TMEM214 anchors procaspase-4 to the ER membrane, enabling caspase-4 activation during ER stress. Knockdown of TMEM214 reduces apoptosis triggered by ER stressors like thapsigargin (TG) but not by external apoptotic signals (e.g., TNFα) .
Western Blot: Detects TMEM214 at ~77 kDa in human, mouse, and rat samples .
Immunofluorescence: Used at 1:25–1:100 dilutions or 20 μg/mL to visualize ER-associated TMEM214 .
Cross-reactivity: Predicted specificity across human, mouse, and rat homologs .
Boster Bio3: Validated in WB (1–2 μg/mL), IF (20 μg/mL), and ICC (5 μg/mL) using A20 cell lysates.
Proteintech1: Published data includes detection in human muscle slides and C2C12 cells.
Abbexa5: Optimized for laser line 488 nm in fluorescence microscopy.
TMEM214 is a 689-amino acid transmembrane protein containing two putative transmembrane domains at amino acids 480-500 and 616-636. It is primarily localized to the outer membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum and functions as a critical mediator of ER stress-induced apoptosis. TMEM214 constitutively associates with procaspase 4 and serves as an anchor for its recruitment to the ER, facilitating subsequent activation during ER stress response .
The importance of this protein lies in its specific role in apoptotic pathways, as overexpression of TMEM214 induces apoptosis while its knockdown inhibits ER stress-induced apoptosis without affecting TNFα or DNA damage-induced cell death pathways . Understanding TMEM214 function provides critical insights into ER stress response mechanisms relevant to numerous pathological conditions.
FITC has a quantum yield of approximately 0.93 and excitation/emission peaks at 495nm/519nm, making it compatible with standard FITC filter sets
FITC conjugation may slightly reduce antibody binding affinity compared to unconjugated antibodies, potentially requiring optimization of antibody concentration
FITC is sensitive to photobleaching and pH fluctuations, necessitating appropriate experimental controls
For multi-color imaging experiments, FITC's broad emission spectrum may cause bleed-through into other channels
To optimize performance, researchers should store FITC-conjugated antibodies protected from light at 4°C, verify conjugation efficiency with a degree of labeling (DOL) between 2-8 FITC molecules per antibody, and include appropriate controls to distinguish specific from non-specific signals.
For optimal TMEM214 detection via immunofluorescence using FITC-conjugated antibodies, follow this methodological approach:
Fixation: Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature to preserve ER membrane structure
Permeabilization: Permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100 for 10 minutes to allow antibody access to the outer ER membrane where TMEM214 is localized
Blocking: Block with 5% normal serum in PBS for 1 hour to reduce non-specific binding
Primary staining: Incubate with TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibody (typically 1-10 μg/mL) for 2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C
Counterstaining: Use DAPI (1 μg/mL) for nuclear visualization and ER markers like Sec61β for co-localization studies, as TMEM214 demonstrates significant co-localization with this ER marker
Mounting: Mount using anti-fade mounting medium to minimize photobleaching
For validation purposes, include controls with TMEM214 knockdown cells, as knockdown has been demonstrated to significantly reduce TMEM214 detection in previous studies .
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for accurate interpretation of experimental results. For TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies, implement these methodological approaches:
Genetic validation: Compare staining between wild-type cells and TMEM214 knockdown cells using RNAi approaches. Previous studies successfully used RNAi plasmids targeting different sites of human TMEM214 mRNA, with constructs #2 and #3 showing marked inhibition of TMEM214 expression
Blocking peptide assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with recombinant TMEM214 protein (amino acids 1-110) before staining to confirm signal reduction
Subcellular localization confirmation: Verify that staining patterns match the expected ER localization by co-staining with established ER markers like Sec61β
Western blot correlation: Confirm that fluorescence intensity correlates with protein expression levels determined by immunoblotting across different cell types
Multiple antibody validation: Compare staining patterns using antibodies targeting different TMEM214 epitopes
These validation steps ensure that observed signals specifically represent TMEM214 distribution rather than artifacts or non-specific binding.
The TMEM214-procaspase 4 interaction represents a critical mechanism in ER stress-induced apoptosis. To investigate this interaction using TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies, researchers can employ several advanced methodological approaches:
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA): Combine TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies with anti-procaspase 4 antibodies in a PLA workflow to visualize and quantify protein interactions in situ. This technique generates fluorescent spots only when proteins are within 40nm of each other, providing spatial resolution beyond conventional co-localization analysis.
FRET analysis: Utilize TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies (donor) with procaspase 4 antibodies conjugated to a compatible acceptor fluorophore to detect energy transfer, indicating close molecular proximity (<10nm).
Live-cell imaging during ER stress: Use cell-permeable TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibody fragments to track dynamic interactions following treatment with ER stressors like thapsigargin (TG) or brefeldin A (BFA).
Domain-specific interaction mapping: Apply TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies targeting specific domains to determine if the N-terminal cytoplasmic region (amino acids 176-354) mediates the interaction with procaspase 4, as previously identified in biochemical studies .
Researchers should note that TMEM214 constitutively associates with procaspase 4 regardless of TG or BFA stimulation, suggesting a pre-formed complex that becomes functionally activated during ER stress .
For precise quantification of TMEM214 dynamics during ER stress, researchers can implement these methodological strategies:
High-content imaging analysis: Employ automated microscopy with TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies across time-course experiments with ER stressors (TG, BFA). Quantify changes in:
Total TMEM214 fluorescence intensity
Subcellular distribution patterns
Co-localization coefficients with ER markers
Morphological changes in ER structure
Flow cytometry: Develop protocols for intracellular staining with TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies before and after ER stress induction. This approach enables:
Single-cell analysis of expression levels
Correlation with apoptotic markers
High-throughput analysis across multiple conditions
Subcellular fractionation with fluorescence quantification: Isolate ER fractions at different timepoints after ER stress induction, then quantify TMEM214 FITC-antibody binding in each fraction. Previous studies demonstrated that TMEM214 exists primarily in ER-containing membrane fractions with lower levels in mitochondria .
Live-cell FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching): For dynamic studies, determine if TMEM214 mobility within the ER membrane changes during stress response by measuring fluorescence recovery kinetics.
When interpreting results, consider that while TMEM214 protein levels may not change dramatically during ER stress, its functional activation likely occurs through conformational changes, oligomerization, or post-translational modifications rather than altered expression .
Super-resolution microscopy overcomes the diffraction limit of conventional microscopy, providing nanoscale insight into TMEM214 distribution and function. When using TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies with super-resolution techniques, researchers should consider these methodological approaches:
STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) microscopy:
Achieves 30-80nm resolution with FITC fluorophores
Enables visualization of TMEM214 nanoscale organization within the ER membrane
Can reveal clustering patterns potentially related to functional activation
STORM/PALM techniques:
Provides 10-30nm resolution through single-molecule localization
Requires careful consideration of FITC photophysical properties
May benefit from oxygen scavenging systems to enhance FITC photoswitching behavior
Expansion microscopy:
Physically expands samples to achieve effective super-resolution
Compatible with standard FITC fluorophores
Particularly useful for examining TMEM214 distribution across larger cellular regions
Correlative approach recommendations:
Combine super-resolution with electron microscopy to correlate TMEM214 distribution with ER ultrastructure
Use multi-color super-resolution to examine TMEM214 co-distribution with procaspase 4
| Super-resolution Technique | Resolution with FITC | Sample Preparation Considerations | Best Application for TMEM214 Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| STED | 30-80nm | Standard IF protocols | Examining TMEM214 clustering in ER membrane |
| STORM/PALM | 10-30nm | Requires specialized buffers | Precise localization relative to ER subdomains |
| SIM | ~100nm | Standard IF protocols | Whole-cell TMEM214 distribution patterns |
| Expansion Microscopy | 70-100nm effective | Specialized embedding and expansion | Large field of view with enhanced resolution |
When interpreting super-resolution data, researchers should consider that TMEM214 contains two transmembrane domains at its C-terminus, while its N-terminal domain extends into the cytosol where it interacts with procaspase 4 .
Advanced research applications require careful consideration of potential artifacts. When using TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies, implement these methodological strategies to minimize and identify artifacts:
Addressing fixation-induced artifacts:
Compare multiple fixation methods (paraformaldehyde, methanol, glutaraldehyde) to confirm consistent TMEM214 localization patterns
Validate findings with live-cell approaches using membrane-permeable antibody fragments where feasible
Consider that fixation may alter ER membrane structure, potentially affecting TMEM214 epitope accessibility
Mitigating photobleaching effects:
FITC is particularly susceptible to photobleaching, which can be misinterpreted as protein dynamics
Implement oxygen scavenging systems to reduce photobleaching
Use computational correction algorithms to account for signal decay
Consider photobleaching kinetics in experimental design and interpretation
Managing autofluorescence interference:
Perform spectral unmixing to separate FITC signal from cellular autofluorescence
Include unstained controls to establish autofluorescence baselines
Consider treatment with sodium borohydride to reduce fixative-induced autofluorescence
Cross-validation approaches:
Verify findings with orthogonal methods such as proximity ligation assays
Use alternative fluorophores (beyond FITC) conjugated to TMEM214 antibodies
Combine antibody-based detection with genetically encoded tags where possible
Signal-to-noise optimization:
Determine optimal antibody concentration through titration experiments (typically 1-10 μg/mL)
Implement image processing techniques like deconvolution to enhance signal clarity
Use proper blocking agents to reduce non-specific binding
These methodological considerations are particularly important when studying TMEM214's role in ER stress-induced apoptosis, where accurate subcellular localization is critical for understanding its interaction with procaspase 4 .
For comprehensive analysis of ER stress-induced apoptotic pathways involving TMEM214, researchers can implement these advanced multiparametric approaches:
Multiplexed imaging strategies:
Combine TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies with spectrally distinct fluorophores targeting:
Implement spectral unmixing algorithms to resolve signal overlap
Use sequential staining protocols to overcome antibody species compatibility issues
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) applications:
Adapt TMEM214 detection for metal-tagged antibody panels
Simultaneously quantify >30 parameters including TMEM214 expression, ER stress markers, and cell death indicators
Analyze data using dimensionality reduction techniques (t-SNE, UMAP) to identify cellular subpopulations with distinct TMEM214 regulation patterns
Correlated live/fixed cell analysis:
Track live cells during ER stress induction
Fix at critical timepoints for TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibody staining
Correlate dynamic cellular responses with TMEM214 distribution patterns
High-content screening methodologies:
Develop image-based assays using TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies
Screen compounds that modulate ER stress responses
Quantify multiple parameters simultaneously: TMEM214 localization, BiP/CHOP induction, caspase activation, and morphological changes
When interpreting multiparametric data, researchers should note that TMEM214-mediated apoptosis operates independently of both CHOP induction and JNK phosphorylation pathways, representing a distinct branch of ER stress-induced apoptosis . This suggests that comprehensive analysis of all three pathways is necessary for complete understanding of ER stress responses.
To ensure consistent experimental results with TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies, implement these evidence-based storage and handling protocols:
Temperature considerations:
Store antibody at 4°C for short-term use (1-2 weeks)
For long-term storage, maintain at -20°C in small aliquots to avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Avoid freezing at -80°C as this may accelerate FITC degradation
Light protection protocols:
Store in amber vials or wrapped in aluminum foil
Minimize exposure to laboratory lighting during experimental procedures
Consider working under reduced ambient lighting when performing critical experiments
Buffer optimization:
Maintain pH between 7.2-8.5 to preserve FITC fluorescence (FITC fluorescence decreases below pH 7)
Add 0.05% sodium azide as preservative for long-term storage
Consider adding protein stabilizers (1% BSA) if storing diluted antibody
Quality control measures:
Test fluorescence intensity periodically using standardized beads
Maintain reference images from validated experiments for comparison
Document lot-to-lot variation through standardized control experiments
Working concentration determination:
Optimal working concentrations typically range between 1-10 μg/mL
Perform titration experiments for each new lot
Consider that overly concentrated antibody may increase background without improving specific signal
Implementing these methodological approaches will help ensure consistent TMEM214 detection across experiments, particularly important when studying the subtle dynamics of TMEM214's role in ER stress-induced apoptosis.
Flow cytometry offers quantitative analysis of TMEM214 expression at the single-cell level. To optimize TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies for this application, implement these methodological strategies:
Cell preparation optimization:
Use gentle fixation (2% paraformaldehyde, 10 minutes) to preserve epitope accessibility
Ensure complete permeabilization (0.1% saponin or 0.1% Triton X-100) to access the intracellular epitopes of TMEM214
Maintain single-cell suspensions through careful trituration and filtering
Staining protocol refinement:
Determine optimal antibody concentration through titration (typically 0.1-5 μg per million cells)
Extend incubation time (30-60 minutes) to allow complete antibody penetration
Include Fc receptor blocking step to reduce non-specific binding
Instrument setup considerations:
Use proper FITC bandpass filters (typically 530/30nm)
Perform fluorescence compensation if using multiple fluorochromes
Calibrate using FITC calibration beads to enable quantitative analysis
Controls and validation:
Analysis strategies:
Gate on intact, single cells before analyzing TMEM214 expression
Consider correlating TMEM214 expression with apoptotic markers following ER stress induction
Use histogram overlay analysis to detect shifts in TMEM214 expression
When interpreting flow cytometry data, researchers should note that changes in TMEM214 function during ER stress may not necessarily correlate with expression level changes, as activation likely occurs through conformational changes or post-translational modifications rather than altered expression .
Multi-color imaging enables comprehensive analysis of TMEM214's role in ER stress pathways. To effectively combine TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies with other fluorescent probes, consider these methodological approaches:
Spectral compatibility planning:
Select fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap with FITC (Ex/Em: 495/519nm)
Recommended combinations include:
FITC (TMEM214) + DAPI (nucleus) + Alexa Fluor 594 (procaspase 4)
FITC (TMEM214) + Alexa Fluor 647 (ER marker) + TRITC (apoptotic marker)
Account for FITC's relatively broad emission spectrum when selecting companion fluorophores
Sequential staining protocols:
For challenging combinations or when using antibodies from the same species:
First apply TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibody
Fix with 1% paraformaldehyde to immobilize
Block with excess unconjugated anti-species antibodies
Proceed with subsequent staining steps
Organelle-specific co-localization strategies:
ER co-staining: Combine TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies with far-red ER-Tracker dyes
For TMEM214/procaspase 4 interaction studies: Use spectrally distinct fluorophores for each protein
Consider ER-specific lipid dyes as complementary markers to protein-based detection
Live/fixed cell hybrid approaches:
Apply membrane-permeable organelle dyes to living cells
Fix and permeabilize
Counterstain with TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies
Image acquisition optimization:
Implement sequential scanning to minimize bleed-through
Use appropriate narrow bandpass filters
Apply linear unmixing algorithms when necessary
Consider spectral imaging for highly multiplexed experiments
| Fluorophore Combination | Excitation Lasers | Emission Filters | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| FITC (TMEM214) + DAPI + Alexa 594 | 405/488/561nm | 450/40, 525/50, 610/60 | Basic co-localization studies |
| FITC (TMEM214) + Alexa 647 (ER) + JC-1 | 488/561/640nm | 525/50, 590/50, 670/30 | ER stress with mitochondrial potential |
| FITC (TMEM214) + Rhodamine (caspase probe) | 488/561nm | 525/50, 590/50 | Functional apoptosis studies |
When designing multi-color experiments, remember that TMEM214 is primarily localized to the outer membrane of the ER, where it serves as an anchor for procaspase 4 .
TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies provide valuable tools for investigating ER stress mechanisms in disease contexts. Researchers can implement these methodological approaches:
Neurodegenerative disease models:
Apply TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies to brain tissue sections from Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease models
Quantify TMEM214 distribution relative to protein aggregates
Correlate TMEM214/procaspase 4 interaction with neuronal apoptosis
Cancer cell resistance mechanisms:
Compare TMEM214 expression and localization between drug-sensitive and resistant cancer cell lines
Evaluate whether TMEM214-dependent apoptotic pathways remain functional in therapy-resistant cells
Consider combination with tumor-specific cytosol-penetrating antibody approaches for therapeutic targeting
Metabolic disorder investigations:
Examine TMEM214 distribution in models of diabetes and obesity
Correlate TMEM214 activation with ER stress markers in response to metabolic challenges
Analyze whether TMEM214-mediated apoptosis contributes to pancreatic β-cell death
Ischemia-reperfusion models:
Track TMEM214 dynamics during oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion
Correlate with temporal activation of ER stress response elements
Evaluate potential for TMEM214-targeted interventions to reduce tissue damage
Liver disease applications:
Apply TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies to liver sections from models of alcohol-induced injury, viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Assess correlation between TMEM214 activation and hepatocyte apoptosis
Evaluate potential for targeting TMEM214-dependent pathways to reduce liver injury
When designing disease-relevant experiments, researchers should note that while TMEM214 mediates one pathway of ER stress-induced apoptosis, other mechanisms involving CHOP induction and JNK phosphorylation operate independently , potentially offering multiple intervention points depending on the disease context.
To capture the dynamic aspects of TMEM214 function during ER stress responses, researchers can implement these advanced imaging methodologies:
FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching):
Apply to study TMEM214 mobility within the ER membrane
Compare recovery kinetics before and after ER stress induction
Determine if TMEM214 forms immobile complexes with procaspase 4 during activation
FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer):
Optogenetic integration:
Combine TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies with optogenetic ER stress induction systems
Precisely control the timing and localization of ER stress
Track TMEM214 reorganization following spatially restricted activation
Light-sheet microscopy applications:
Achieve high-speed volumetric imaging of TMEM214 distribution
Reduce phototoxicity for extended live-cell imaging
Track whole-cell reorganization of TMEM214 during progressive ER stress
Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM):
Visualize TMEM214 distribution via FITC-conjugated antibodies
Correlate with ultrastructural changes in ER morphology
Precisely locate TMEM214 clusters relative to specific ER subdomains
When designing dynamic imaging experiments, researchers should consider that while TMEM214 protein levels may not change dramatically during ER stress, its functional activation likely occurs through conformational changes, oligomerization, or post-translational modifications that could be captured through these advanced techniques .
To investigate how TMEM214-mediated ER stress pathways interact with other apoptotic mechanisms, researchers can implement these sophisticated methodological approaches:
Pathway-specific inhibition studies:
Apply TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies while selectively inhibiting:
Extrinsic pathway (TNFR antagonists, caspase 8 inhibitors)
Intrinsic pathway (Bcl-2 family modulators)
Alternative ER stress pathways (CHOP siRNA, JNK inhibitors)
Quantify changes in TMEM214 distribution and activation
Determine pathway hierarchy and potential compensatory mechanisms
Temporal dynamics analysis:
Implement time-course experiments during mixed apoptotic stimuli
Track TMEM214 activation relative to other pathway markers
Determine whether TMEM214/procaspase 4 activation precedes or follows mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization
Genetic modification approaches:
Combine TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibody imaging with CRISPR-modified cells lacking key components of:
CHOP-dependent ER stress pathways
JNK-dependent ER stress pathways
Extrinsic apoptotic pathways
Assess pathway redundancy and potential for compensatory activation
Quantitative co-localization analysis:
Apply TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies alongside markers for:
Mitochondrial apoptotic proteins (cytochrome c, Bax)
Death receptor pathway components
Other ER stress mediators
Perform detailed co-localization quantification to identify potential interaction sites
When interpreting results, researchers should consider that knockdown experiments have demonstrated TMEM214 specifically mediates apoptosis induced by ER stressors (TG, BFA) but not by TNFα or DNA-damaging agents like actinomycin D and etoposide . This pathway specificity provides an excellent framework for investigating selective vulnerability to different apoptotic stimuli.
Several cutting-edge methodological approaches show promise for advancing TMEM214 research beyond current capabilities:
Antibody engineering applications:
Development of split-FITC systems where fluorescence occurs only upon TMEM214 conformational changes
Creation of FITC-conjugated bispecific antibodies targeting both TMEM214 and procaspase 4 simultaneously
Engineering modular approaches similar to tumor-associated antigen-specific antibodies that could allow conditional activation based on ER stress markers
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Combine TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibody imaging with in situ sequencing
Correlate TMEM214 protein distribution with localized transcriptional responses
Map spatial relationships between TMEM214 activation and stress response gene expression
Emerging super-resolution approaches:
Apply DNA-PAINT techniques for ultra-high resolution imaging of TMEM214 nanoscale organization
Implement adaptive optics to improve imaging depth in tissue sections
Utilize lattice light-sheet microscopy for high-speed volumetric imaging with minimal phototoxicity
Proteomics integration:
Computational analysis advances:
Implement machine learning algorithms for automated detection of TMEM214 redistribution patterns
Develop computational models predicting TMEM214 activation based on ER stress parameters
Create integrated visualization platforms combining imaging data with molecular dynamics simulations
These emerging approaches have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of how TMEM214's two transmembrane domains and large N-terminal cytoplasmic region coordinate to mediate ER stress-induced apoptosis through procaspase 4 recruitment and activation .
TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies offer potential insights into therapy resistance mechanisms across multiple disease contexts:
Cancer therapy resistance investigations:
Apply TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies to compare ER stress responses between therapy-sensitive and resistant tumor cells
Determine if alterations in TMEM214-mediated apoptosis contribute to drug resistance
Explore potential for targeting TMEM214-dependent pathways to overcome resistance
Consider integration with emerging bispecific antibody approaches for combined targeting and cargo delivery
Neurodegenerative disease therapeutic development:
Evaluate whether TMEM214-mediated pathways contribute to neuronal resilience or vulnerability
Assess potential for modulating TMEM214 function to enhance proteostasis in protein misfolding diseases
Determine if TMEM214 distribution patterns predict neuronal response to therapeutic interventions
Metabolic disorder treatment resistance:
Investigate whether altered TMEM214 function contributes to β-cell failure despite intervention
Examine TMEM214 distribution in adipose tissue during insulin resistance development
Assess whether restoration of normal TMEM214-dependent ER stress responses could improve metabolic outcomes
Methodological approaches for resistance studies:
Implement longitudinal imaging of TMEM214 distribution during treatment response and resistance development
Correlate TMEM214 functional status with transcriptomic and proteomic signatures of resistance
Develop high-content screening platforms using TMEM214 FITC-conjugated antibodies to identify compounds that restore normal ER stress responses
When designing resistance-focused experiments, researchers should consider that TMEM214-mediated apoptosis represents one of several ER stress response pathways, operating independently of CHOP induction and JNK phosphorylation . This pathway diversity may contribute to the complexity of therapeutic responses across different cellular contexts.