SLC2A4RG (SLC2A4 regulator) is a nuclear transcription factor critical for regulating genes such as GLUT4 (SLC2A4) and Huntington’s disease (HD) through binding to specific DNA motifs (e.g., 5’-GCCGGCG-3’) . The HRP-conjugated antibody targets this protein, facilitating its visualization in molecular assays.
HRP conjugation enhances detection sensitivity by catalyzing substrate reactions. The antibody is validated for:
Storage: Stable at -20°C in PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol .
SLC2A4RG activates GLUT4 transcription in cooperation with MEF2, a mechanism amplified post-exercise to improve glucose uptake in skeletal muscle . Studies using this antibody demonstrated:
Increased DNA-binding activity of SLC2A4RG and MEF2 after acute exercise .
Overexpression of GLUT4 linked to enhanced insulin sensitivity .
The antibody has been used to study SLC2A4RG’s interaction with the HD promoter:
SLC2A4RG shuttles between the cytoplasm and nucleus, a behavior confirmed via immunofluorescence using HRP-conjugated variants .
SLC2A4RG (SLC2A4 Regulator) is a nuclear transcription factor that plays a crucial role in activating the solute carrier family 2 member 4 gene, also known as GLUT4. This protein cooperates with myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) to bind to domain I of the GLUT4 promoter, regulating its transcription . SLC2A4RG is particularly significant in metabolic research because it regulates GLUT4 expression, which is essential for glucose homeostasis and insulin action. Following exercise, increased DNA binding activities of both SLC2A4RG and MEF-2 lead to enhanced transcription of GLUT4, which improves glucose homeostasis . Additionally, SLC2A4RG has been implicated in Huntington's disease (HD) gene regulation through its interaction with a 7-bp consensus sequence (GCCGGCG) .
HRP-conjugated SLC2A4RG antibodies should be stored at -20°C for long-term storage and 4°C for short-term storage. For optimal performance, it's recommended to aliquot the antibody to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that could degrade the protein . Most antibody formulations contain glycerol (typically around 40-50%) and preservatives like sodium azide (0.02%) in PBS buffer (pH 7.2-7.3) to maintain stability . According to storage guidelines from multiple sources, these antibodies are typically stable for up to one year after shipment when properly stored . For smaller volume products (around 20μl), manufacturers sometimes include BSA (0.1%) for additional stability .
The optimal working dilutions for SLC2A4RG antibodies vary by application and specific antibody formulation. For Western Blot (WB) applications, the recommended dilution range is typically 1:1000-1:6000, though some antibodies may require different ranges such as 1:100-1:1000 . For immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence applications, a concentration of 1-4 μg/mL is typically recommended . It's essential to note that these are starting recommendations, and researchers should perform antibody titration experiments in their specific testing systems to determine optimal conditions . The reactivity and specificity can vary significantly between different antibodies and experimental conditions, making optimization crucial for robust results.
Validating the specificity of SLC2A4RG antibodies requires a multi-faceted approach. First, researchers should confirm reactivity with human samples as indicated by manufacturer testing . For positive controls, cell lines such as HeLa, PC-3, and U2OS have been validated for Western blot detection of SLC2A4RG . When validating a new antibody, researchers should perform Western blots comparing the observed molecular weight (approximately 30 kDa) with the calculated molecular weight (41 kDa) . This discrepancy between observed and calculated molecular weights is known for SLC2A4RG and can serve as an identification marker. Additionally, comprehensive validation should include knockdown or knockout experiments to confirm signal reduction. Some manufacturers validate antibody specificity using protein arrays containing the target protein plus numerous non-specific proteins to ensure selectivity . Finally, cross-reactivity testing with other species should be conducted if working with non-human models, considering the predicted reactivity with human (100%), mouse (83%), and rat (85%) samples .
