ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated is a polyclonal antibody chemically linked to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), enabling fluorescent detection of the ST6GALNAC1 enzyme. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of sialic acid to N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues, forming the sialyl-Tn (STn) antigen—a biomarker associated with cancers and intestinal homeostasis . The FITC conjugate facilitates visualization in assays like ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC) .
The FITC conjugate is optimized for quantitative ELISA, enabling high-sensitivity detection of ST6GALNAC1 in biological samples . Its fluorescence allows for direct measurement without secondary antibodies, streamlining workflows.
ST6GALNAC1 overexpression is linked to cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance via the Akt pathway . Researchers use this antibody to study:
Specificity: Recognizes recombinant and native ST6GALNAC1 at ~69 kDa .
Cross-reactivity: No observed reactivity with mouse or rat homologs in tested assays .
Cancer Stem Cells: ST6GALNAC1 knockdown reduces sphere-forming ability and tumor growth in xenografts, implicating it in CSC survival .
Therapeutic Targeting: Inhibiting ST6GALNAC1 sensitizes cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), suggesting utility in chemotherapy resistance studies .
Mechanistic Insights: ST6GALNAC1 activates the Akt pathway via galectin-3 binding, a process detectable using this antibody .
ST6GALNAC1 (ST6 N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1) is a protein sialyltransferase specifically expressed in goblet cells that plays a key role in intestinal host-commensal homeostasis . It catalyzes the formation of sialyl-Tn (S-Tn) antigen by conjugating sialic acid with an alpha-2-6 linkage to N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) glycan chains linked to serine or threonine in glycoproteins .
The importance of ST6GALNAC1 in cancer research has been established through multiple studies showing that it is:
Highly expressed in colorectal cancer stem cells/cancer initiating cells (CR-CSCs/CICs)
Associated with enhanced sphere-forming ability and chemotherapeutic resistance
Linked to poor prognosis when expressed in advanced-stage cancers (Stage III and IV)
Involved in Akt pathway activation in cooperation with galectin-3
For comprehensive studies, researchers should consider analyzing ST6GALNAC1 in conjunction with cancer stem cell markers like CD44, as ST6GALNAC1 was found to sialylate CD44, potentially affecting its function in tumor progression .
Based on manufacturer specifications and research literature, ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated is primarily optimized for:
| Application | Recommended Use | Validation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Cytometry | Detecting ST6GALNAC1 in cell populations, particularly for cancer stem cell identification | Validated in multiple cell lines |
| Immunofluorescence | Visualizing cellular localization in fixed cells and tissues | Validated in human samples |
| Confocal Microscopy | High-resolution imaging of ST6GALNAC1 distribution | Expected to work based on FITC properties |
The antibody has been used successfully for detecting human ST6GALNAC1, with some cross-reactivity reported for mouse and rat samples in western blot applications . For applications requiring dual labeling, the FITC conjugation is advantageous as it eliminates the need for secondary antibodies and reduces background signal in multicolor experiments.
For optimal immunofluorescence results with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated:
Fixation:
For cell lines: 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-20 minutes at room temperature
For tissue sections: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections with appropriate antigen retrieval
Permeabilization:
Blocking:
5-10% normal serum (from species not related to primary antibody) in PBS with 0.1% Tween-20 for 1 hour
Include 0.1% bovine serum albumin to reduce non-specific binding
Antibody Dilution:
Start with manufacturer's recommended dilution (typically 1:100-1:500)
Optimization may be required based on expression levels in specific samples
Counterstaining:
DAPI for nuclear visualization
Consider golgi markers (e.g., GM130) for co-localization studies
Researchers should note that overfixation can mask epitopes and reduce staining intensity, while insufficient permeabilization may prevent access to intracellular antigens.
A robust experimental design with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated should include the following controls:
Positive Control:
Negative Controls:
Technical Controls:
Autofluorescence control (unstained sample)
Single-color controls for compensation when performing multicolor flow cytometry
Secondary antibody-only control if using indirect detection methods
Validation Controls:
Samples treated with competitive blocking using the immunogen peptide
Correlation with RT-PCR or Western blot data to confirm expression levels
The search results indicate that sphere-cultured colorectal cancer cells show higher ST6GALNAC1 expression than adherent-cultured cells, making these valuable comparative controls for cancer stem cell research .
ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated offers several methodological approaches for studying cancer stem cells:
Flow Cytometry Protocol:
Harvest cells using non-enzymatic dissociation methods to preserve surface epitopes
Fix with 2% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes) and permeabilize with 0.1% saponin
Stain with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated alongside established CSC markers:
CD44 (APC-conjugated)
ALDH activity (using ALDEFLUOR assay)
Sort positive populations for functional assays
Sphere Formation Assay Correlation:
Chemoresistance Analysis:
In vivo Tumorigenicity:
The integrated approach combining these methods provides comprehensive assessment of the functional relationship between ST6GALNAC1 expression and cancer stem cell properties.
ST6GALNAC1 has been shown to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in cooperation with galectin-3, contributing to cancer stem cell maintenance and chemoresistance . The following methodological approach can be used to investigate this relationship:
Signaling Pathway Analysis:
Western blot analysis of key signaling molecules:
Phospho-Akt (Ser473)
Total Akt
Phospho-S6
Galectin-3
Compare between ST6GALNAC1-overexpressing cells, knockdown cells, and controls
Quantify band intensities for statistical comparison
Galectin-3 Interaction Study:
Inhibitor Studies:
Treat cells with Akt inhibitors (e.g., AZD5363)
Assess effects on sphere formation and expression of stemness markers (ALDH1A1, SOX2)
Compare responses between ST6GALNAC1-high and ST6GALNAC1-low populations
Immunofluorescence Co-localization:
Use ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated alongside:
Anti-phospho-Akt antibodies (different fluorophore)
Anti-galectin-3 antibodies (different fluorophore)
Perform confocal microscopy to assess spatial relationships
Quantify co-localization using appropriate software
STn Antigen Glycosylation Analysis:
This comprehensive approach allows researchers to elucidate the mechanistic relationship between ST6GALNAC1-mediated sialylation and Akt pathway activation in cancer stem cells.
When designing multiplex immunofluorescence experiments with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated:
Fluorophore Selection:
FITC emits in the green spectrum (peak ~520 nm)
Choose complementary fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap:
Red spectrum: Cy3, Texas Red, Alexa Fluor 594
Far Red: Cy5, Alexa Fluor 647
Blue spectrum: DAPI, Hoechst (for nuclear counterstain)
Recommended Marker Combinations:
For cancer stem cell research:
ST6GALNAC1-FITC + CD44-Alexa647 + ALDH1A1-Cy3
For sialylation studies:
ST6GALNAC1-FITC + Sialyl-Tn-Cy3 + Golgi marker-Alexa647
For signaling pathway analysis:
ST6GALNAC1-FITC + phospho-Akt-Cy3 + Galectin-3-Alexa647
Sequential Staining Protocol:
Fix and permeabilize samples as previously described
Block with 10% normal serum
Apply ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated first (1-2 hours at room temperature)
Wash thoroughly (3x PBS with 0.1% Tween-20)
Apply unconjugated primary antibodies sequentially or as a cocktail
Wash thoroughly
Apply secondary antibodies with different fluorophores
Wash and counterstain with DAPI
Image Acquisition Considerations:
Capture single-color controls for spectral unmixing
Minimize bleed-through by using sequential scanning on confocal microscopes
FITC is susceptible to photobleaching; image this channel first or use anti-fade mounting media
Analysis Approaches:
Quantify co-expression using software like ImageJ, CellProfiler, or QuPath
Use segmentation algorithms to define cellular compartments
Calculate Pearson's correlation coefficient for co-localization studies
Researchers should optimize antibody concentrations when multiplexing, as some antibodies may require higher concentrations in multiplex settings compared to single-staining protocols.
ST6GALNAC1 plays a crucial role in intestinal mucin sialylation, which protects intestinal mucus against bacterial proteolytic degradation . The following methodology can be employed for investigating mucin integrity:
Tissue Section Preparation:
Collect fresh intestinal tissue samples
Process for frozen or paraffin sections (4-6 μm thickness)
For paraffin sections: Perform heat-induced epitope retrieval using citrate buffer (pH 6.0)
Dual Immunofluorescence Protocol:
Stain with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated
Co-stain with mucin markers (MUC2, MUC5AC) using differently colored fluorophores
Counterstain nuclei with DAPI
Mount with anti-fade medium
Goblet Cell Analysis:
Quantify the number of goblet cells (MUC2+) expressing ST6GALNAC1
Compare between normal and diseased tissues (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Assess correlation between ST6GALNAC1 expression and mucin layer thickness
Bacterial Penetration Assay:
Ex Vivo Mucus Degradation Assay:
Collect intestinal explants from normal and ST6GALNAC1-deficient models
Incubate with bacterial proteases
Measure mucin degradation rate
Correlate with ST6GALNAC1 expression levels using the FITC-conjugated antibody
These methodologies allow for comprehensive assessment of the relationship between ST6GALNAC1-mediated sialylation and mucin integrity in intestinal homeostasis.
Weak or No Signal:
Cause: Insufficient antigen expression, overfixation, inadequate permeabilization
Solution:
Optimize fixation time (reduce to 10 minutes for paraformaldehyde)
Increase permeabilization (0.5% Triton X-100)
Try different antigen retrieval methods for FFPE tissues
Increase antibody concentration
Extend incubation time to overnight at 4°C
Use signal amplification systems
High Background:
Cause: Insufficient blocking, too high antibody concentration, non-specific binding
Solution:
Increase blocking time (2 hours) and concentration (10% serum with 1% BSA)
Add 0.2% Tween-20 to washing buffers
Reduce antibody concentration
Pre-absorb antibody with tissue powder
Include detergent in antibody diluent (0.05% Triton X-100)
Photobleaching:
Cause: FITC is susceptible to rapid photobleaching
Solution:
Use anti-fade mounting media containing p-phenylenediamine or ProLong Gold
Minimize exposure to light during processing
Reduce excitation light intensity during imaging
Consider using Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated antibodies as an alternative (more photostable)
Non-Specific Staining:
Cause: Cross-reactivity, Fc receptor binding
Solution:
Include normal serum from the same species as the sample
Add Fc receptor blocking reagent
Validate specificity with knockdown controls
Use isotype control to determine background levels
Inconsistent Results:
Cause: Batch-to-batch variation, inconsistent sample processing
Solution:
Standardize sample collection and processing protocols
Include positive and negative controls in each experiment
Document lot numbers and validate each new antibody lot
Consider creating a reference sample set for standardization
Creating a systematic approach to troubleshooting with appropriate controls will help researchers achieve consistent and reliable results with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated.
For effective flow cytometric analysis of ST6GALNAC1 in cancer progression studies:
Sample Preparation Protocol:
Harvest cells using gentle dissociation methods (e.g., Accutase rather than trypsin)
For tissue samples: Create single-cell suspensions using mechanical and enzymatic dissociation
Fix cells in 2-4% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes, room temperature)
Permeabilize with 0.1% saponin in PBS (15 minutes, room temperature)
Block with 5% normal goat serum containing 0.1% saponin
Staining Protocol:
Incubate with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated (1:100 dilution, 1 hour at room temperature)
Wash 3× with PBS containing 0.1% saponin
For multiparameter analysis, include antibodies against:
Cancer stem cell markers (CD44, CD133, ALDH)
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin)
Proliferation markers (Ki-67)
Data Acquisition and Analysis:
Set up proper compensation using single-color controls
Acquire at least 10,000-20,000 events per sample
Gate strategy:
FSC/SSC to exclude debris
Single-cell gate to exclude doublets
Viability dye gate (if used) to exclude dead cells
Analyze ST6GALNAC1 expression in relevant populations
Experimental Designs for Cancer Progression Studies:
Temporal Analysis:
Compare early vs. late-passage cancer cells
Monitor changes in ST6GALNAC1 expression during disease progression
Treatment Response:
Analyze ST6GALNAC1+ vs. ST6GALNAC1- cells for chemoresistance
Track changes in ST6GALNAC1+ population during treatment
Metastatic Potential:
Sorting Protocol for Functional Studies:
Sort ST6GALNAC1-high and ST6GALNAC1-low populations using a 70 μm nozzle
Collect in culture medium containing 20% FBS
Use sorted populations for:
Sphere formation assays
Invasion/migration assays
In vivo limiting dilution transplantation
RNA-seq or proteomics analysis
This comprehensive flow cytometry approach enables researchers to correlate ST6GALNAC1 expression with cancer progression and functional properties of cancer cells.
