TFDP2 (Transcription Factor Dp-2), also known as E2F Dimerization Partner 2, is a critical coactivator of E2F transcription factors. It regulates cell-cycle progression from G1 to S phase by forming heterodimers with E2F family members, enabling DNA binding and transcriptional activation of genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis . In erythropoiesis, TFDP2 couples cell-cycle exit with terminal differentiation by upregulating erythroid-specific genes (e.g., hemoglobin chains) while suppressing cell-cycle inhibitors . Additionally, TFDP2 is implicated in viral pathogenesis, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), where it facilitates viral proliferation by modulating cell-cycle dynamics .
TFDP2 antibodies are essential tools for studying its function in cellular regulation. Below is a comparison of key antibodies, including the FITC-conjugated variant:
The TFDP2 Antibody, FITC conjugated (Cepham Life Sciences) is a polyclonal antibody raised against a recombinant human TFDP2 protein fragment (344–386 amino acids) . Key specifications include:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host/Isotype | Rabbit IgG |
| Reactivity | Human |
| Immunogen | Recombinant human TFDP2 (344–386AA) |
| Conjugate | FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) |
| Tested Applications | ELISA |
| Storage Buffer | 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), 0.03% Proclin 300 |
| Storage Conditions | -20°C or -80°C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles |
This antibody is optimized for detecting TFDP2 in ELISA assays, leveraging FITC’s fluorescence (excitation/emission: ~495/520 nm) for sensitive quantification .
While the FITC-conjugated antibody is validated for ELISA, TFDP2’s role in cellular processes informs its potential applications:
Erythropoiesis: TFDP2 knockdown reduces erythroid-specific gene expression (e.g., hemoglobin chains, GATA1) and traps cells in the S phase, impairing differentiation .
Viral Pathogenesis: PRRSV infection upregulates TFDP2, which enhances viral replication by promoting cell-cycle progression .
Adipocyte Differentiation: TFDP2 inhibits adipogenesis by repressing CEBPA, a key adipogenic transcription factor .
For the FITC-conjugated antibody:
| Application | Dilution | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA | Not explicitly stated | Titrate antibody to optimize signal-to-noise ratio; use blocking agents to reduce non-specific binding . |
| Conjugate | Fluorophore | Applications | Excitation/Emission | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITC | Fluorescein | ELISA | ~495/520 nm | |
| CoraLite® 488 | Cyanine-based dye | IF/ICC, FC (Intra) | 493/522 nm |
TFDP2 (Transcription Factor Dp-2) is a transcription cofactor that binds DNA cooperatively with E2F family members through the E2 recognition site (5′-TTTC[CG]CGC-3′) found in promoter regions of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA replication. The TFDP2:E2F complex functions critically in controlling cell-cycle progression from G1 to S phase. Additionally, the E2F1:DP complex appears to mediate both cell proliferation and apoptosis. TFDP2 also blocks adipocyte differentiation by repressing CEBPA binding to its target gene promoters .
In erythroid cells, TFDP2 is essential for proper erythroid differentiation, with its expression being highly upregulated during terminal erythropoiesis. TFDP2 knockdown leads to significantly reduced rates of proliferation and reduced upregulation of many erythroid-important genes, including alpha and beta hemoglobin chains (Hbb-b1 and Hba-a1), GATA1, and enzymes required for heme biosynthesis .
The FITC-conjugated TFDP2 antibody is typically a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits against human TFDP2. The specifications include:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Antibody Type | Polyclonal |
| Host | Rabbit |
| Species Reactivity | Human |
| Immunogen | Recombinant human TFDP2 protein (344-386AA) |
| Conjugation | FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) |
| Purity | >95%, Protein G purified |
| Storage Buffer | PBS, pH 7.3, containing 0.03% Proclin 300, 50% glycerol |
| Storage Conditions | -20°C or -80°C, avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles and exposure to light |
| Applications Tested | ELISA |
| Molecular Weight | Observed: 50 kDa; Calculated: 34-49 kDa (multiple isoforms) |
The FITC-conjugated TFDP2 antibody should be stored according to these guidelines to maintain optimal activity:
Upon receipt, aliquot the antibody to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Store at -20°C or -80°C in a freezer (not frost-free to avoid freeze-thaw cycles)