When designing experiments to study SLC2A4RG-MEF2 interactions, researchers must consider several critical factors. First, select appropriate experimental models where both proteins are expressed, such as skeletal muscle, liver, or fat tissues, where SLC2A4RG shows higher expression levels . For co-immunoprecipitation experiments, use gentle lysis conditions that preserve protein-protein interactions, typically non-ionic detergents like NP-40 or Triton X-100 at concentrations of 0.1-1%. When performing chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments to study DNA binding, focus on the GLUT4 promoter region containing domain I and the 5'-GCCGGCG-3' DNA sequence motif . Consider post-exercise or insulin-stimulated conditions that increase DNA binding activities of both SLC2A4RG and MEF-2 . For detection specificity, include appropriate controls including IgG controls and competitive blocking with the immunizing peptide. Finally, validate findings using complementary approaches such as EMSA (Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay) or reporter gene assays to confirm the functional significance of observed interactions.
For effective multiplex immunodetection using HRP-conjugated SLC2A4RG antibodies, researchers should implement several strategic approaches. Begin by selecting antibodies raised in different host species (e.g., rabbit anti-SLC2A4RG and mouse anti-MEF2) to avoid cross-reactivity when using species-specific secondary antibodies. For fluorescence-based multiplex detection, consider sequential tyramide signal amplification (TSA), which allows multiple HRP-conjugated antibodies to be used on the same sample through iterative HRP inactivation steps. When studying subcellular localization, which is particularly relevant for SLC2A4RG as it shuttles between cytoplasm and nucleus , combine with organelle-specific markers for precise colocalization analysis. Optimize signal-to-noise ratio by careful titration of each antibody in the multiplex panel and include appropriate controls for each target. Finally, implement spectral unmixing during image acquisition and analysis to resolve potential signal bleed-through issues, especially important when studying tissues with high autofluorescence such as muscle or fat where SLC2A4RG is highly expressed.
Several technical challenges may arise when detecting SLC2A4RG using HRP-conjugated antibodies in Western blots. One common issue is the discrepancy between the calculated molecular weight (41 kDa) and the observed molecular weight (30 kDa) , which can cause confusion in band identification. This can be resolved by using validated positive controls such as HeLa, PC-3, or U2OS cell lysates . Non-specific binding may occur, especially at higher antibody concentrations. To mitigate this, optimize antibody dilution (typically 1:1000-1:6000 for Western blot) and use more stringent washing conditions with higher salt concentrations or detergent in TBST/PBST buffers. Weak signal detection may occur due to low expression levels of SLC2A4RG in certain tissues. This can be addressed by increasing protein loading (up to 50-80 μg), using enhanced chemiluminescence substrates with longer exposure times, or implementing signal amplification systems. Degradation products may appear as multiple bands; to prevent this, use fresh samples with complete protease inhibitor cocktails during extraction and maintain cold chain integrity throughout sample preparation.
When troubleshooting inconsistent staining patterns in immunohistochemistry with SLC2A4RG antibodies, researchers should systematically evaluate several variables. Begin with antigen retrieval optimization, testing both heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) methods using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0), as SLC2A4RG detection may be sensitive to epitope accessibility. Optimize fixation protocols, as overfixation can mask epitopes while underfixation risks tissue architecture loss; test fixation times ranging from 8-24 hours for formalin-fixed tissues. Address potential endogenous peroxidase activity, particularly important for HRP-conjugated antibodies, by implementing blocking steps with 0.3-3% hydrogen peroxide for 10-30 minutes. Minimize background staining by using species-matched serum or commercial blocking reagents and extending blocking times to 1-2 hours. Consider antibody concentration and incubation conditions, testing temperatures (4°C, room temperature, 37°C) and incubation times (1 hour to overnight) for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. For tissues with expected nuclear localization of SLC2A4RG, verify nuclei counterstaining to confirm proper cellular localization .
To minimize non-specific binding with HRP-conjugated SLC2A4RG antibodies, implement comprehensive blocking strategies and optimization protocols. First, perform extensive blocking using 3-5% BSA or 5% non-fat dry milk in TBS/PBS with 0.1-0.3% Tween-20 for at least 1 hour at room temperature. Consider adding 2-5% normal serum from the species in which the secondary antibody was raised to further reduce non-specific interactions. For tissues with high endogenous biotin levels (like kidney, where SLC2A4RG is highly expressed ), implement avidin-biotin blocking steps when using biotin-based detection systems. Optimize antibody concentration through careful titration, starting with the manufacturer's recommended dilution range (1:1000-1:6000 for WB) and adjusting based on signal-to-noise ratio. Increase washing stringency with higher salt concentrations (up to 500mM NaCl) in wash buffers and extend washing times (5-6 washes of 10 minutes each). For immunoprecipitation applications, pre-clear lysates with appropriate control IgG and protein A/G beads to remove components that bind non-specifically. Finally, include peptide competition controls using the specific immunogen peptide to confirm signal specificity, particularly important for polyclonal antibodies targeting SLC2A4RG .
