SNX10 (sorting nexin 10) is a member of the sorting nexin family of proteins, characterized by the presence of a phospholipid-binding PX domain. This 201-amino acid protein with a molecular weight of approximately 24 kDa plays crucial roles in endocytosis, protein trafficking, and endosomal function . SNX10 has emerged as a significant research target due to its involvement in diverse cellular processes including:
Mutations in SNX10 have been identified in approximately 4% of cases of autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO), a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormally dense bone resulting from dysfunctional osteoclasts .
Multiple types of SNX10 antibodies are available from various suppliers, including:
| Antibody Type | Host Species | Applications | Reactivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyclonal | Rabbit | WB, ELISA, ICC, IF, IHC-fr, IHC-p | Human, Mouse, Rat |
| Monoclonal | Mouse | Western Blot (WB) | Human |
| Recombinant | Mouse | Western Blot (WB) | Human |
Most commercially available SNX10 antibodies can detect the protein in human, mouse, and rat samples, with some showing broader cross-reactivity to other species . Working dilutions typically range from 1:1000-1:8000 for Western blot applications and 1:50-1:500 for immunohistochemistry .
Thorough validation of SNX10 antibodies is critical to ensure experimental reliability. A multi-step approach is recommended:
Genetic Controls: Use SNX10 knockout (KO) cell lines or tissues as negative controls. The search results mention multiple studies that have generated SNX10 knockout models, including CRISPR-Cas9 generated SNX10 KO stable cell lines in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells .
siRNA Verification: Transfect cells with SNX10-specific siRNAs and confirm antibody signal reduction by Western blot or immunofluorescence. Studies have shown successful knockdown with 80% inhibition of SNX10 at the mRNA level using targeted siRNAs .
Recombinant Protein Controls: Run positive controls using recombinant SNX10 protein alongside your samples in Western blot applications.
Cross-reactivity Assessment: Test the antibody against related sorting nexin family proteins to ensure specificity.
Multiple Antibody Comparison: Compare results using antibodies from different sources or those targeting different epitopes of SNX10.
The expected molecular weight of approximately 24-25 kDa should be observed in Western blot applications .
Sample preparation: Lyse cells or tissues in RIPA buffer with protease inhibitors
Load 20-30 μg of total protein per lane
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels for optimal separation
Transfer to PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane
Block with 5% non-fat milk in TBST
Incubate with primary anti-SNX10 antibody at dilutions of 1:1000-1:8000
Detect using appropriate secondary antibody and visualization system
Fix samples with 4% paraformaldehyde
Perform antigen retrieval with TE buffer (pH 9.0) or citrate buffer (pH 6.0)
Block with normal serum
Incubate with primary anti-SNX10 antibody at dilutions of 1:50-1:500
Visualize using appropriate detection system
For protein interaction studies, Flag-tagged SNX10 has been successfully used to pull down interacting partners like SRC, active-SRC, and endosomal proteins .
Recent research has revealed that SNX10 plays a role in regulating the clearance of mitochondrial proteins through mechanisms distinct from canonical autophagy . To investigate this pathway:
Subcellular Fractionation with Immunoblotting:
Isolate mitochondrial, endosomal, and lysosomal fractions
Probe with anti-SNX10 antibody alongside markers for each organelle
Analyze the distribution of SNX10 across fractions
Immunofluorescence Co-localization:
Stain cells with anti-SNX10 antibody and markers for:
Mitochondria (MitoTracker or anti-COX-IV antibody)
Autophagosomes (anti-LC3B antibody)
Late endosomes/lysosomes (anti-LAMP1 or anti-CD63 antibody)
Quantify co-localization under basal and induced mitophagy conditions
Proximity Ligation Assay:
Use anti-SNX10 antibody paired with antibodies against mitochondrial proteins
Assess direct interactions between SNX10 and specific mitochondrial targets
Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry:
Pull down SNX10 using validated antibodies
Identify associated mitochondrial proteins by mass spectrometry
Research has shown that SNX10 depletion reduces levels of mitochondrial proteins like COX-IV, TIMM23, and PDH, with the strongest effect on COX-IV . These effects persist even when treating cells with autophagy inhibitors, suggesting an autophagy-independent mechanism .
SNX10 has been identified as a key regulator of ciliogenesis in vitro and in vivo . To investigate this function:
Quantitative Analysis of Cilia Formation:
Super-resolution Microscopy:
Utilize high-resolution imaging techniques to locate SNX10 at the base of primary cilia
Co-stain with basal body markers to determine precise localization
Interaction Analysis:
Live-cell Imaging:
Use fluorescently tagged anti-SNX10 antibodies for dynamic studies
Track SNX10 localization during different stages of cilia formation
SNX10 has been implicated in intestinal barrier function and inflammatory response regulation . For studying this aspect:
Tissue-specific Expression Analysis:
Use immunohistochemistry with anti-SNX10 antibodies on intestinal tissue sections
Compare expression patterns between normal and inflamed tissues
Analyze correlation with inflammatory markers
Cell-type Specific Localization:
Perform double immunofluorescence staining in intestinal tissues using:
Anti-SNX10 antibody
Markers for different intestinal cell types (epithelial cells, immune cells)
Determine which cell populations express SNX10
Signaling Pathway Analysis:
Protein-Protein Interaction Studies:
Multiple bands or unexpected molecular weights in Western blot analysis can occur for several reasons:
Post-translational Modifications: SNX10 may undergo phosphorylation or other modifications that alter its mobility on SDS-PAGE.
Protein Degradation: Insufficient protease inhibition during sample preparation can lead to degradation products.