Protect from light exposure as FITC is light-sensitive
When thawing for use, thaw quickly at room temperature and keep on ice once thawed
Return unused portion to -20°C immediately after use
Avoid exposure to high temperatures or extreme pH conditions
For long-term storage stability, maintain in the buffer provided (PBS, pH 7.3-7.4 with 0.03% Proclin 300 and 50% glycerol)
For optimal fluorescence microscopy using FITC-conjugated TFDP2 antibody:
Fixation protocol:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature
Alternatively, use methanol fixation (-20°C for 10 minutes) for nuclear proteins like TFDP2
Permeabilization:
Use 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100 in PBS for 5-10 minutes to allow antibody access to nuclear proteins
Blocking:
Block with 5% normal serum (from the same species as the secondary antibody if used) in PBS with 0.1% Tween-20 for 1 hour at room temperature
Antibody dilution:
Start with a 1:50 to 1:200 dilution range in blocking buffer
Optimize through titration experiments for your specific cell type
Incubation conditions:
Incubate overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber protected from light
For co-localization studies with E2F proteins, ensure minimal spectral overlap with other fluorophores
Counterstaining:
Use DAPI (1 μg/ml) for nuclear visualization
Mount in anti-fade mounting medium to preserve FITC fluorescence
Microscopy settings:
While the FITC-conjugated antibody is primarily designed for immunofluorescence applications, TFDP2 antibodies can be used in Western blot with these optimization strategies:
Sample preparation:
Use RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors for cell lysis
For nuclear proteins like TFDP2, consider using nuclear extraction protocols
Denature samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in Laemmli buffer with DTT
Gel selection and transfer:
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels (TFDP2 observed MW: 50 kDa)
Transfer to PVDF membranes at 100V for 1 hour or 30V overnight
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
For non-conjugated TFDP2 antibodies, dilute 1:200 to 1:2000 in blocking solution
Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle rocking
Detection considerations:
For unconjugated antibodies, use HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies
If using pre-conjugated antibodies, ensure the fluorophore/enzyme is compatible with your detection system
Expected band size: 50 kDa (observed); multiple bands may be detected (34-49 kDa) due to different isoforms
Validation controls:
Since TFDP2 functions through interaction with E2F transcription factors, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) is valuable for studying these interactions:
Lysis buffer composition:
50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 1% NP-40, 0.5% sodium deoxycholate
Include protease inhibitors, phosphatase inhibitors, and 1 mM DTT
For nuclear proteins, add 10% glycerol and 0.1% SDS
Pre-clearing step:
Incubate lysates with Protein G beads for 1 hour at 4°C
Remove beads to reduce non-specific binding
Immunoprecipitation:
Add 2-5 μg of anti-TFDP2 antibody to 500 μg of pre-cleared lysate
Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle rotation
Add Protein G beads for 2-4 hours at 4°C
Wash 4-5 times with wash buffer (lysis buffer with reduced detergent)
Elution and analysis:
Elute with 2X Laemmli buffer at 95°C for 5 minutes
Analyze by Western blot using antibodies against E2F family members (especially E2F2)
Reverse Co-IP using E2F antibodies can validate interactions
Controls:
IgG control: Use the same amount of non-specific IgG from the same species
Input sample: Load 5-10% of pre-immunoprecipitation lysate
Negative control: Use cells with TFDP2 knockdown
Given that the TFDP2:E2F complex functions in the control of cell-cycle progression from G1 to S phase, this protocol is particularly useful for studying how these interactions change throughout the cell cycle .
TFDP2 plays a critical role in erythropoiesis through several mechanisms:
Transcriptional regulation: TFDP2 and its partner E2F2 are highly induced during terminal erythropoiesis, with expression patterns showing the greatest induction occurring at the R2 to R3 transition of erythroid maturation .
Regulation by master erythroid transcription factors: GATA1 and TAL1 bind to regulatory regions of the Tfdp2 gene to upregulate its expression. ChIP-seq data identified two regions of co-occupancy: one in the putative promoter region 5′ of the transcriptional start site (H3K4me3-positive and H3K4me1-negative) and another in the first intron of Tfdp2 .
Functional impact: Knockdown of Tfdp2 results in:
Significantly reduced rates of proliferation
Reduced upregulation of erythroid-important genes
Global inhibition of normal downregulation of E2F2 target genes
Cell cycle disruption with accumulation in S phase
Increased erythrocyte size
Impaired hemoglobin synthesis
Methods to assess TFDP2 function in erythropoiesis include:
shRNA-mediated knockdown: Using vectors like MSCV-pkgGFP-U3-U6P with shRNA sequences targeting Tfdp2
Gene expression analysis: RT-qPCR to measure levels of erythroid markers (Hbb-b1, Hba-a1, GATA1, Epb4.1)
Cell cycle analysis: Flow cytometry to assess cell cycle distribution
Luciferase reporter assays: To evaluate GATA1/TAL1-mediated activation of Tfdp2 regulatory regions
ChIP-seq: To identify TFDP2 binding sites genome-wide
Cell morphology assessment: To evaluate changes in erythrocyte size and shape
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) is valuable for mapping TFDP2 binding sites genome-wide. Key technical considerations include:
Cross-linking conditions:
Standard: 1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes at room temperature
For indirect DNA binding proteins like TFDP2, consider dual cross-linking with 1 mM DSG (disuccinimidyl glutarate) for 30 minutes followed by formaldehyde
Sonication parameters:
Target fragment size: 200-300 bp
Optimize sonication time and amplitude for your specific cell type
Verify fragment size by agarose gel electrophoresis
Antibody selection and validation:
Use ChIP-grade antibodies if available
For FITC-conjugated antibodies, ensure the conjugation doesn't interfere with epitope recognition
Validate antibody specificity by Western blot and immunoprecipitation
Include IgG controls and input samples
Immunoprecipitation conditions:
Use 2-5 μg antibody per ChIP reaction
Include negative controls (IgG) and positive controls (known targets)
Consider including TFDP2 knockdown samples as specificity controls
Analysis considerations:
Look for co-occupancy with E2F family members
Cross-reference with GATA1 and TAL1 binding sites in erythroid cells
Analyze for E2F recognition motifs (5′-TTTC[CG]CGC-3′)
Integrate with gene expression data to identify functional targets
Technical challenges:
TFDP2 and its E2F partners are critical regulators of cell cycle progression. Here are methodological approaches to investigate cell cycle-dependent regulation and function:
Cell synchronization techniques:
Double thymidine block: Synchronize cells at G1/S boundary
Nocodazole treatment: Synchronize cells in M phase
Serum starvation/stimulation: Synchronize cells in G0/G1
Flow cytometry analysis:
Combine FITC-conjugated TFDP2 antibody with DNA content staining (propidium iodide or DAPI)
Analyze TFDP2 expression levels across cell cycle phases
Consider dual staining with cyclin markers for precise cell cycle staging
Live-cell imaging approaches:
Use FITC-conjugated TFDP2 antibodies with cell-permeable delivery methods
Combine with fluorescently tagged cell cycle markers
Monitor real-time changes in TFDP2 localization and expression
Functional genomics approaches:
Perform TFDP2 ChIP-seq at defined cell cycle stages
Integrate with RNA-seq data to correlate binding with transcriptional outcomes
Compare TFDP2 binding patterns across G1, S, G2, and M phases
Proximity ligation assays (PLA):
Detect TFDP2-E2F interactions in situ
Quantify changes in interaction frequency across cell cycle phases
Combine with cell cycle markers for precise staging
Phosphorylation-specific analyses:
Investigate cell cycle-dependent post-translational modifications of TFDP2
Use phospho-specific antibodies if available
Consider mass spectrometry approaches to identify novel modifications
Since loss of TFDP2 causes cells to accumulate in S phase and results in increased erythrocyte size, these methodologies can help elucidate the mechanisms by which TFDP2 couples cell cycle progression with differentiation .
Researchers frequently encounter these issues when working with FITC-conjugated antibodies like TFDP2:
Photobleaching:
Problem: FITC is particularly susceptible to photobleaching
Solutions:
Add anti-fade reagents to mounting medium
Minimize exposure to excitation light during imaging
Consider using Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA) for signal enhancement
Store slides in the dark at 4°C
High background fluorescence:
Problem: Non-specific binding or autofluorescence
Solutions:
Optimize blocking (try different serums or BSA concentrations)
Increase washing steps (duration and number)
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in washing buffer
Use Sudan Black B (0.1-0.3%) to reduce autofluorescence
Test different fixatives (paraformaldehyde vs. methanol)
Weak or no signal:
Problem: Insufficient antibody concentration or epitope masking
Solutions:
Titrate antibody concentration (try 1:50 to 1:500 dilutions)
Optimize antigen retrieval methods for fixed tissues
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Check pH of buffers (FITC performs best at slightly alkaline pH)
Cross-reactivity:
Problem: Non-specific binding to unintended targets
Solutions:
Pre-absorb antibody with related proteins
Include additional blocking steps
Validate with knockout/knockdown controls
Use more stringent washing conditions
pH sensitivity:
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for reliable results. Here are methodological approaches for TFDP2 antibody validation:
Genetic approaches:
siRNA/shRNA knockdown: Compare staining in control vs. TFDP2-depleted cells
CRISPR/Cas9 knockout: Generate TFDP2-null cells as negative controls
Overexpression: Analyze cells overexpressing tagged TFDP2 for co-localization
Peptide competition assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide (if available)
Compare staining with and without peptide competition
Specific signals should be significantly reduced after competition
Multiple antibody validation:
Compare staining patterns using antibodies targeting different TFDP2 epitopes
Consistent patterns across antibodies suggest specific detection
Western blot correlation:
Verify that cell types showing strong immunofluorescence also show strong bands on Western blot
Compare relative expression levels across techniques
Subcellular localization assessment:
TFDP2 is primarily nuclear; confirm nuclear localization with DAPI counterstaining
Aberrant staining patterns (e.g., strong cytoplasmic signal) may indicate non-specificity
Cell cycle phase-specific validation:
Researchers sometimes observe discrepancies between TFDP2 protein levels (detected by antibodies) and mRNA expression. Consider these methodological approaches to investigate and address such discrepancies:
Post-transcriptional regulation assessment:
Analyze miRNA targeting of TFDP2 (miR-93 and miR-20b have been reported to target TFDP2)
Measure TFDP2 mRNA stability through actinomycin D chase experiments
Investigate alternative splicing using isoform-specific primers
Post-translational modification analysis:
Assess protein stability using cycloheximide chase experiments
Investigate ubiquitination status and proteasome-dependent degradation
Analyze phosphorylation states that might affect antibody recognition
Technical validation:
Test antibody recognition across multiple TFDP2 isoforms (calculated MW ranges from 34-49 kDa)
Verify epitope accessibility in different experimental conditions
Ensure primer specificity for RT-qPCR detection of all relevant isoforms
Temporal dynamics investigation:
Perform time-course analyses since mRNA and protein levels may be temporally offset
Monitor both mRNA and protein during cell cycle progression or differentiation
Single-cell analysis approaches:
Combine immunofluorescence with RNA-FISH to correlate mRNA and protein levels at single-cell resolution
Assess cell-to-cell variability that might be masked in population-level analyses
Experimental validation strategies:
TFDP2 functions in cell cycle regulation and differentiation suggest potential roles in various pathological conditions. Here are methodological approaches to investigate these roles:
Cancer research applications:
Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence on tissue microarrays to assess expression across tumor types
Correlation of TFDP2 levels with clinical outcomes and cancer subtypes
Analysis of TFDP2:E2F complexes in tumor samples using proximity ligation assays
Investigation of TFDP2 in therapy resistance mechanisms through knockdown/overexpression studies
Developmental disorders:
Immunostaining of developmental tissue series to track TFDP2 expression patterns
Analysis of patient-derived cells harboring mutations in cell cycle regulators
Investigation of TFDP2 in stem cell differentiation models
Metabolic disease models:
Given TFDP2's role in blocking adipocyte differentiation, analyze expression in adipose tissue from metabolic disease models
Investigate TFDP2-CEBPA interactions in hepatic and adipose tissues
Correlate TFDP2 levels with insulin signaling pathway components
Inflammation and immune response:
Analyze TFDP2 dynamics during immune cell activation and proliferation
Investigate potential roles in cytokine-induced cell cycle entry
Study TFDP2 in models of inflammatory diseases
Neurodegenerative conditions:
Multiplexed imaging allows simultaneous detection of TFDP2 with other proteins of interest. Technical considerations include:
Spectral compatibility planning:
FITC excitation/emission: 495/519 nm
Choose fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap (recommended partners: Cy3, Cy5, APC)
Consider spectral unmixing algorithms for closely overlapping fluorophores
Sequential staining protocols:
For antibodies raised in the same species, use sequential staining with intermediate blocking
Consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for sequential same-species antibody use
Test order of antibody application to optimize signal intensity
Controls for multiplexed imaging:
Single-stain controls for spectral compensation
Fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls to set gating thresholds
Isotype controls for each fluorophore
Protein partners for co-localization studies:
E2F family members (particularly E2F2) to study functional complexes
Cell cycle markers (cyclins, CDKs) to correlate with cell cycle phase
Transcriptional machinery components to study active transcription sites
GATA1 and TAL1 in erythroid cells to study regulatory relationships
Multiplexing technologies:
Integrating TFDP2 antibody-based detection into single-cell analysis provides insights into heterogeneity of expression and function. Methodological considerations include:
Single-cell protein detection methods:
Flow cytometry: Combine FITC-TFDP2 antibody with cell cycle markers and other proteins of interest
Mass cytometry (CyTOF): Use metal-tagged TFDP2 antibodies for high-parameter analysis
CITE-seq: Combine antibody detection with single-cell RNA-seq using DNA-barcoded antibodies
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Combine TFDP2 immunofluorescence with in situ RNA detection methods
Correlate protein localization with transcriptome data at single-cell resolution
Use sequential immunofluorescence and RNA-FISH for multi-parameter analysis
Live-cell imaging applications:
Use cell-permeable fluorescent nanobodies against TFDP2 if available
Combine with fluorescent cell cycle reporters (FUCCI system)
Track TFDP2 dynamics during differentiation or cell cycle progression
Single-cell multi-omics approaches:
REAP-seq or CITE-seq: Protein and RNA detection in the same cells
Integrate with single-cell ATAC-seq data to correlate chromatin accessibility with TFDP2 expression
Correlate post-translational modifications with transcriptional states
Computational analysis considerations:
Clustering algorithms to identify cell subpopulations based on TFDP2 and other markers
Trajectory analysis to map TFDP2 dynamics during differentiation
Network analysis to infer TFDP2 regulatory relationships at single-cell resolution
Technical validation approaches: