SLC9A3R2 (Solute Carrier Family 9 Member A3 Regulator 2), also known as NHERF-2 (Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor 2) or SIP-1, is a PDZ domain-containing scaffold protein that plays critical roles in various cellular processes. This protein functions primarily in regulating membrane protein trafficking, localization, and signaling. The significance of SLC9A3R2 in research stems from its involvement in stimulating CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator) channel activity, as indicated by developmental biology studies . This protein is expressed in multiple tissue types including kidney, lung, thyroid, and various cancer tissues, making it relevant to both physiological and pathological research contexts . Studying SLC9A3R2 provides insights into epithelial transport mechanisms, signal transduction pathways, and potential therapeutic targets in diseases where these processes are dysregulated.
Biotin-conjugated antibodies offer several significant advantages for SLC9A3R2 detection in research applications:
Enhanced signal amplification: The biotin-streptavidin system provides one of the strongest non-covalent biological interactions (Kd ≈ 10^-15 M), significantly enhancing detection sensitivity for proteins expressed at low levels .
Versatility across detection platforms: Biotin-conjugated antibodies can be used with various detection systems including HRP, fluorescent dyes, or quantum dot-conjugated streptavidin, providing flexibility in experimental design .
Improved stability: Biotin conjugates typically demonstrate better stability compared to direct enzyme or fluorophore conjugates, leading to more consistent results across experiments .
Compatibility with multiplexed assays: The specific biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody (CSB-PA01759D0Rb) is particularly recommended for ELISA applications, making it valuable for quantitative protein analysis .
High-quality preparation: These antibodies undergo immunoaffinity chromatography using antigen coupled to sepharose beads followed by solid phase adsorption to remove unwanted reactivities, ensuring specificity in experimental applications .
Biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibodies demonstrate compatibility with multiple experimental techniques:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): The biotin-conjugated version (CSB-PA01759D0Rb) is specifically recommended for ELISA applications, providing sensitive quantitative analysis of SLC9A3R2 levels .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): While standard SLC9A3R2 antibodies have been extensively validated in IHC applications across various tissue types including human thyroid cancer, colorectal adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the biotin conjugate offers enhanced detection sensitivity through streptavidin-based amplification systems .
Western Blotting: Though requiring optimization, recommended dilutions of 1:500-1:5000 for standard SLC9A3R2 antibodies suggest similar ranges would be effective for the biotin-conjugated version .
Flow Cytometry: SLC9A3R2 antibody has demonstrated successful application in flow cytometry analysis of PC-3 cells, indicating the biotin-conjugated version could be effectively paired with streptavidin-fluorophore conjugates for this application .
Dot Blot Analysis: Similar to other biotin-conjugated antibodies, SLC9A3R2 biotin conjugates would be suitable for dot blot applications using streptavidin detection systems .
When transitioning from standard to biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibodies, several protocol modifications are essential:
Endogenous biotin blocking: For tissue samples (particularly kidney, liver, and brain), include a biotin/avidin blocking step before applying the biotin-conjugated antibody to prevent non-specific binding to endogenous biotin. This typically involves sequential incubation with avidin and biotin solutions .
Detection system adaptation: Replace enzyme-conjugated secondary antibodies with streptavidin-conjugated detection reagents (HRP, fluorophores, or quantum dots) . The high affinity of streptavidin for biotin (Kd ≈ 10^-15 M) provides excellent sensitivity.
Dilution optimization: While standard SLC9A3R2 antibodies are recommended at 1:20-1:200 for IHC and 1:500-1:5000 for Western blotting, biotin-conjugated versions typically require further optimization, often starting at 2-5 fold higher dilutions due to the signal amplification effect .
Incubation time adjustments: Reduce streptavidin-conjugate incubation times compared to secondary antibodies to minimize background signal while maintaining specific detection.
Washing stringency: Increase washing steps (both number and duration) following biotin-conjugated antibody and streptavidin-conjugate incubations to reduce background signal.
When properly optimized, these modifications enable more sensitive detection of SLC9A3R2 while maintaining specificity across experimental applications.
Based on extensive validation studies, optimal tissue preparation for SLC9A3R2 immunohistochemistry follows this protocol:
Fixation: Paraffin embedding following fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde provides consistent results across tissue types. This fixation method preserves SLC9A3R2 epitopes while maintaining tissue morphology .
Sectioning: Thin sections (4-6 μm) ensure adequate antibody penetration and optimal signal-to-noise ratio.
Antigen retrieval: Heat-mediated antigen retrieval in EDTA buffer (pH 8.0) is consistently effective across diverse tissue types including human cancer tissues and rodent normal tissues. This specific retrieval condition appears critical for exposing SLC9A3R2 epitopes .
Blocking: Two-step blocking is recommended:
Primary antibody incubation: Incubate with biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody (starting at approximately 2 μg/ml) overnight at 4°C for optimal binding kinetics .
Detection: Incubate with streptavidin-HRP conjugate for 30 minutes at 37°C, followed by development using DAB chromogen .
This protocol has demonstrated consistent results across multiple tissue types including human thyroid cancer, colorectal adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, as well as normal tissues from mouse and rat models .
Quantitative analysis of SLC9A3R2 expression requires standardized methodologies to ensure reproducibility and accuracy:
Flow cytometry quantification:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde
Block with 10% normal goat serum
Incubate with biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody (approximately 1 μg/10^6 cells)
Detect with streptavidin-fluorophore conjugate
Include appropriate controls: isotype control antibody and unstained samples
Quantify mean fluorescence intensity and percent positive cells relative to controls
Quantitative ELISA:
The biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody (CSB-PA01759D0Rb) is specifically recommended for ELISA applications
Develop standard curves using recombinant SLC9A3R2 protein
Analyze samples in technical triplicates to ensure statistical reliability
Calculate protein concentration based on standard curve regression analysis
Immunohistochemistry quantification:
Use digital image analysis software to measure:
a) Staining intensity (integrated optical density)
b) Percent positive cells/area
c) Subcellular localization patterns
Include calibration standards in each batch to normalize for staining variability
Analyze multiple fields (minimum 5-10) per sample to account for tissue heterogeneity
Western blot densitometry:
For all quantitative analyses, statistical validation (t-tests, ANOVA) should be performed to determine significance of observed differences between experimental conditions.
SLC9A3R2 functions as a critical scaffold protein mediating multiple protein interactions through its PDZ domains. Research indicates several important aspects of its role in protein-protein interaction networks:
Ion channel regulation: SLC9A3R2 stimulates CFTR channel activity, indicating a direct functional interaction with this cystic fibrosis-associated ion channel . This interaction likely occurs through the PDZ domains of SLC9A3R2 binding to the PDZ-binding motif (D-T-R-L) present in the C-terminus of CFTR.
Experimental techniques for studying interactions:
Interaction dynamics: SLC9A3R2 may function as part of larger multiprotein complexes, mediating connections between membrane proteins and cytoskeletal elements. This organizational role positions SLC9A3R2 as a critical node in signaling networks.
Methodological approach: Researchers investigating SLC9A3R2 interactions should consider:
Understanding these interaction networks provides insights into how SLC9A3R2 influences diverse cellular processes and potentially contributes to pathological conditions when dysregulated.
Immunohistochemical analyses reveal distinctive expression patterns of SLC9A3R2 across various tissue types:
Cancer tissues with significant SLC9A3R2 expression:
Human thyroid cancer: Shows distinct SLC9A3R2 immunoreactivity following heat-mediated antigen retrieval in EDTA buffer
Human colorectal adenocarcinoma: Demonstrates SLC9A3R2 expression with defined cellular patterns
Human lung cancer: Exhibits notable SLC9A3R2 immunoreactivity
Human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Shows specific SLC9A3R2 staining patterns
Normal tissues with SLC9A3R2 expression:
Cell line expression:
This expression data suggests SLC9A3R2 plays important physiological roles in epithelial and transport functions across multiple tissues. The consistent expression in kidney tissues across species (mouse and rat) particularly indicates an important role in renal physiology. The presence in multiple cancer types suggests potential involvement in pathological processes, though direct comparative analyses between matched normal and cancer tissues from the same patients would be necessary to determine expression changes in disease states.
Multiplexed detection systems incorporating biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody require careful experimental design:
Endogenous biotin management:
Implement comprehensive biotin blocking (using commercial avidin/biotin blocking kits) prior to antibody application
Consider alternative detection strategies for tissues with exceptionally high endogenous biotin (liver, kidney, brain)
Sequential versus simultaneous detection:
For biotin-based multiplex systems, sequential detection is preferable to minimize cross-reactivity
When using the biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody alongside other primary antibodies, stagger detection steps with thorough washing between each
Spectral compatibility:
When using fluorescent detection, consider quantum dot-labeled streptavidin as mentioned in research applications ("biotin-conjugated 20 nm-diameter quantum dots 605"), which allows multiplexing with minimal spectral overlap
Select complementary fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap for other detection channels
Antibody compatibility:
Choose antibodies from different host species when possible to avoid cross-reactivity
When using multiple rabbit antibodies, consider tyramide signal amplification systems that allow sequential detection
Validation controls:
Include single-stained controls to confirm specificity and rule out channel crosstalk
Process serial sections with individual antibodies to confirm staining patterns
Image acquisition:
Collect spectral data sequentially rather than simultaneously when possible
Implement appropriate compensation algorithms during image analysis to correct for any spectral overlap
These considerations ensure reliable multiplexed detection including SLC9A3R2 without compromising data quality or introducing artifacts.
Researchers commonly encounter several technical challenges when working with biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody:
High background signal:
Weak or absent signal:
Non-specific staining:
Inconsistent results between experiments:
Signal variability across tissue sections:
Addressing these common issues through methodical optimization enables consistent and reliable results when working with biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody.
Comprehensive validation controls are essential for ensuring reliable results with SLC9A3R2 antibody:
Technical controls:
Negative control: Omit primary antibody while maintaining all other steps (identifies non-specific binding of detection reagents)
Isotype control: Substitute primary antibody with non-specific antibody of the same isotype and concentration (rabbit IgG at 1 μg/10^6 cells)
Absorption control: Pre-incubate antibody with recombinant SLC9A3R2 protein to confirm specificity
Biological controls:
Antibody validation:
Quantitation controls:
Standard curves for quantitative assays
Internal reference standards for normalization between experiments
Technical replicates to assess methodological variability
Incorporating these validation controls provides crucial quality assurance and enables confident interpretation of experimental results when working with SLC9A3R2 antibody.
Proper storage and handling of biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibody is critical for maintaining its activity:
Storage temperature:
Long-term storage: -20°C for lyophilized antibody or aliquoted solution
Working storage: 4°C for diluted antibody (use within 1 week)
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which damage both antibody structure and biotin conjugation
Buffer composition:
Reconstitution protocol:
Aliquoting strategy:
Prepare single-use aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Use sterile microcentrifuge tubes for aliquoting
Document concentration and date on each aliquot
Light protection:
While biotin conjugates are generally more stable than fluorophore conjugates, protection from extended light exposure is recommended
Store in amber tubes or wrap in aluminum foil
Following these storage guidelines ensures maximal retention of antibody activity and reproducibility across experiments.