Alternative Splicing: Potential isoforms of SNX10 may exist. The canonical form is 24 kDa , but variant isoforms may have different molecular weights.
Cross-reactivity: The antibody may recognize related sorting nexin family proteins, which share the conserved PX domain.
Species Differences: SNX10 from different species may show slight variations in molecular weight.
Recommendations:
Include positive controls (recombinant SNX10 protein)
Test multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Use freshly prepared samples with appropriate protease inhibitors
Perform peptide competition assays to confirm specificity
Consider using genetic knockout controls to identify the specific band
For high-quality co-localization studies investigating SNX10's association with cellular compartments:
Fixation Optimization:
Test both 4% paraformaldehyde and methanol fixation
PFA is typically better for membrane proteins while methanol may better preserve epitopes for some antibodies
Antigen Retrieval Methods:
Antibody Dilution Series:
Sequential vs. Simultaneous Staining:
For co-localization studies, determine whether sequential or simultaneous antibody incubation yields better results
Sequential staining may reduce potential cross-reactivity between secondary antibodies
Advanced Imaging Techniques:
Use confocal microscopy with appropriate controls for bleed-through
Consider super-resolution techniques (STED, STORM) for more precise co-localization assessment
Employ quantitative co-localization analysis using appropriate software
Research has successfully demonstrated co-localization of SNX10 with endosomal markers (RAB5, EEA1), mitochondrial markers (MitoTracker, COX-IV), and autophagy markers (LC3B) .
Based on published research, the following models have been successfully used:
Cell Lines:
Caco-2 and HT-29: Intestinal epithelial cell lines used for studies of intestinal barrier function
HCT116: Colorectal cancer cell line used for studying SNX10's role in tumor suppression
Animal Models:
Snx10 floxed mice: Generated for conditional knockout studies
Vil1-cre × Snx10 fl/fl mice: Intestinal epithelium-specific Snx10 conditional knockout
Il10−/− × Snx10 conditional knockout mice: Model for studying SNX10's role in inflammatory bowel diseases
Zebrafish: Used to confirm the role of Snx10 in regulating mitochondrial proteins
Disease Models:
AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer model in mice: Used to study SNX10's role in CRC tumorigenesis
DSS-induced acute colitis in mice: Used to study SNX10's role in intestinal inflammation
CRISPR-Cas9 Knockout:
Design sgRNAs targeting exons of the SNX10 gene
Deliver Cas9 and sgRNA via lentiviral vectors
Select puromycin-resistant clones (typically using 2.0 μg/ml puromycin)
Validate knockout by:
Western blot using anti-SNX10 antibodies
qRT-PCR for SNX10 mRNA expression
Genomic DNA sequencing of the targeted region
siRNA Knockdown:
Design multiple siRNA sequences targeting different regions of SNX10 mRNA
Transfect cells using Lipofectamine RNAiMAX or similar reagents
Validate knockdown efficiency by:
qRT-PCR to measure SNX10 mRNA levels
Western blot using anti-SNX10 antibodies
Conditional Knockout Models:
Use Snx10 floxed mice crossed with tissue-specific Cre lines
Validate tissue-specific knockout by:
qRT-PCR analysis of tissue samples
Western blot using anti-SNX10 antibodies
Immunohistochemistry of tissue sections
These genetic models not only provide controls for antibody specificity testing but also enable functional studies of SNX10 in different contexts.
Recent research has implicated SNX10 in multiple diseases beyond osteopetrosis:
Cancer Research:
Expression Analysis in Patient Samples:
Mechanistic Studies:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
Expression Correlation with Disease Severity:
Mechanism Investigation:
Metabolic Disorders:
Adipocyte Differentiation and Function:
Recent technological advances have enabled more sophisticated analyses of SNX10's interactions:
Live-Cell Super-Resolution Microscopy:
Proximity-Based Labeling:
Generate BioID or APEX2 fusions with SNX10
Identify proteins in proximity to SNX10 in different cellular compartments
This approach could reveal novel interaction partners beyond those already identified
Single-Vesicle Analysis:
Isolate SNX10-positive vesicles using immunoaffinity purification
Characterize lipid and protein composition using mass spectrometry
Compare compositions under different conditions (e.g., basal vs. induced mitophagy)
Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM):
These advanced methodologies offer new opportunities to unravel SNX10's complex roles in cellular homeostasis and disease processes.
When facing contradictory results with different SNX10 antibodies, consider the following systematic approach:
Epitope Differences:
Map the epitopes recognized by each antibody
Different antibodies may recognize distinct domains (e.g., PX domain vs. other regions)
Some epitopes may be masked in certain protein complexes or conformations
Validation Status:
Application Suitability:
Some antibodies perform well in WB but poorly in IF or IHC
Check if each antibody has been validated for your specific application
Isoform Specificity:
Determine if antibodies might recognize different SNX10 isoforms
Review epitope locations relative to potential splice variants
Experimental Context:
Cell-type specific differences in SNX10 modifications or interactions
Treatment conditions may affect epitope accessibility
Resolution Strategies:
Use orthogonal methods to verify findings (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Generate epitope-tagged SNX10 constructs for validation
Conduct genetic knockdown/knockout experiments
Robust quantitative approaches are essential for understanding SNX10's functions:
Colocalization Analysis:
Protein Degradation Kinetics:
Endosomal Trafficking Metrics:
Mitochondrial Function Assays:
Measure citrate synthase activity as a marker for mitochondrial abundance
Assess oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in control vs. SNX10-depleted cells
Quantify mitochondrial membrane potential using appropriate dyes
Statistical Analysis: