TKFC Antibody, HRP conjugated is a specialized research reagent designed for detecting the Triokinase/FMN cyclase (TKFC) protein. TKFC is a bifunctional enzyme involved in metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and FMN biosynthesis, with roles in immune regulation and cell signaling . The antibody is conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), an enzyme commonly used in immunoassays to amplify detection signals via chromogenic, fluorogenic, or chemiluminescent substrates .
The conjugation of antibodies to HRP involves covalent bonding between lysine residues on the antibody and oxidized carbohydrate groups on HRP. This process is critical for maintaining enzyme activity and antibody specificity .
Activation: Oxidation of HRP’s carbohydrate moieties using sodium meta-periodate to generate aldehyde groups .
Conjugation: Reaction of activated HRP with antibody lysine residues under controlled pH and temperature .
Quenching: Termination of the reaction to prevent over-conjugation .
High Sensitivity: HRP catalyzes substrate reactions to amplify signals in ELISA, Western blotting, and IHC .
Long-Term Stability: Lyophilized HRP-antibody conjugates retain activity for extended storage periods .
Versatility: Compatible with diverse detection substrates (e.g., TMB, DAB, ECL) .
The TKFC HRP-conjugated antibody is validated for detecting TKFC in human samples via:
ELISA: Quantitative analysis of TKFC levels in serum or lysates .
Western Blotting: Detection of TKFC protein bands separated by SDS-PAGE .
TKFC’s role in immune regulation and cell signaling makes it a target for studying:
A study demonstrated that lyophilizing oxidized HRP prior to conjugation increased antibody binding capacity and improved ELISA sensitivity . Key results included:
| Parameter | Classical Method | Modified Method |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody Titer | 1:25 | 1:5000 |
| HRP Binding Efficiency | Moderate | High |
| p-value | — | <0.001 |
This approach reduced reaction volume and preserved HRP activity, enabling detection of low-abundance targets .
Buffers containing nucleophilic components (e.g., Tris, BSA) inhibit conjugation efficiency. Recommended conditions include:
Cross-Reactivity: HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies may show species-specific reactivity; cross-adsorption (e.g., against non-target species) is critical for specificity .
Dual-Labelling Challenges: HRP conjugates are unsuitable for multiplex detection due to substrate interference; alternative labels (e.g., alkaline phosphatase) are required .
Storage Sensitivity: HRP activity degrades over time, particularly at elevated temperatures or in dilute solutions .
TKFC Polyclonal Antibody, HRP Conjugated is a primary antibody raised in rabbit against human Triokinase/FMN cyclase. This antibody:
Is an IgG isotype antibody specific to human TKFC
Contains horseradish peroxidase (HRP) directly conjugated to facilitate detection
Recognizes a protein with catalytic functions including phosphorylation of dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde
Is particularly effective for ELISA applications, with additional utility in western blotting, immunohistochemistry-paraffin (IHC-P), and immunohistochemistry-frozen (IHC-F) applications
The TKFC protein (UniProt ID: Q3LXA3) functions in cellular metabolism and represses IFIH1-mediated antiviral responses, making this antibody valuable for immunological and metabolic research .
For optimal ELISA performance with TKFC Antibody, HRP Conjugated:
Use dilution ranges of 1:500-1:1000 for standard ELISA applications
Prepare the antibody in appropriate buffers (10-50mM amine-free buffer like HEPES, MES, MOPS or phosphate) with pH range 6.5-8.5
Avoid buffers containing sodium azide, as it is an irreversible inhibitor of HRP activity
Allow a 5-minute equilibration at room temperature before use
Include appropriate positive and negative controls to validate specificity
Perform signal optimization by testing several dilutions to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
To maintain maximum activity and stability:
Store at -20°C in small aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Use storage buffers containing glycerol (typically 50%) to prevent freeze damage
Most commercial preparations include stabilizers such as BSA (1%) and preservatives like Proclin300 (0.03%)
Some preparations may be stored in buffered solutions containing TBS (pH 7.4)
Thaw aliquots completely before use and mix gently to ensure homogeneity
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they can lead to denaturation and loss of activity
Check manufacturer's specifications, as some HRP conjugates may have specific buffer requirements
HRP offers several advantages over other enzyme conjugates:
Smaller molecular size (44kDa) compared to alternatives like alkaline phosphatase (140kDa), allowing better tissue penetration
High turnover rate enabling robust signal generation in shorter timeframes
Compatible with multiple detection methods (colorimetric, chemiluminescent, and fluorescent)
Contains only six lysine residues, making conjugation more targeted and less likely to interfere with antigen binding
Modifications during conjugation do not significantly affect enzyme activity
Selection of appropriate substrates affects detection sensitivity:
| Substrate Type | Detection Method | Sensitivity | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMB | Colorimetric | Moderate | ELISA, IHC |
| DAB | Colorimetric | Moderate | IHC, Western blot |
| ABTS | Colorimetric | Moderate | ELISA |
| Enhanced Chemiluminescent (ECL) | Luminescence | High | Western blot, ELISA |
| Tyramide Signal Amplification | Fluorescent | Very High | IHC, FISH |
Chemiluminescent substrates offer exceptional sensitivity and allow for membrane reprobing in western blotting applications . When using these substrates, signal can be captured using imaging instruments including CCD cameras or film . Chromogenic substrates produce visible precipitates and don't require specialized equipment for visualization but offer lower sensitivity .
