TMEM87B (Transmembrane protein 87B) is a multi-pass membrane protein that plays significant roles in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell migration, and signal transduction. Most notably, it appears to be involved in retrograde transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), suggesting its importance in intracellular trafficking pathways . The protein belongs to the LU7TM family, TMEM87 subfamily, and has two isoforms produced by alternative splicing in humans. It is encoded by a gene located on chromosome 2q13 .
For optimal immunohistochemistry (IHC) applications with TMEM87B antibody, follow this validated protocol:
Dewax and hydrate paraffin-embedded tissue sections according to standard procedures
Perform antigen retrieval using high-pressure citrate buffer (pH 6.0)
Block sections with 10% normal goat serum for 30 minutes at room temperature
Dilute the TMEM87B antibody to 1:200-1:500 (with 1:400 being optimal for many tissues) in 1% BSA solution
Incubate sections with primary antibody overnight at 4°C
Detect using a biotinylated secondary antibody and visualize with an HRP-conjugated SP system
This protocol has been validated on human prostate tissue using the Leica BondTM system . For proper signal development, ensure adequate incubation time and thorough washing between steps.
The following dilutions have been experimentally validated for TMEM87B antibody applications:
| Application | Recommended Dilution Range | Optimal Dilution |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA | 1:2000-1:10000 | 1:5000 |
| IHC | 1:200-1:500 | 1:400 |
| Western Blot | 1:100-1:1000 | 1:500 |
These dilutions should be optimized for your specific experimental conditions, tissue type, and detection system . For biotin-conjugated antibodies specifically, lower dilutions may be required when used with streptavidin detection systems.
When designing experiments to study TMEM87B subcellular localization, epitope selection is critical. TMEM87B antibodies targeting different regions have distinct advantages:
C-terminal antibodies (AA 484-513): Provide robust detection in Western blotting applications and are effective for detecting native protein in cell lysates . These antibodies are particularly useful when studying protein trafficking and processing.
Mid-region antibodies (AA 451-554): Offer superior performance in immunohistochemistry applications and can maintain reactivity even after formalin fixation and paraffin embedding processes .
For subcellular localization studies, biotin-conjugated antibodies provide advantages when used with avidin-based amplification systems, resulting in enhanced signal detection in confocal microscopy. When designing co-localization experiments, consider using TMEM87B antibodies in conjunction with trans-Golgi network markers and endosomal compartment markers to accurately assess its retrograde transport function .
Comprehensive antibody validation requires multiple complementary approaches:
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate antibody with the immunizing peptide (in this case, recombinant human TMEM87B protein fragments AA 451-554 or AA 484-513) before application to samples. Signal elimination confirms specificity .
Knockout/knockdown controls: Compare staining patterns between TMEM87B-expressing samples and those with TMEM87B genetically depleted.
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test antibody against recombinant TMEM87A (the closest paralog) to ensure no cross-reactivity occurs.
Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry: Confirm that immunoprecipitated proteins match the expected molecular weight (~63.4 kDa) and peptide sequence of TMEM87B.
Multiple antibody concordance: Compare staining patterns between different antibodies targeting distinct TMEM87B epitopes; concordant patterns support specificity .
For biotin-conjugated antibodies specifically, additional controls using streptavidin-only staining are necessary to exclude endogenous biotin interference.
When designing double immunolabeling experiments with TMEM87B biotin-conjugated antibodies, consider these critical optimization steps:
Sequential detection protocol:
Apply primary antibody against the non-TMEM87B target
Detect with appropriate fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody
Block remaining binding sites with excess unconjugated secondary antibody
Apply biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibody
Detect with streptavidin-conjugated fluorophore with minimal spectral overlap
Blocking optimization: Add avidin/biotin blocking steps (commercially available kits) before applying the biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibody to reduce background, especially in biotin-rich tissues like liver or kidney.
Signal amplification considerations: For low-abundance TMEM87B detection, use tyramide signal amplification systems compatible with biotinylated antibodies, but carefully titrate reaction times to prevent signal bleeding.
Control experiments: Include single-label controls for each antibody to verify signal specificity and absence of bleed-through .
