| Application | Dilution Range |
|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:500 – 1:5,000 |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:500 – 1:1,000 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF) | 1:50 – 1:200 |
SLC5A5 is a sodium/iodide symporter critical for iodide uptake in thyroid follicular cells, enabling thyroid hormone synthesis . Dysregulation is linked to thyroid dyshormonogenesis and cancer progression . The FITC-conjugated antibody enables visualization of SLC5A5 localization and expression levels in cellular studies.
Immunohistochemistry:
Western Blot:
While specific data for the FITC conjugate are not explicitly provided, its protocol compatibility is inferred from unconjugated antibody validations .
| Conjugate | Product Code | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| APC | FAB8367A | Flow cytometry |
| HRP | CSB-PA835713LB01HU | ELISA |
| Biotin | CSB-PA835713LD01HU | ELISA |
The FITC conjugate is optimal for fluorescence-based assays like IF, whereas APC suits flow cytometry .
Functional Studies: SLC5A5 antibodies have been used to investigate iodide transport mechanisms in thyroid cancer models .
Disease Link: Mutations in SLC5A5 cause congenital hypothyroidism (OMIM: 274400) .
SLC5A5 (Solute Carrier Family 5 Member 5) is the sodium iodide symporter/cotransporter protein responsible for active iodide transport in tissues such as the thyroid gland. This membrane protein plays a critical role in thyroid hormone biosynthesis and is implicated in various pathologies including thyroid disorders, cancer research, and metabolic regulation studies . The protein exists in multiple forms: a fully glycosylated 97kDa form, a non-glycosylated 68kDa form, and occasionally as higher-order structures at approximately 160kDa . The detection of SLC5A5 through fluorescent antibodies enables researchers to visualize its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and protein dynamics in experimental systems, making it valuable for both basic research and clinical investigations.
FITC-conjugated SLC5A5 antibodies possess specific optical properties that researchers must consider when designing multi-parameter experiments:
| Property | Specification | Practical Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Excitation maximum | 499 nm | Compatible with 488 nm argon laser lines |
| Emission maximum | 515 nm | Detected in green fluorescence channel |
| Laser line | 488 nm | Standard on most flow cytometers and confocal microscopes |
These spectral characteristics make FITC conjugates particularly suitable for multi-color applications where proper compensation and filter selection are implemented . When designing experiments, researchers should account for potential spectral overlap with other fluorophores, particularly those with emission in the 500-550 nm range.
The clonality and host species of SLC5A5 antibodies significantly impact experimental design and interpretation:
Polyclonal antibodies recognize multiple epitopes on the SLC5A5 protein, providing stronger signal amplification and greater tolerance to protein denaturation . They excel in applications where protein conformation may be altered, such as fixed tissue immunohistochemistry.
Host species considerations: Mouse monoclonal antibodies (like clone 14F) require anti-mouse secondary detection systems and may produce background when used on mouse tissues . Rabbit polyclonal antibodies offer advantages when working with murine samples but require anti-rabbit detection reagents . Cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies are recommended to minimize cross-reactivity in multi-species experiments.
Optimization of SLC5A5 antibody dilution is critical for achieving optimal signal-to-noise ratio. The following titration protocol is recommended:
Prepare serial dilutions of the FITC-conjugated antibody (e.g., 1:50, 1:100, 1:200, 1:500, and 1:1000) in appropriate antibody diluent .
Apply dilutions to identical sample preparations, maintaining consistent incubation conditions.
Process slides simultaneously using identical imaging parameters.
Quantitatively assess signal intensity and background for each dilution.
Select the dilution that provides maximum specific signal with minimal background fluorescence.
Sample preparation significantly impacts SLC5A5 detection quality, particularly for this membrane-localized protein:
Fixation methods:
4% paraformaldehyde (10-15 minutes) preserves membrane localization while maintaining fluorophore activity
Avoid methanol fixation which can disrupt membrane protein conformation
For tissues, 10% neutral buffered formalin with controlled fixation time (12-24 hours) followed by antigen retrieval optimizes epitope accessibility
Permeabilization considerations:
Mild detergent treatment (0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 or 0.1% saponin) allows antibody access while preserving membrane structures
Excessive permeabilization may disrupt membrane integrity and alter SLC5A5 localization patterns
Blocking strategy:
Use 5-10% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody
Include 1% BSA to reduce non-specific binding
Consider adding 0.1% Tween-20 to reduce hydrophobic interactions
The preparation protocol should be systematically optimized based on the specific cellular or tissue system under investigation, as SLC5A5 expression levels and accessibility vary significantly across experimental models .
Flow cytometry analysis using FITC-conjugated SLC5A5 antibodies requires specific protocol adaptations:
Cell preparation: Prepare single-cell suspensions while maintaining membrane integrity. Avoid harsh enzymatic dissociation methods that might cleave surface epitopes.
Staining buffer optimization: Include 0.1% sodium azide to prevent internalization of the antibody-receptor complex and 2-5% serum to reduce non-specific binding.