To investigate SLC2A4RG's role in exercise-induced GLUT4 regulation using HRP-conjugated antibodies, researchers should implement a multifaceted experimental approach. Design exercise intervention studies with appropriate timing for sample collection, considering that increased DNA binding activities of SLC2A4RG and MEF-2 occur following exercise . Employ ChIP assays to quantify SLC2A4RG binding to the GLUT4 promoter, specifically targeting domain I, comparing sedentary and post-exercise conditions. For human studies, obtain muscle biopsies (preferably vastus lateralis) before and after controlled exercise interventions at standardized time points (immediately post-exercise and 3-6 hours later) to capture transcriptional changes. Quantify changes in SLC2A4RG nuclear localization using subcellular fractionation followed by Western blotting with the HRP-conjugated antibody, as SLC2A4RG shuttles between cytoplasm and nucleus . Conduct parallel analysis of GLUT4 mRNA (by qRT-PCR) and protein expression (by Western blot) to correlate with SLC2A4RG activity. Consider proximity ligation assays (PLA) to visualize and quantify SLC2A4RG-MEF2 interactions in skeletal muscle sections following exercise. Finally, implement mechanistic studies using inhibitors of relevant signaling pathways (AMPK, CaMK, p38 MAPK) to determine their roles in exercise-mediated SLC2A4RG activation.
To elucidate SLC2A4RG's role in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis, researchers should employ comprehensive methodological approaches utilizing HRP-conjugated antibodies. First, perform comparative expression analysis of SLC2A4RG in post-mortem brain tissues from HD patients versus controls using immunohistochemistry with HRP-conjugated antibodies, focusing on regions most affected in HD (striatum, cortex). Use ChIP-seq techniques to map genome-wide binding sites of SLC2A4RG, with particular attention to the 7-bp consensus sequence (GCCGGCG) in the HD gene promoter . Implement CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout or knockdown of SLC2A4RG in HD cellular models (such as patient-derived iPSCs differentiated into medium spiny neurons) to assess effects on HD gene expression and cellular phenotypes. Design luciferase reporter assays with wild-type and mutated HD promoter constructs to quantify the functional impact of SLC2A4RG binding on transcriptional activity. Investigate potential protein-protein interactions between SLC2A4RG and CAG repeat-expansion proteins using co-immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting with HRP-conjugated antibodies. Analyze correlation between SLC2A4RG expression/activity and disease progression markers in HD mouse models (R6/2, YAC128) at different disease stages. Finally, explore therapeutic strategies targeting SLC2A4RG-mediated transcriptional regulation using small molecules that modulate its binding to the HD promoter, assessing efficacy with the HRP-conjugated antibodies.
Integrating quantitative proteomics with SLC2A4RG antibody-based approaches requires sophisticated methodological strategies to comprehensively map its regulatory networks. Begin with immunoprecipitation using SLC2A4RG antibodies followed by mass spectrometry (IP-MS) to identify novel interaction partners across different cellular contexts (basal vs. stimulated conditions). Implement proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) or APEX2 proximity labeling by generating SLC2A4RG fusion proteins to identify proximal proteins in living cells, followed by streptavidin pulldown and proteomics analysis. For subcellular localization-specific interactomes, perform fractionation (cytoplasmic, nuclear, chromatin-bound) before IP-MS to identify compartment-specific interactions, particularly important given SLC2A4RG's nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling . Employ SILAC (Stable Isotope Labeling with Amino acids in Cell culture) or TMT (Tandem Mass Tag) labeling to quantitatively compare SLC2A4RG-associated proteins under different conditions (e.g., insulin stimulation, exercise, metabolic stress). Conduct parallel phosphoproteomics to identify post-translational modifications on SLC2A4RG and its partners that may regulate their interactions or functions. Validate key interactions using reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation with HRP-conjugated antibodies and orthogonal methods such as FRET or BiFC (Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation). Finally, integrate proteomics data with ChIP-seq and RNA-seq datasets to build comprehensive gene regulatory networks centered on SLC2A4RG, correlating protein interactions with transcriptional outcomes.
To accurately quantify SLC2A4RG expression across diverse tissue types, researchers should implement comprehensive normalization and standardization approaches. First, establish tissue-specific detection parameters, recognizing that SLC2A4RG is ubiquitously expressed but with higher levels in skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and fat tissues . Employ multiple reference genes for qRT-PCR normalization that have been validated for stability across the specific tissues under investigation, avoiding single housekeeping gene approaches. For Western blot quantification with HRP-conjugated antibodies, use total protein normalization methods (such as stain-free technology or REVERT total protein stain) rather than single loading controls, as expression of common loading controls may vary across tissues. Implement standard curves using recombinant SLC2A4RG protein for absolute quantification, especially important when comparing expression across different tissues. Consider the observed molecular weight discrepancy (calculated: 41 kDa; observed: 30 kDa) when analyzing Western blot data, ensuring correct band identification. For immunohistochemical analysis, employ digital pathology with automated image analysis using validated algorithms specific for nuclear proteins. Include tissue microarrays containing multiple samples from diverse tissues processed simultaneously to minimize technical variation. Finally, validate findings using orthogonal methods (e.g., mass spectrometry-based protein quantification) to confirm expression patterns observed with antibody-based methods.
When interpreting discrepancies between SLC2A4RG protein detection and mRNA expression data, researchers should systematically consider multiple biological and technical factors. First, evaluate post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms that may affect protein-mRNA correlation, including microRNA targeting, RNA-binding proteins, or altered mRNA stability. Examine potential post-translational modifications or proteolytic processing that might explain the observed molecular weight discrepancy (calculated: 41 kDa; observed: 30 kDa) , which could affect antibody recognition or protein stability. Consider temporal dynamics, as protein levels often lag behind mRNA changes; implement time-course experiments to capture the relationship between transcription and translation. Assess protein turnover rates using pulse-chase experiments or proteasome inhibitors to determine if rapid degradation explains low protein levels despite high mRNA expression. Examine subcellular localization effects, as SLC2A4RG shuttles between cytoplasm and nucleus , potentially affecting detection depending on extraction methods. Validate technical aspects by using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes to ensure comprehensive detection and consider potential splice variants as SLC2A4RG has at least two isoforms produced by alternative splicing . Finally, implement systems biology approaches, integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional data to build comprehensive models explaining the observed discrepancies in context-specific ways.
For analyzing SLC2A4RG expression changes in disease models, researchers should implement rigorous statistical approaches tailored to experimental design and data characteristics. For comparison between two groups (e.g., healthy vs. disease), begin with normality testing (Shapiro-Wilk or Kolmogorov-Smirnov) to determine appropriate parametric (t-test) or non-parametric (Mann-Whitney U) tests. For multi-group comparisons (e.g., disease progression stages), use ANOVA with appropriate post-hoc tests (Tukey's, Bonferroni, or Dunnett's) for parametric data or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post-hoc test for non-parametric data. Implement linear mixed-effects models for longitudinal studies tracking SLC2A4RG expression over time, particularly relevant for progressive conditions like Huntington's disease where SLC2A4RG plays a regulatory role . For correlation analyses between SLC2A4RG expression and disease markers or physiological parameters (e.g., glucose homeostasis), use Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients based on data distribution. Consider multivariable regression models to adjust for potential confounding factors like age, sex, or medication use. For complex datasets, implement dimension reduction techniques (PCA, t-SNE) followed by cluster analysis to identify patterns in SLC2A4RG expression across heterogeneous disease phenotypes. Finally, conduct power analysis a priori to ensure adequate sample sizes for detecting biologically meaningful changes, particularly important in tissues with variable SLC2A4RG expression levels .