TLE4 (TLE Family Member 4, Transcriptional Corepressor), also known as Groucho-related protein 4, is a protein that plays a crucial role in the Notch signaling pathway. This pathway regulates cellular interactions that determine cell fate during development in both invertebrates and vertebrates . TLE4 primarily functions as a transcriptional repressor by interacting with chromatin and specifically with Histone H3, thereby influencing gene expression patterns critical for neurogenesis and epithelial differentiation .
TLE4 is predominantly expressed in the brain, particularly in the caudate nucleus, and its expression levels correlate with the differentiation status of epithelial cells . Recent research has revealed that TLE4, along with TLE3, participates in diminishing canonical Wnt signaling activity, supporting transcription of synaptic genes and acetylcholine receptor (CHRN) clustering at the neuromuscular junction .
HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase) conjugated TLE4 antibodies enhance detection sensitivity through an enzymatic amplification process. In detection systems such as Cell-Based ELISA, the TLE4 protein is first captured by anti-TLE4 antibodies, which are then detected by HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies . The HRP enzyme catalyzes a colorimetric reaction upon substrate addition, generating a measurable signal that correlates with TLE4 expression levels .
This conjugation provides several advantages over unconjugated antibodies:
| Feature | Benefit in Research Applications |
|---|---|
| Signal Amplification | Single HRP molecule can convert multiple substrate molecules, enhancing detection sensitivity |
| Quantifiable Output | Produces colorimetric signal proportional to antigen concentration |
| Versatility | Compatible with various detection techniques (WB, ELISA, IHC) |
| Stability | Longer shelf-life compared to fluorescent conjugates |
TLE4 antibodies are utilized across multiple experimental platforms in both basic and translational research. According to the search results, commercially available TLE4 antibodies are validated for:
Western blotting (WB): For protein quantification and molecular weight determination
Immunoprecipitation (IP): For protein-protein interaction studies
Immunofluorescence (IF): For subcellular localization studies
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): For tissue-specific expression analysis
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): For quantitative protein detection
Research applications span developmental biology, neuroscience, cancer research, and B-cell development studies. For instance, TLE4 antibodies have been critical in demonstrating the B-cell-restricted expression of TLE4 protein in hematopoietic cells, showing exclusive nuclear staining consistent with its co-repressive function .
Validating TLE4 antibody specificity across different tissue types requires a systematic multi-method approach:
Knockout/Knockdown Validation: The gold standard approach is validating with CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited samples. According to source , TLE3 and TLE4 knockouts were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in primary skeletal muscle stem cells, and knockout clones were confirmed by "absence of protein of interest by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blot" . This approach provides definitive evidence of antibody specificity.
Transfected Lysate Testing: Compare TLE4 antibody reactivity between TLE4-transfected and non-transfected lysates. For example, source describes validation showing TLE4 antibody detection of "TLE4 expression in transfected 293T cell line... Lane 1: TLE4 transfected lysate (85.03 KDa). Lane 2: Non-transfected lysate" .
Cross-Reactivity Assessment: Test reactivity across species and tissues where TLE4 expression is expected versus tissues where it should be absent. Source describes: "no nuclear signal was detectable on nuclei preparations from myeloblast and lymphocyte T-cell lines, confirming the B-restricted expression of the TLE4 protein in haematopoietic cells" .
Molecular Weight Confirmation: Verify that detected bands appear at the expected molecular weight (approximately 83.8 kDa for human TLE4) .
For cell-based assays using TLE4 HRP-conjugated antibodies, multiple normalization strategies are recommended to ensure reliable results:
GAPDH Internal Control: According to source , "Anti-GAPDH Antibody is included to serve as an internal positive control in normalizing the target absorbance values." This housekeeping protein provides a reference for relative quantification of TLE4 expression .
Whole-Cell Normalization: "Following the colorimetric measurement of HRP activity via substrate addition, the Crystal Violet whole-cell staining method is used to determine cell density. After staining, the results can be analyzed by normalizing the absorbance values to cell amounts, by which the plating difference can be adjusted" .
Multiple Loading Controls: When performing Western blots, utilize more than one loading control (e.g., β-actin in addition to GAPDH) to strengthen normalization reliability, especially when studying diverse tissue types.
Transfected vs. Non-Transfected Controls: Include both TLE4-transfected lysates as positive controls and non-transfected lysates as negative controls, as demonstrated in validation studies: "Lane 1: TLE4 transfected lysate (85.03 KDa). Lane 2: Non-transfected lysate" .
TLE4 exhibits both overlapping and unique functions compared to other TLE family members in developmental processes:
The dynamic regulation of these family members highlights their importance in cellular differentiation, with TLE1 being upregulated in early differentiation stages while TLE2 and TLE4 are upregulated later, indicating roles in the transition of cells toward a terminally differentiated state .
Functionally, research has shown that "TLE3 and TLE4 participate in diminishing canonical Wnt signaling activity, supporting transcription of synaptic genes and CHRN clustering at the neuromuscular junction" . This suggests a cooperative role between these family members in specific developmental contexts.