Understanding the interplay between ST6GALNAC1 and other sialyltransferases is crucial for comprehensive glycosylation studies in cancer:
Sialyltransferase Family Relationships:
Differential Expression Analysis:
Technique: Quantitative RT-PCR panel for sialyltransferases
Protocol:
Extract RNA from normal and cancer tissues
Perform qRT-PCR for ST6GALNAC1, ST3GAL1, ST6GALNAC2, ST8SIA6
Normalize to housekeeping genes
Research Findings:
Functional Redundancy Assessment:
Approach: siRNA knockdown studies
Protocol:
Perform individual and combined knockdowns of multiple sialyltransferases
Assess phenotypic changes using ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated and other markers
Measure sialyl-Tn antigen expression changes
Observations: ST6GALNAC1 and ST6GALNAC2 show partial functional redundancy but distinct substrate preferences
Clinical Correlation Table:
| Sialyltransferase | Expression in Cancer | Prognostic Association | Primary Antigens Formed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST6GALNAC1 | Variable, high in CSCs | Poor prognosis in Stage III/IV | Sialyl-Tn (STn) |
| ST3GAL1 | Often upregulated | Associated with metastasis | Sialyl-T |
| ST6GALNAC2 | Generally downregulated | Better prognosis | Disialyl-T |
| ST8SIA6 | Often upregulated | Poor prognosis | Disialic acid structures |
Multiparameter Analysis:
Use ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated in combination with antibodies against other sialyltransferases
Correlate expression patterns with glycan profiles using lectin arrays
Integrate with patient outcome data for comprehensive biomarker assessment
Understanding these relationships enables researchers to develop more specific therapeutic strategies targeting aberrant sialylation in cancer.
The interaction between ST6GALNAC1-generated STn antigen and galectin-3 has significant implications for cancer progression through Akt pathway activation . Here's a methodological approach to study this interaction:
Co-Immunofluorescence Protocol:
Sample Preparation:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde (15 minutes)
Permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100 (10 minutes)
Block with 5% BSA in PBS (1 hour)
Staining:
ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated (1:200)
Anti-galectin-3 antibody with contrasting fluorophore (e.g., Cy3)
Anti-STn antibody with far-red fluorophore (e.g., Alexa Fluor 647)
Analysis:
Confocal microscopy with z-stack acquisition
Quantify triple co-localization using image analysis software
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
Principle: Detects proteins in close proximity (<40 nm)
Protocol:
Use unconjugated ST6GALNAC1 antibody with anti-STn and anti-galectin-3 antibodies
Follow manufacturer's protocol for Duolink PLA
Quantify interaction signals in control vs. ST6GALNAC1-overexpressing cells
Co-Immunoprecipitation Studies:
Protocol:
Lyse cells in non-denaturing buffer
Immunoprecipitate with anti-STn antibody
Perform Western blot for galectin-3
Reverse immunoprecipitation with anti-galectin-3
Blot for STn-carrying proteins (e.g., CD44)
Research Finding: CD44 has been identified as a key carrier of STn antigen (~130 kDa)
Functional Assays following Disruption of Interaction:
siRNA Approach:
Inhibitor Approach:
Treat cells with galectin-3 inhibitors (e.g., TD139)
Assess effects on ST6GALNAC1-mediated phenotypes
Glycan Engineering:
CRISPR-mediated knockout of ST6GALNAC1
Rescue experiments with:
Wild-type ST6GALNAC1
Catalytically inactive mutant
Analyze impact on:
STn antigen formation
Galectin-3 binding
Akt pathway activation
This comprehensive approach allows researchers to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional interaction between ST6GALNAC1-generated glycans and galectin-3 in cancer progression.
Ensuring antibody specificity is crucial for reliable research outcomes. Here are methodological approaches to validate ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated:
Genetic Validation Approaches:
siRNA Knockdown:
Transfect cells with ST6GALNAC1-specific siRNAs (at least 2 different sequences)
Confirm knockdown by qRT-PCR
Perform flow cytometry or immunofluorescence with the antibody
Expect significant signal reduction in knockdown cells
CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout:
Generate ST6GALNAC1 knockout cell lines
Validate knockout by genomic sequencing and Western blot
Compare antibody staining between wild-type and knockout cells
Complete absence of signal in knockout cells confirms specificity
Overexpression Validation:
Protocol:
Transfect cells with ST6GALNAC1 expression vector
Confirm overexpression by qRT-PCR and Western blot
Compare antibody signal between control and overexpressing cells
Expect increased signal intensity in overexpressing cells
Controls:
Include empty vector transfection
Use cell lines with known low endogenous expression
Peptide Competition Assay:
Protocol:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide (10-100× molar excess)
In parallel, incubate antibody with unrelated peptide
Perform standard staining protocol
Specific signal should be blocked by the immunizing peptide but not by unrelated peptide
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Against Related Proteins:
Test against cells overexpressing other ST6GALNAC family members
Compare staining patterns between ST6GALNAC1-6
Quantify signal specificity ratio
Against Multiple Species:
Test reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples
Document cross-reactivity for accurate experimental planning
Technical Validation:
Multiple Detection Methods:
Compare results from FITC-conjugated antibody with unconjugated primary + FITC-secondary approach
Correlation between methods supports antibody specificity
Antibody Titration:
Perform serial dilutions (1:50 to 1:1000)
Plot signal-to-noise ratio
Determine optimal concentration where specific signal is maximized and background is minimized
Implementing these validation approaches provides robust evidence for antibody specificity and strengthens the reliability of research findings using ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated.
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models offer valuable platforms for studying ST6GALNAC1 in cancer progression and treatment response. Here's a methodological framework:
PDX Model Development and Characterization:
Tissue Processing Protocol:
Process fresh tumor samples within 2 hours of resection
Confirm ST6GALNAC1 expression in original patient tumor using immunohistochemistry
Implant tumor fragments subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice
Harvest and repassage tumors at 500-1000 mm³
Characterization:
Perform flow cytometry on dissociated PDX tumors using ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated
Compare ST6GALNAC1 expression between patient tumor and PDX passages
Monitor expression stability across passages
Tumor Heterogeneity Analysis:
Multiparameter Flow Cytometry:
Dissociate PDX tumors into single cells
Stain with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated and:
Cancer stem cell markers (CD44, CD133)
Differentiation markers
Human-specific markers (to distinguish from mouse stroma)
Sort ST6GALNAC1-high and ST6GALNAC1-low populations for functional assays
Spatial Distribution Analysis:
Perform multiplex immunofluorescence on frozen PDX sections
Map ST6GALNAC1 expression relative to hypoxic regions, vasculature, and invasive fronts
Treatment Response Studies:
Protocol:
Establish PDX cohorts with documented ST6GALNAC1 expression profiles
Administer standard chemotherapy regimens
Harvest tumors at defined timepoints
Analyze changes in ST6GALNAC1 expression post-treatment
Analysis:
Targeted Therapy Approaches:
Combination Strategy:
Analysis Method:
Flow cytometry with ST6GALNAC1 Antibody, FITC conjugated
Immunofluorescence of tumor sections
qRT-PCR for expression changes
Ex Vivo Assays with PDX-derived Cells:
Protocol:
Establish short-term cultures from PDX tumors
Sort ST6GALNAC1-high and ST6GALNAC1-low populations
Perform drug sensitivity testing, sphere formation, and invasion assays
Compare functional properties between populations
This comprehensive approach leverages PDX models to investigate ST6GALNAC1's role in cancer progression and treatment response, potentially identifying vulnerabilities that could be targeted therapeutically.
Accurate quantification of ST6GALNAC1 expression is essential for comparative studies. Here's a comprehensive methodology: