SLIT3 (Slit homolog 3) is a secreted glycoprotein belonging to the Slit family, which plays critical roles in axon guidance, angiogenesis, and tissue development. SLIT3 antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect and study this protein, with HRP (horseradish peroxidase) conjugation enabling enzymatic detection in assays like ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). HRP conjugation facilitates visualization through chromogenic or chemiluminescent substrates.
While primary SLIT3 antibodies are typically unconjugated, secondary antibodies (e.g., anti-rabbit IgG-HRP) are often HRP-conjugated to detect primary antibodies bound to SLIT3. This distinction is crucial for experimental design. Below is a structured analysis of SLIT3 antibodies, their applications, and research findings.
SLIT3 antibodies target distinct regions of the protein, influencing their utility:
N-terminal antibodies (e.g., ARP58766_P050) target the proteolytic N-terminal fragment, aiding studies of angiogenesis and neurovascular expansion .
C-terminal antibodies (e.g., ab11018) bind the heparin-binding C-terminal fragment (HSCF), relevant to coagulation and anticoagulant neutralization .
Full-length antibodies (e.g., AF3629) detect both soluble and membrane-bound SLIT3, useful for IHC in developmental studies .
SLIT3 promotes angiogenesis via Robo4 receptor binding and heparin/heparan sulfate interactions . Antibodies targeting SLIT3 or its receptors are used to:
Block SLIT3-Robo4 signaling, inhibiting endothelial cell migration and tube formation .
Study SLIT3 proteolytic processing, such as the cleavage into N-terminal (angiogenic) and C-terminal (heparin-binding) fragments .
Example: In brown adipose tissue (BAT), SLIT3 fragments coordinate vascular and sympathetic nerve expansion. Antibody-mediated knockdown of SLIT3 in BAT progenitors reduces thermogenesis and survival during cold exposure .
The C-terminal fragment of SLIT3 (HSCF) binds heparin with high affinity, neutralizing its anticoagulant activity. Antibodies against HSCF have potential clinical applications:
Reversing heparin overdose: HSCF inhibits antithrombin (AT) binding to heparin, restoring coagulation .
Detecting SLIT3 in plasma: ELISA-based assays using HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies quantify SLIT3 levels .
Primary Antibody: Unconjugated SLIT3 antibody (e.g., ab11018, 1:1000 dilution).
Secondary Antibody: HRP-conjugated anti-rabbit IgG (1:3000).
Primary Antibody: Goat anti-SLIT3 (AF3629, 5 µg/mL).
Secondary Antibody: HRP-conjugated anti-goat IgG.
Capture Antibody: Unconjugated SLIT3 antibody.
Detection Antibody: HRP-conjugated anti-SLIT3 or secondary antibody.
Epitope Competition: N-terminal and C-terminal antibodies may interfere with SLIT3-Robo4 or heparin interactions in functional studies .
Species Cross-Reactivity: Human-specific antibodies (e.g., ab11018) may not detect murine SLIT3 .
Therapeutic Potential: HSCF-based antidotes for heparin overdose require clinical validation .