For optimal Western blot results with TLE4 HRP-conjugated antibodies, the following protocol is recommended based on validated methodologies:
Sample Preparation:
Prepare cell or tissue lysates using a buffer containing protease inhibitors
For brain tissue samples (where TLE4 is highly expressed), use gentle lysis conditions to preserve protein integrity
Gel Electrophoresis:
Transfer and Blocking:
Transfer to PVDF membrane (recommended over nitrocellulose for this application)
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Primary Antibody Incubation:
Detection:
For directly HRP-conjugated TLE4 antibodies, proceed directly to development
For two-step detection, use HRP-conjugated secondary antibody at 1:5000 dilution
Develop using enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrate
Controls:
When encountering non-specific binding with TLE4 HRP-conjugated antibodies, consider these evidence-based troubleshooting approaches:
Increase Blocking Stringency:
Extend blocking time to 2 hours
Use alternative blocking agents (e.g., BSA instead of milk, or vice versa)
Add 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Optimize Antibody Concentration:
Include Competitive Peptides:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
Non-specific binding will persist while specific binding will be blocked
Modify Wash Conditions:
Increase number of washes (5-6 times)
Extend wash duration (10-15 minutes each)
Use higher salt concentration in wash buffer (up to 500 mM NaCl) to reduce ionic interactions
Sample Preparation Adjustments:
Ensure complete denaturation of proteins
Include additional purification steps if working with complex samples
Add protease inhibitors to prevent degradation products that may cross-react
Antibody Validation:
For studying B-cell development and differentiation with TLE4 antibodies, the following methodology has been validated in research:
TLE4 antibodies provide valuable tools for investigating the crosstalk between Notch and Wnt signaling pathways through the following methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) Studies:
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Analysis:
Pathway Inhibition Studies:
Dual Reporter Assays:
Tissue-Specific Analysis:
Research has identified several critical roles for TLE4 in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) development and function:
Regulation of Synaptic Gene Expression:
Modulation of Canonical Wnt Signaling:
Response to Denervation:
Interaction with Agrin Signaling:
Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering:
This research suggests that TLE4 antibodies are valuable tools for studying NMJ development, functioning, and pathologies related to synaptic transmission defects.
TLE4 antibodies offer multiple avenues for advancing cancer research due to the protein's role in key developmental pathways:
Diagnostic Biomarker Development:
Pathway Disruption Analysis:
Investigate how TLE4 dysregulation affects Notch and Wnt signaling in cancer
These pathways are frequently altered in various malignancies
TLE4 antibodies enable detection of pathway component interactions in tumor samples
Leukemia Research:
Therapeutic Target Validation:
TLE4 antibodies can help validate TLE4 as a potential therapeutic target
Monitor changes in TLE4 expression and localization in response to experimental treatments
Develop screening assays to identify compounds that modulate TLE4 function
Epigenetic Regulation Studies:
Brain tissue presents unique challenges for protein detection due to its complexity and lipid content. For optimal TLE4 detection in brain samples:
Tissue Preparation Optimization:
Antigen Retrieval Enhancement:
For fixed tissues, extend antigen retrieval time (20-30 minutes)
Test both heat-induced (citrate buffer, pH 6.0) and enzymatic (proteinase K) retrieval methods
The efficacy of proteinase K treatment has been demonstrated in related protocols where "diaphragms were... treated for 15 min with Proteinase K (20 μg/mL)"
Signal Amplification Strategies:
Utilize tyramide signal amplification with HRP-conjugated antibodies
Consider biotinylated secondary antibodies with streptavidin-HRP complexes
These approaches enhance sensitivity while maintaining specificity
Background Reduction Techniques:
Pre-block with sera from the species of secondary antibody origin
Include detergents like Triton X-100 at 0.1-0.3% to reduce non-specific binding
Use Sudan Black B (0.1-0.3%) to reduce lipofuscin autofluorescence in older brain tissues
Multi-labeling Approaches:
Implementing these methodological refinements will maximize the sensitivity and specificity of TLE4 detection in complex brain tissue samples, enabling more accurate characterization of its expression patterns and functional roles in neurodevelopment and pathology.
Researchers should assess TLE4 antibodies using these evidence-based quality control criteria:
Validation Methods Documentation:
Specificity Assessment:
Application-specific Performance:
Technical Specifications:
| Quality Parameter | Minimum Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|
| Single band in WB | Clear band at 83-85 kDa |
| Background | Minimal non-specific staining |
| Nuclear localization | Distinct nuclear pattern in IF/IHC |
| Knockout/transfection validation | Absence of signal in negative controls |
| Cross-reactivity | Minimal reaction with other TLE family members |
Sample preparation significantly impacts TLE4 detection across various experimental platforms:
Protein Extraction Methods:
Fixation Impact on Epitope Accessibility:
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
Antigen Retrieval Requirements:
Storage Conditions:
These preparation factors must be carefully controlled and reported in research protocols to ensure reproducibility and reliable detection of TLE4 across experimental systems.