activity measurements
Clinical correlation: Association of protein expression patterns with disease risk, particularly gastric cancer
Investigative strategies include:
Stress response profiling: Monitoring SLC23A1 expression changes under oxidative stress conditions
Signal pathway analysis: Using pathway inhibitors combined with SLC23A1 antibody detection
Co-localization studies: Investigating interactions with regulatory proteins
Temporal dynamics: Time-course expression analysis following physiological stimuli
Disease model comparison: Contrasting expression patterns between normal and pathological tissues
Specialized applications include:
Expression profiling: Using antibodies to compare SLC23A1 levels across cancer types and stages
Prognostic correlation: Relating expression patterns to clinical outcomes in cancer patients
Mechanistic investigation: Examining relationship between vitamin C transport and antioxidant defense
H. pylori interaction: Exploring connections between infection status, SLC23A1 expression, and gastric cancer risk
Therapeutic response prediction: Associating SLC23A1 expression with vitamin C-based treatment efficacy
Interpretation frameworks should consider:
Baseline expression: Compare to established tissue-specific expression patterns
Subcellular distribution: Distinguish between total expression versus functional membrane localization
Post-translational modifications: Consider effects on antibody recognition and protein functionality
Isoform specificity: Assess whether antibodies detect all relevant protein variants
Quantification methods: Use appropriate normalized quantification for comparative analyses
Statistical considerations include:
Sample size determination: Power calculations based on expected effect sizes
Normalization methods: Selection of appropriate housekeeping genes or total protein normalization
Parametric versus non-parametric testing: Based on data distribution characteristics
Multiple comparison corrections: Particularly for studies examining multiple tissues or conditions
Correlation analyses: For studies examining relationships between SLC23A1 expression and other variables
Resolution strategies include:
Technical validation: Verify antibody specificity against the specific genetic variants being studied
Post-transcriptional regulation: Investigate potential regulatory mechanisms affecting translation efficiency
Protein stability differences: Examine half-life variations between variant proteins
Integrative approaches: Combine genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data for comprehensive analysis
Functional correlation: Relate both genetic and protein data to measurable vitamin C transport activity
Emerging applications include:
Biomarker development: Validation of SLC23A1 as predictive/prognostic marker for diseases linked to vitamin C metabolism
Pharmacogenomic profiling: Correlating SLC23A1 variants and protein expression with treatment responses
Therapeutic monitoring: Assessing changes in SLC23A1 expression during interventions
Risk stratification: Identifying individuals with altered vitamin C transport capacity based on protein expression
Nutritional personalization: Tailoring vitamin C recommendations based on transporter expression profiles
Innovative approaches include:
Single-cell protein analysis: Examining cell-to-cell variation in SLC23A1 expression
Multiplexed imaging: Simultaneous detection of SLC23A1 with interacting proteins
Proximity labeling: Identifying protein interaction networks
CRISPR-engineered reporter systems: For live monitoring of SLC23A1 expression
Nanobody development: Creating smaller antibody derivatives for improved tissue penetration
Comparative investigation approaches:
Co-expression analysis: Examining tissue distribution patterns of both transporters
Compensatory regulation: Investigating reciprocal expression changes
Genetic interaction studies: Exploring combined effects of variants in both genes
Functional cooperation: Determining tissue-specific roles and potential redundancy
Disease relevance: Comparing contributions to pathological processes, particularly in cancer development