When encountering weak or absent signals with TMEM87B biotin-conjugated antibodies, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Antibody concentration adjustment:
Increase antibody concentration to 1:100-1:200 for challenging samples
Extend primary antibody incubation time to overnight at 4°C
Detection system enhancement:
Switch to high-sensitivity detection systems (e.g., SuperSignal™ for WB, TSA™ for IHC/IF)
Use streptavidin conjugates with brighter fluorophores for fluorescence applications
Consider using HRP-polymer detection systems with DAB enhancement for chromogenic detection
Sample-specific considerations:
High background is a common challenge with biotin-conjugated antibodies. Implement these targeted approaches:
Endogenous biotin blocking: Apply avidin-biotin blocking kit before antibody incubation, particularly critical for biotin-rich tissues like liver, kidney, and brain.
Optimized blocking solutions:
For IHC/ICC: Use 10% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody plus 1% BSA
For Western blot: 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST often provides superior background reduction compared to BSA
Buffer optimization:
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in antibody diluent for better penetration
Add 0.05% Tween-20 to all wash buffers to reduce non-specific binding
Dilution adjustments:
Prepare antibody dilutions in buffer containing 1% BSA and 10% normal serum
For particularly challenging samples, prepare antibody dilution 24 hours in advance and store at 4°C to allow non-specific binding components to precipitate
Storage buffer consideration: The presence of 50% glycerol and 0.03% Proclin 300 in the antibody storage buffer helps maintain stability but may contribute to background at very low dilutions; additional washing steps can help mitigate this effect .
Fixation methods significantly impact TMEM87B epitope accessibility and detection sensitivity:
To effectively investigate TMEM87B's role in retrograde transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network, implement these experimental approaches:
Colocalization studies:
Design triple labeling experiments using biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibody alongside markers for:
Trans-Golgi network (e.g., TGN46, Golgin-97)
Early endosomes (e.g., EEA1, Rab5)
Late endosomes (e.g., Rab7, Rab9)
Analyze colocalization coefficients quantitatively using Pearson's or Mander's correlation coefficients
Functional transport assays:
Utilize cargo proteins known to undergo retrograde transport (e.g., STxB, TGN38)
Compare transport kinetics between control and TMEM87B-depleted cells
Track cargo movement using live-cell imaging with fluorescently-labeled markers
Interaction studies:
Perform co-immunoprecipitation using TMEM87B antibodies to identify binding partners
Validate interactions with known retrograde transport machinery components (GARP complex proteins, SNARE proteins)
Use proximity ligation assays to confirm interactions in situ
Loss-of-function approaches:
Generate TMEM87B knockdown/knockout models using siRNA or CRISPR-Cas9
Evaluate impacts on retrograde transport pathways
Perform rescue experiments with wild-type and mutant TMEM87B constructs
Cargo tracking:
When interpreting TMEM87B cellular distribution data, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Expression level artifacts:
Overexpression systems may cause mislocalization of TMEM87B
Compare endogenous staining patterns with tagged expression constructs
Validate observations across multiple cell types to distinguish authentic from artifactual localization
Epitope accessibility variations:
Dynamic localization considerations:
TMEM87B localization may change during cell cycle progression
Trafficking between compartments may result in distinct populations
Synchronize cells when comparing treatments/conditions
Fixation and permeabilization artifacts:
Membrane protein localization is particularly sensitive to fixation methods
Overly harsh permeabilization can disrupt membrane architecture
Compare results across multiple fixation/permeabilization protocols
Resolution limitations:
Standard confocal microscopy may not resolve closely associated compartments
Consider super-resolution approaches (STED, STORM, SIM) for detailed localization studies
Complement optical approaches with biochemical fractionation data
For rigorous quantitative assessment of TMEM87B protein levels across experimental conditions, implement these methodological approaches:
Western blot quantification:
Establish linear detection range for TMEM87B antibody using recombinant standards
Normalize to appropriate loading controls (β-actin for whole cell lysates, compartment-specific markers for fractionation studies)
Use fluorescent secondary antibodies rather than chemiluminescence for wider linear range
Calculate relative expression using densitometry with appropriate software (ImageJ, Image Studio Lite)
ELISA-based quantification:
Flow cytometry quantification:
Use permeabilization protocols optimized for transmembrane proteins
Calibrate using quantitative beads to establish molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF)
Control for autofluorescence and non-specific binding
For biotin-conjugated antibodies, use streptavidin conjugated to bright fluorophores (e.g., PE, APC)
Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry:
Use TMEM87B antibodies for immunoprecipitation
Quantify using label-free or isotope-labeled approaches
Monitor TMEM87B-specific peptides for absolute quantification
Image-based quantification:
Establish consistent acquisition parameters (exposure, gain, offset)
Implement automated analysis pipelines to reduce bias
Report integrated intensity per cell rather than maximum intensity
Use automated cell segmentation for high-throughput analysis
TMEM87B biotin-conjugated antibodies offer valuable advantages in proximity-based protein interaction studies through these methodological approaches:
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) applications:
Pair biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibody with antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Detect using streptavidin-conjugated DNA oligonucleotides and complementary oligonucleotides conjugated to secondary antibodies against the partner protein
Rolling circle amplification then generates fluorescent spots only when proteins are within ~40nm proximity
This approach has advantages over traditional co-IP for detecting transient or weak interactions
BioID/TurboID proximity labeling:
Compare proximity labeling results with biotin-conjugated antibody detection to validate interactions
Use biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibodies to immunoprecipitate the protein complex after proximity labeling
Apply two-color detection to distinguish endogenous biotinylated proteins from proximity-labeled proteins
APEX2-based proximity labeling:
Use biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibodies to verify APEX2 fusion protein localization
Implement multi-label imaging to correlate TMEM87B localization with biotinylated proximity proteins
Cross-linking Mass Spectrometry (XL-MS):
Use biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibodies for affinity purification after crosslinking
Exploit biotin-streptavidin interaction for stringent purification of TMEM87B complexes
Optimize elution conditions to maintain crosslinks while releasing protein complexes
FRET-based approaches:
For comprehensive analysis of TMEM87B tissue-specific expression patterns, implement these methodological strategies:
Multiplex immunohistochemistry optimization:
Use biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibody at 1:200-1:500 dilution alongside cell type-specific markers
Implement spectral unmixing for multi-color analysis
Consider tyramide signal amplification for detection of low-abundance expression
Human prostate tissue serves as a reliable positive control for TMEM87B expression patterns
Tissue microarray screening:
Apply standardized IHC protocols across diverse tissue types
Use digital pathology approaches for quantitative comparison
Develop scoring systems that account for both intensity and distribution patterns
Cross-validate findings with publicly available transcriptomic datasets
Single-cell analysis approaches:
Optimize tissue dissociation protocols to maintain epitope integrity
Implement flow cytometry or mass cytometry (CyTOF) with TMEM87B antibodies
Correlate protein expression with scRNA-seq data in parallel samples
Analyze co-expression patterns with lineage-specific markers
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Combine TMEM87B immunohistochemistry with spatial transcriptomics
Register protein and RNA localization data
Analyze spatial correlation between TMEM87B protein and mRNA
Identify regions with post-transcriptional regulation
Developmental and disease-state profiling:
To effectively characterize post-translational modifications (PTMs) of TMEM87B, implement these specialized analytical approaches:
Phosphorylation analysis:
Immunoprecipitate TMEM87B using biotin-conjugated antibodies followed by phospho-specific detection
Use phosphatase treatment as control to confirm specificity
Employ mass spectrometry to identify specific phosphorylation sites
Design experiments with phosphatase inhibitors to preserve transient modifications
Glycosylation characterization:
Treat samples with glycosidases (PNGase F, Endo H) before Western blotting
Compare mobility shifts to identify N-linked glycosylation
Use lectins alongside TMEM87B antibodies for co-localization studies
Assess glycosylation status in different subcellular compartments
Ubiquitination detection:
Co-immunoprecipitate using TMEM87B antibodies followed by ubiquitin detection
Use proteasome inhibitors to accumulate ubiquitinated species
Distinguish between mono- and poly-ubiquitination patterns
Analyze ubiquitination kinetics during protein trafficking
SUMO modification analysis:
Implement denaturing immunoprecipitation to preserve SUMO modifications
Use SUMO-specific antibodies alongside TMEM87B detection
Identify SUMO-interacting proteins in the TMEM87B pathway
Assess impacts of SUMO-site mutations on TMEM87B function
Integrated PTM analysis:
Combine multiple enrichment strategies for comprehensive PTM profiling
Use biotin-conjugated TMEM87B antibodies for initial purification
Apply advanced MS/MS approaches for PTM mapping
Correlate modifications with trafficking dynamics and protein interactions
For all PTM studies, controls are critical - always compare results across multiple antibodies and validate findings using complementary approaches to avoid epitope masking artifacts or detection biases .