TAC1 (tachykinin precursor 1) encodes neuropeptides such as substance P and neurokinin A, which regulate neurotransmission, inflammation, and smooth muscle contraction . HRP-conjugated TAC1 antibodies are specialized tools for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), combining immunospecificity with enzymatic detection. These antibodies enable precise quantification of TAC1 and its derivatives in biological samples .
The HRP-conjugated antibody is optimized for ELISA, with:
Quantitative Detection: Used in ELISA kits to measure TAC1 levels in serum, plasma, and cell culture supernatants .
Biosynthesis Studies: Analyzes TAC1 expression in granulosa cells and its role in follicular dynamics .
Tissue Distribution: High expression in the small intestine, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus .
Cellular Localization: Secreted protein; detected in medium spiny neurons and interneurons .
Regulatory Mechanisms:
Cancer Research: TAC1 antibodies aid in studying neurokinin signaling in tumors .
Neuroscience: Used to map tachykinin pathways in brain tissue (e.g., mouse/rat brain) .
TAC1, also known as Protachykinin-1, is a gene that encodes for a family of neuropeptides known as tachykinins. These peptides are characterized by their ability to rapidly stimulate contraction of intestinal muscle, hence the name "tachykinins" . TAC1 is responsible for four products of the tachykinin peptide hormone family: substance P, neurokinin A (NKA), neuropeptide K (NPK), and neuropeptide gamma . These peptides function as active molecules that excite neurons, evoke behavioral responses, act as potent vasodilators and secretagogues, and contract many smooth muscles (directly or indirectly) . TAC1 and its peptides are widely distributed in the nervous system and play important roles in neurotransmission, neuromodulation, and neuroinflammation, making them significant targets in neuroscience, cancer, and metabolism research .
TAC1 protein has a calculated molecular weight of 15 kDa (129 amino acids), though it is sometimes observed at 17 kDa in experimental conditions . The human TAC1 gene has the GenBank Accession Number BC018047 and NCBI Gene ID 6863 . The protein's UniProt ID is P20366 . The gene is evolutionarily conserved and ubiquitously expressed, although its functions are organ-specific . Structurally, TAC1 functions as a precursor protein that is cleaved to produce the bioactive tachykinin peptides, with the full sequence spanning 129 amino acids in humans .
The primary difference lies in their detection methods and applications:
HRP-conjugated TAC1 antibodies: These antibodies have horseradish peroxidase directly linked to them, enabling colorimetric detection in assays like ELISA without requiring a secondary antibody . The enzymatic activity of HRP produces a color change when exposed to an appropriate substrate.
Unconjugated TAC1 antibodies: These require a labeled secondary antibody for detection and are versatile for applications like IHC, IF/ICC, and Western blotting .
FITC-conjugated TAC1 antibodies: These are directly labeled with a fluorescent tag for fluorescence-based detection methods .
Biotin-conjugated TAC1 antibodies: These utilize biotin-avidin interactions for signal amplification and are particularly useful in sensitive detection methods .
TAC1 expression shows distinct tissue distribution patterns. α-TAC1 mRNA is localized in numerous neurons of the brain, while β-TAC1 and γ-TAC1 are predominantly expressed in intrinsic enteric neurons and sensory neurons . According to immunohistochemistry validation data, TAC1 protein is positively detected in mouse brain tissue, human brain tissue, human hypothalamus tissue, human stomach tissue, and human pancreas tissue . Additionally, TAC1 has been detected in PC-12 cells using immunofluorescence techniques . Understanding this distribution pattern is crucial for designing appropriate controls when working with TAC1 antibodies.
TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated is primarily validated for ELISA applications . The antibody shows reactivity with human samples and has been specifically optimized for competitive inhibition ELISA reactions . Some TAC1 antibody formulations, though not necessarily all HRP-conjugated versions, are also validated for other applications including:
It's important to note that while HRP-conjugated versions are optimized for ELISA, the appropriate application should be verified for each specific antibody formulation .
For a competitive inhibition ELISA using TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated:
Assay Principle: A competitive inhibition reaction is launched between biotin-labeled TAC1 and unlabeled TAC1 (standards or samples) with the pre-coated antibody specific to TAC1 .
Protocol Optimization:
Coating Concentration: Use optimal concentration of capture antibody (typically 1-10 μg/ml)
Sample Preparation: Ensure proper dilution of samples in appropriate buffer
Incubation Time and Temperature: Standard conditions are 37°C for 1-2 hours
Blocking: Use 1-5% BSA in PBS to reduce background
Washing: Thorough washing between steps is critical (3-5 washes)
Substrate Addition: Add TMB substrate and monitor color development
Stop Solution: Add stop solution when appropriate color intensity is reached
Data Analysis: Generate a standard curve using known concentrations of TAC1. The intensity of color developed is inversely proportional to the concentration of TAC1 in the sample .
Optimization Tips:
The optimal storage buffer composition for maintaining TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated activity typically includes:
Base Buffer: PBS at pH 7.3-7.4 as the primary buffer component
Preservative: 0.02-0.03% Proclin 300 or sodium azide to prevent microbial growth
Stabilizer: 50% Glycerol to maintain protein stability during freeze-thaw cycles
Additional Components: Some formulations contain 0.1% BSA for added stability
When designing experimental buffers for working with TAC1 antibodies, consider:
Avoiding detergents that could interfere with antigen-antibody interactions
Maintaining pH between 7.2-7.4 for optimal binding
Using freshly prepared buffers to ensure consistency in results
Avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles that could degrade the antibody
Based on research findings, SDF-1α (Stromal cell-derived growth factor-1α) has been shown to regulate TAC1 expression in bone marrow stroma through a concentration-dependent mechanism . To investigate this relationship:
Experimental Design:
Treat bone marrow stromal cells with varying concentrations of SDF-1α (e.g., 20, 50, and 100 ng/ml)
After appropriate incubation periods, conduct competitive ELISA using TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated to quantify TAC1 peptide production (particularly substance P)
Compare with reporter gene assays and Northern blot analyses to correlate protein levels with transcriptional activity and mRNA expression
Expected Results:
A bell-shaped response curve where 20 ng/ml SDF-1α stimulates TAC1 expression
Higher concentrations (50 and 100 ng/ml) inhibit TAC1 expression
NF-κB involvement in the repressive effects at higher concentrations of SDF-1α
Significance:
This approach helps elucidate the neural-immune-hemopoietic axis, particularly how SDF-1α levels above baseline in bone marrow stroma induce substance P production to stimulate hemopoiesis, while substance P does not act as an autocrine stimulator of SDF-1α production .
To comprehensively study TAC1's role in neuroinflammation, researchers can employ multiple complementary approaches:
Multiplex Immunoassays:
Combine TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated ELISA with multiplexed cytokine/chemokine assays
Correlate TAC1 peptide levels with inflammatory mediators in the same samples
Tissue-Specific Analysis:
Cell-Specific Investigation:
Employ flow cytometry with appropriate TAC1 antibodies to identify TAC1-expressing cell populations
Sort cells for RNA-seq to identify associated inflammatory gene networks
Functional Assessments:
Combine TAC1 quantification with neurobehavioral testing in animal models
Correlate substance P levels (detected using TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated) with markers of blood-brain barrier integrity
Receptor Interaction Studies:
To investigate the relationship between TAC1 and hemopoiesis:
Long-term Culture-Initiating Cell Assays:
Establish bone marrow stromal cell cultures
Manipulate TAC1 expression (knockdown/overexpression)
Quantify TAC1 peptide production using TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated
Assess hemopoietic supporting capacity of stromal cells under different conditions
SDF-1α-Mediated Effects:
Treat cultures with varying concentrations of SDF-1α (20, 50, 100 ng/ml)
Measure TAC1 peptide production (particularly substance P)
Correlate with hemopoietic activity
Receptor Studies:
Use specific receptor antagonists (e.g., for neurokinin 1 receptor)
Determine which receptor mediates the hemopoietic effects of TAC1 peptides
Intracellular Signaling Analysis:
Investigate NF-κB pathway involvement in TAC1 regulation
Use reporter gene assays with the 5' flanking region of TAC1
Correlate with Northern analyses and ELISA for mRNA and protein levels
This approach would build on findings that SDF-1α affects hemopoiesis indirectly through substance P production, with neurokinin 1 as the relevant receptor, while substance P does not regulate SDF-1α production in stroma .
Common issues and their solutions include:
For optimal results:
Store antibody at -20°C or -80°C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Prepare working dilutions immediately before use
Include appropriate positive controls (e.g., mouse brain tissue, human brain/hypothalamus tissue)
For antigen retrieval, use TE buffer pH 9.0 or citrate buffer pH 6.0 as recommended
When facing contradictions between TAC1 protein levels (measured by ELISA with TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated) and gene expression data:
Consider Post-transcriptional Regulation:
Protein Processing and Stability:
Temporal Considerations:
Tissue/Cell-Type Specificity:
Technical Validation:
To ensure experimental validity when working with TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated:
Positive Controls:
Tissue Samples: Mouse brain tissue, human brain/hypothalamus tissue, human stomach tissue, human pancreas tissue (all validated for TAC1 expression)
Cell Lines: PC-12 cells (validated for positive IF/ICC detection)
Recombinant Protein: Purified TAC1 protein or synthetic TAC1 peptides at known concentrations
Negative Controls:
Antibody Controls: Isotype-matched irrelevant antibody (rabbit IgG)
Peptide Neutralization: Pre-absorption of antibody with immunizing peptide
Secondary-only Controls: Omit primary antibody to assess non-specific binding
Technical Controls:
Standard Curve: Serial dilutions of recombinant TAC1 protein
Dilution Linearity: Serial dilutions of positive samples to verify response proportionality
Spike-in Recovery: Addition of known amounts of analyte to verify detection efficiency
Biological Validation:
Research utilizing TAC1 antibodies has revealed crucial insights into the neural-immune-hemopoietic axis:
SDF-1α as a New Mediator:
Studies have demonstrated that SDF-1α regulates TAC1 expression in bone marrow stroma in a concentration-dependent manner
At 20 ng/ml, SDF-1α stimulates TAC1 expression, while at 50-100 ng/ml, it inhibits expression through an NF-κB-dependent mechanism
This regulation has functional consequences for hemopoiesis, with substance P (a TAC1 peptide) mediating indirect effects of SDF-1α
Receptor Specificity:
Unidirectional Regulation:
These discoveries position TAC1 as a critical link between neural signals, immune responses, and hemopoietic regulation, opening avenues for therapeutic interventions in conditions affecting these systems.
TAC1 antibodies are increasingly being utilized in cancer research, with several emerging applications:
Biomarker Development:
TAC1 peptides, particularly substance P, are being investigated as potential biomarkers for certain cancers
Quantification using TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated in ELISA can help establish reference ranges for clinical applications
Tumor Microenvironment Analysis:
TAC1 peptides function in neurogenic inflammation and modulation of immune responses
Immunohistochemistry with TAC1 antibodies helps map peptide distribution in tumor microenvironments
Co-staining with markers for immune cells, blood vessels, and stromal components provides insights into TAC1's role in tumor biology
Therapeutic Target Validation:
As neurokinin receptor antagonists advance in clinical development, TAC1 antibodies are crucial for validating target expression
Correlating TAC1 peptide levels with treatment responses can identify potential predictive biomarkers
Neuroendocrine Tumor Characterization:
TAC1 peptides are expressed in various neuroendocrine tumors
Antibody-based detection methods help classify these tumors and understand their biology
These applications leverage TAC1's known roles in neuroinflammation, immune modulation, and vascular responses, which are all relevant to cancer development and progression .
Several technical advances are poised to enhance TAC1 antibody applications:
Multiplexed Detection Systems:
Development of multiplexed platforms allowing simultaneous detection of multiple TAC1 peptides (substance P, neurokinin A, neuropeptide K, neuropeptide gamma)
Integration with cytokine/chemokine panels for comprehensive inflammatory profiling
Improved Specificity:
Next-generation antibodies with enhanced specificity for individual TAC1 isoforms and processed peptides
Recombinant antibody technology producing more consistent lot-to-lot performance
Single-Cell Applications:
Adaptation of TAC1 antibodies for single-cell proteomics
Integration with spatial transcriptomics to correlate protein localization with gene expression at single-cell resolution
In vivo Imaging:
Development of TAC1 antibody derivatives suitable for in vivo imaging
Fluorescence or radiotracer-conjugated variants for tracking TAC1 peptide distribution in real-time
Automated Analysis Platforms:
AI-based image analysis tools for quantitative assessment of TAC1 immunostaining patterns
Machine learning algorithms to correlate TAC1 expression with clinical outcomes
These advances will enhance the utility of TAC1 antibodies across research applications, from basic neuroscience to clinical oncology and immunology.
Commercially available TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated products typically have the following specifications:
Antigen retrieval methods can significantly impact TAC1 antibody performance in tissue samples:
Recommended Methods:
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
For brain tissue (mouse and human): TE buffer pH 9.0 provides optimal results
For peripheral tissues (human stomach, pancreas): Both methods work, but may require optimization
Protocol Factors:
Temperature: Heat-induced epitope retrieval (95-100°C) typically yields better results than enzymatic methods
Duration: 15-20 minutes of heat treatment balances epitope exposure with tissue preservation
Cooling: Slow cooling to room temperature improves staining consistency
Performance Comparison:
Optimization Strategy:
To ensure reliable results with TAC1 Antibody, HRP conjugated, implement the following quality control measures:
Antibody Validation:
Assay Performance Metrics:
Determine assay sensitivity (limit of detection)
Establish standard curve linearity and range
Calculate intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation (<10% is desirable)
Perform spike-and-recovery tests to assess matrix effects
Protocol Standardization:
Maintain consistent incubation times and temperatures
Use calibrated pipettes and validated reagent lots
Implement detailed SOPs for each application
Sample Handling:
Standardize collection, processing, and storage conditions
Document freeze-thaw cycles for each sample
Include stability controls to monitor degradation
Data Analysis:
Use appropriate curve-fitting models for quantitative analysis
Include quality control samples in each run (low, medium, high concentrations)
Establish acceptance criteria for results validity (e.g., R² > 0.98 for standard curves)
Documentation:
Maintain detailed records of antibody lot, dilution, and storage conditions
Document any deviations from standard protocols
Archive raw data along with processed results for traceability