When working with samples expressing low levels of SLC9A3R2, several signal enhancement strategies can be employed:
Amplification systems:
Biotin-streptavidin system already provides significant signal amplification
For additional sensitivity, consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA) systems
Quantum dot conjugates (biotin-conjugated 20 nm-diameter quantum dots 605) offer enhanced brightness and photostability compared to conventional fluorophores
Optimized antibody parameters:
Sample preparation enhancement:
Detection optimization:
Extended chromogen development time (for IHC applications)
Use of high-sensitivity substrates (SuperSignal, ECL Prime)
Digital image acquisition with extended exposure times and signal integration
Sample enrichment:
Concentration of protein samples before analysis
Immunoprecipitation to enrich target protein
Cell sorting to isolate populations with higher expression
These strategies should be systematically tested and optimized for specific experimental systems to achieve optimal signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining specificity.
SLC9A3R2 research has significant potential to advance understanding of disease mechanisms across multiple pathological conditions:
Cancer biology:
The detection of SLC9A3R2 in multiple cancer types (thyroid cancer, colorectal adenocarcinoma, lung cancer, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma) suggests potential roles in oncogenic processes
Investigation of SLC9A3R2 expression correlation with tumor grade, stage, and patient outcomes could identify prognostic biomarkers
Exploration of SLC9A3R2's scaffold function in cancer cell signaling may reveal novel therapeutic targets
Cystic fibrosis pathophysiology:
SLC9A3R2 stimulates CFTR channel activity, positioning it as a key regulator in the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis
Research into how SLC9A3R2-CFTR interactions are affected by disease-causing CFTR mutations could identify new therapeutic approaches
Investigation of SLC9A3R2 as a potential compensatory target to enhance residual CFTR function
Kidney disorders:
The consistent expression of SLC9A3R2 in kidney tissues across species highlights its importance in renal physiology
Research into SLC9A3R2's role in ion transport regulation could illuminate mechanisms of kidney diseases
Study of SLC9A3R2 interactions with renal transporters may identify novel therapeutic targets for kidney disorders
Epithelial transport disorders:
As a scaffold protein regulating multiple transporters and channels, SLC9A3R2 likely plays important roles in epithelial transport
Investigation of SLC9A3R2 in absorptive and secretory epithelia could advance understanding of transport disorders
Exploration of compensatory mechanisms involving SLC9A3R2 may reveal adaptive responses in disease states
Biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibodies will facilitate these investigations through applications in tissue profiling, protein-protein interaction studies, and quantitative expression analysis across disease models.
Several emerging technologies show particular promise for advancing SLC9A3R2 research:
Advanced imaging modalities:
Super-resolution microscopy to visualize nanoscale organization of SLC9A3R2-containing protein complexes
Expansion microscopy for improved visualization of subcellular localization patterns
Live-cell imaging combined with optogenetic tools to study dynamic SLC9A3R2 interactions
Proteomics approaches:
Proximity labeling methods (BioID, APEX) to identify proteins in close spatial proximity to SLC9A3R2
Cross-linking mass spectrometry to capture transient protein interactions
Quantitative interaction proteomics to measure changes in SLC9A3R2 interactome composition under different conditions
Genomic engineering:
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated endogenous tagging of SLC9A3R2 for visualization and pulldown
Creation of conditional knockout models to study tissue-specific functions
Base editing or prime editing to introduce specific mutations modeling disease variants
Multiplexed tissue analysis:
Highly multiplexed antibody-based imaging (CODEX, Imaging Mass Cytometry) to analyze SLC9A3R2 in the context of dozens of other markers
Spatial transcriptomics to correlate SLC9A3R2 protein expression with local transcriptional programs
Single-cell analysis combined with spatial information to understand cellular heterogeneity
Computational approaches:
Molecular modeling of SLC9A3R2 interactions to predict functional consequences of mutations
Systems biology integration of SLC9A3R2 into protein-protein interaction networks
Machine learning applications for image analysis of SLC9A3R2 expression patterns
Biotin-conjugated SLC9A3R2 antibodies will interface well with many of these technologies, particularly those involving multiplexed detection systems and quantitative proteomics approaches.