Titration: Perform antibody titration to determine the optimal concentration that provides maximum separation between positive and negative populations.
Controls:
Include unstained cells to establish autofluorescence baseline
Use isotype-matched FITC-conjugated control antibodies at identical concentrations
If available, use positive control cells with known SLC5A5 expression (e.g., HEK293 transfected with human SLC5A5)
Consider including a blocking control using unconjugated antibody
Instrument setup:
Experimental data from HEK293 cells transfected with human SLC5A5 and eGFP demonstrate the utility of this approach, where quadrant markers can be set based on control antibody staining . This methodology allows for accurate quantification of SLC5A5-positive populations in heterogeneous samples.
SLC5A5 exists in multiple forms, including the fully glycosylated 97kDa form and the non-glycosylated 68kDa form, presenting a challenge for specific detection . The following approaches can help differentiate these forms:
Western blot analysis alongside immunofluorescence:
Perform parallel western blot analysis to identify the molecular weight forms present in your sample
Compare migration patterns before and after treatment with glycosidases (PNGase F or Endo H)
Correlate western blot patterns with immunofluorescence intensity
Subcellular localization assessment:
The fully glycosylated form (97kDa) predominantly localizes to the plasma membrane
The non-glycosylated form (68kDa) may show more intracellular/perinuclear distribution
Use confocal microscopy with Z-stack imaging to precisely evaluate membrane vs. cytoplasmic localization
Biochemical approaches:
Treat samples with tunicamycin to inhibit N-linked glycosylation
Compare antibody binding patterns before and after treatment
Quantify changes in molecular weight distribution and fluorescence intensity
Understanding the glycosylation state is particularly important when studying SLC5A5 trafficking, as proper glycosylation is required for membrane insertion and functional activity . Changes in the ratio between glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms may indicate alterations in protein processing pathways.
Non-specific binding can compromise experimental interpretation. The following systematic troubleshooting approach is recommended:
Antibody validation:
Confirm antibody specificity using positive control samples (e.g., thyroid tissue or transfected cell lines)
Include appropriate negative controls lacking SLC5A5 expression
Perform peptide competition assays to confirm epitope specificity
Protocol optimization:
Increase blocking duration and concentration (try 5-10% serum with 1-3% BSA)
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in blocking and antibody diluent solutions
Increase washing stringency (more washes, higher salt concentration)
Reduce antibody concentration based on titration results
Signal-to-noise enhancement:
Counter-stain nuclei with DAPI to facilitate cell identification
Utilize spectral unmixing to separate true signal from autofluorescence
Consider photobleaching techniques to reduce tissue autofluorescence
Storage and handling:
If non-specific binding persists despite these interventions, consider switching to alternative detection methods (e.g., immunohistochemistry with enzymatic detection) or different antibody clones targeting distinct epitopes within the SLC5A5 protein.
Multiplexed immunofluorescence incorporating SLC5A5 detection requires careful panel design:
Spectral considerations:
Antibody compatibility:
Select complementary antibodies raised in different host species to avoid cross-reactivity
When using multiple mouse monoclonals, consider sequential staining with direct conjugates
Validate each antibody individually before combining in multiplex panels
Multiplex staining protocol:
Apply antibodies sequentially if raised in the same species
Use Fab fragments to block potential cross-reactivity between detection systems
Include single-stain controls for accurate spectral unmixing
Analysis considerations:
Employ spectral imaging and linear unmixing algorithms to separate overlapping signals
Utilize image analysis software capable of cell-by-cell quantification
Implement machine learning approaches for unbiased classification of complex expression patterns
This approach allows simultaneous assessment of SLC5A5 expression alongside markers for cell phenotyping, signaling pathway activation, or functional state assessment, providing richer contextual information than single-marker studies.
Advanced imaging techniques require special considerations for optimal SLC5A5 visualization:
Super-resolution microscopy:
FITC photobleaching can limit extended acquisition; consider oxygen scavenger systems
For STORM/PALM applications, ensure appropriate labeling density for point localization
For SIM applications, optimize grid pattern frequency based on structure size
Live-cell imaging:
FITC-conjugated antibodies are generally unsuitable for live-cell applications
Consider using Fab fragments for reduced interference with protein function
Implement photostability enhancers to reduce photobleaching during time-lapse imaging
Tissue clearing techniques:
Evaluate compatibility of FITC fluorescence with clearing protocols (CLARITY, CUBIC, etc.)
Adjust imaging parameters to compensate for light scattering and signal attenuation
Consider post-staining approaches after clearing for optimal antibody penetration
Quantitative imaging:
Include calibration standards for fluorescence intensity normalization
Implement flat-field correction to account for illumination non-uniformities
Standardize exposure settings and acquisition parameters across experimental groups
By addressing these technical considerations, researchers can maximize the information obtained from SLC5A5 immunofluorescence studies and achieve reproducible, quantifiable results that advance our understanding of this important membrane transporter in normal physiology and disease states.