Optimizing signal-to-noise ratios requires attention to several experimental parameters:
Buffer Composition:
Blocking Protocol Optimization:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, non-fat milk, commercial blockers)
Determine optimal blocking time and temperature
Consider using casein-based blockers for highly sensitive assays to reduce background
Antibody Concentration:
Perform titration experiments to determine optimal antibody concentration
Over-dilution reduces specific signal while over-concentration increases background
Consider a factorial experimental design to simultaneously optimize primary and secondary antibody concentrations
Substrate Selection and Development:
Match substrate sensitivity requirements to application needs
Optimize development time with time-course experiments
For ECL detection, ensure fresh substrate preparation and proper mixing
Consider signal enhancement systems for ultra-sensitive detection requirements
The expression system significantly impacts HRP activity in conjugated antibodies:
Plant-derived systems:
Plant-derived HRP-fused antibodies show approximately 100-fold higher peroxidase activity (~1000 mU/mL) compared to mammalian cell-derived counterparts (~10 mU/mL)
This dramatic difference translates to superior performance in detection assays, especially for samples with low target concentration
Plant systems appear to better support proper heme incorporation essential for HRP activity
Plant-produced antibodies have demonstrated enhanced sensitivity in diagnostic applications, detecting antigens even in samples with low virus neutralization test (VNT) values
Mammalian cell systems (CHO):
CHO-derived HRP conjugates typically show lower peroxidase activity
Even when using 10x higher concentrations, CHO-derived HRP-fused antibodies demonstrate poorer performance in detection assays compared to plant-derived equivalents
The reduced activity may be due to inefficient heme incorporation during expression
This differential activity has significant implications for assay design, particularly when high sensitivity is required in diagnostic applications .
Successful HRP conjugation requires attention to several critical parameters:
Molar Ratio Optimization:
Conjugation Chemistry:
Buffer Conditions:
Antibody Preparation:
When encountering low signal issues, systematically investigate these potential causes:
Antibody Activity Assessment:
Verify HRP activity using a direct enzyme activity assay
Check antibody binding capacity with a direct ELISA
Confirm storage conditions haven't compromised conjugate integrity
Substrate Evaluation:
Ensure substrate freshness and proper preparation
Verify substrate compatibility with HRP
Try alternative substrates with potentially higher sensitivity
Protocol Optimization:
Increase antibody concentration in a controlled manner
Extend incubation times at critical steps
Adjust blocking conditions to reduce potential interference
Modify washing procedures to ensure removal of interfering substances while preserving specific binding
Sample Preparation Issues:
Verify target protein is accessible (for membrane proteins, ensure proper membrane disruption)
Check for presence of enzyme inhibitors in sample buffer
Consider sample pre-treatment to remove interfering substances
Expression System Considerations:
Understanding the trade-offs between polyclonal and monoclonal HRP-conjugated antibodies is crucial for experimental design:
Recognition of multiple epitopes on the target protein increases detection sensitivity
Greater tolerance to minor protein denaturation or conformational changes
Often more effective for applications like immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry
Typically provides more robust signals in applications like western blotting
Generally less expensive to produce than monoclonal alternatives
Batch-to-batch variation can sometimes be mitigated through careful affinity purification
Potential for cross-reactivity with structurally similar proteins
Batch-to-batch variation in specificity and titer
May require more extensive validation for highly specific applications
Less ideal for distinguishing between closely related protein isoforms
Can show higher background in some applications
When absolute specificity for a single epitope is required
For applications requiring batch-to-batch consistency over extended research programs
When distinguishing between highly similar protein variants or post-translational modifications
For quantitative assays requiring highest reproducibility
When background issues with polyclonal antibodies cannot be resolved
For many standard research applications, the polyclonal TKFC Antibody, HRP Conjugated offers an excellent balance of sensitivity, epitope recognition, and cost-effectiveness .
Comprehensive validation should include these methodological approaches:
Positive and Negative Control Samples:
Use samples with known TKFC expression levels (cell lines, tissue samples)
Include negative controls:
Samples known to lack TKFC expression
Isotype controls using non-targeting HRP-conjugated antibodies
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Test against recombinant proteins with structural similarity to TKFC
Validate specificity across species if working with non-human samples
Perform peptide competition assays to confirm epitope specificity
Multi-platform Validation:
Compare results across different detection methods:
ELISA
Western blotting
Immunohistochemistry
Correlate findings with data from orthogonal techniques (qPCR, mass spectrometry)
Sensitivity Determination:
Establish detection limits using serial dilutions of purified target protein
Compare sensitivity with other available antibodies targeting TKFC
Document linear range of quantification
Recombinant Expression Systems:
Test antibody against cells with controlled overexpression of TKFC
Use CRISPR/Cas9 knockout systems as negative controls
Consider siRNA knockdown to create partial expression reduction models
Data Documentation:
Maintain detailed records of all validation experiments
Document lot numbers and experimental conditions
Consider publishing validation data as supplementary material in research publications
Proper validation not only ensures experimental reliability but also facilitates troubleshooting if unexpected results occur in future experiments.