Tmprss15 Antibody, FITC conjugated is a polyclonal antibody produced in rabbits, targeting amino acids 830–1069 of mouse enteropeptidase (UniProt ID: P97435) . The fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugate enables fluorescence-based detection methods such as flow cytometry and immunofluorescence imaging .
Tmprss15 (Transmembrane Protease Serine 15), also termed enteropeptidase, catalyzes the activation of pancreatic zymogens like trypsinogen into trypsin, initiating digestive enzyme cascades . Mutations in TMPRSS15 are linked to enterokinase deficiency (EKD), a malabsorption disorder characterized by chronic diarrhea and growth failure . Structural studies highlight its homology with TMPRSS2, suggesting potential roles in viral entry mechanisms (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) .
Utility: Localizes Tmprss15 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, particularly in gastrointestinal epithelia .
Validation: Detects a ~44 kDa band corresponding to the recombinant mouse Tmprss15 protein fragment .
Specificity: Validated using recombinant protein expressed in E. coli and confirmed via SDS-PAGE (>90% purity) .
Cross-reactivity: No significant reactivity with non-target species reported .
Functional Assays: Demonstrates binding to enteropeptidase in Jurkat cell lysates and human stomach tissues .
Disease Modeling: Used to study EKD pathogenesis caused by TMPRSS15 mutations .
Drug Development: Screens for protease inhibitors targeting Tmprss15-related pathways .
Virology: Investigates Tmprss15’s role in viral protease activation due to structural similarities with TMPRSS2 .
Tmprss15, also known as Enteropeptidase or Enterokinase, is a serine protease that plays a crucial role in digestive enzyme activation. It is responsible for initiating activation of pancreatic proteolytic proenzymes including trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase A. The significance of this protein lies in its catalytic function of converting trypsinogen to trypsin, which subsequently activates other proenzymes including chymotrypsinogen, procarboxypeptidases, and proelastases . Research targeting Tmprss15 is valuable for understanding digestive enzyme cascades, pancreatic function, and potential therapeutic interventions for digestive disorders.
For optimal maintenance of antibody activity, the FITC-conjugated Tmprss15 antibody should be stored at -20°C or -80°C upon receipt . The antibody formulation includes 50% glycerol and 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative in 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4) . This buffer composition helps maintain stability during storage. Critically, researchers should avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as these can significantly degrade antibody quality and performance . For projects requiring frequent use, consider aliquoting the antibody into single-use volumes before freezing to minimize freeze-thaw events.
Determining optimal antibody dilution requires systematic titration experiments customized to your specific application and sample type. Begin with a broad range of dilutions (e.g., 1:100, 1:500, 1:1000, 1:5000) in your experimental system. For ELISA applications with this particular antibody, analyze signal-to-noise ratios at each dilution by measuring specific binding to target versus background/non-specific binding. The optimal dilution provides maximum specific signal with minimal background. For fluorescence-based applications, additional factors to consider include signal intensity, photobleaching characteristics of FITC, and potential autofluorescence in your sample. Create a standardized protocol documenting the optimized conditions for reproducible results across experiments.
A robust experimental design with appropriate controls is critical for reliable interpretation of results using this antibody. Essential controls include:
Isotype control: Use a FITC-conjugated rabbit IgG (matching the host species and isotype of the Tmprss15 antibody) to assess non-specific binding .
Negative tissue/cell control: Include samples known to lack Tmprss15 expression to evaluate background signals.
Positive control: Incorporate samples with confirmed Tmprss15 expression (mouse tissue expressing enteropeptidase, particularly duodenal samples).
Blocking peptide control: When available, pre-incubate the antibody with the immunogen peptide (recombinant Mouse Enteropeptidase protein aa 830-1069) to confirm binding specificity .
Autofluorescence control: Examine unstained samples to assess natural fluorescence that might interfere with FITC signal detection.
This polyclonal antibody recognizes amino acids 830-1069 of mouse Tmprss15 (Enteropeptidase) . This region falls within the catalytic light chain of the protein after it undergoes cleavage into non-catalytic heavy chain and catalytic light chain components . The specificity for this region has important experimental implications:
The antibody will detect both the full-length protein and the cleaved light chain.
Experimental conditions that alter protein processing might affect detection.
Cross-reactivity with human samples is not guaranteed due to species differences in this epitope region.
When designing experiments, researchers should consider the protein's post-translational modifications and processing state in their specific biological system, particularly if investigating proteolytic activation cascades.
The antibody is supplied as a liquid formulation with the following composition:
This formulation has several methodological implications:
The high glycerol content (50%) requires accounting for dilution factors in applications requiring precise buffer conditions.
Proclin 300 is compatible with most immunoassays but may affect certain enzymatic reactions or cell-based assays at higher concentrations.
The neutral pH PBS buffer is generally compatible with most biological systems but may require adjustment for specialized applications.
For particularly sensitive applications, researchers might consider buffer exchange techniques if components of the formulation could potentially interfere with their experimental system.
Optimizing dual immunolabeling with this FITC-conjugated Tmprss15 antibody requires careful consideration of fluorophore spectral properties and staining sequence. FITC has excitation/emission peaks at approximately 495/519 nm, so choose secondary fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap (e.g., Cy5, Texas Red). For dual staining protocols:
Conduct preliminary single-staining controls to establish detection parameters for each antibody.
Test different staining sequences to identify optimal order:
Simultaneous incubation of both primary antibodies
Sequential incubation with complete washing between steps
Applying FITC-conjugated antibody first or second
Implement stringent blocking steps to minimize cross-reactivity between antibodies:
Use species-specific secondary antibodies when the second primary is from a different host
Include additional blocking steps between applications when using sequential protocols
Adjust image acquisition settings to minimize bleed-through:
Capture single-labeled controls with identical settings
Employ sequential scanning for confocal microscopy
Consider linear unmixing algorithms for closely overlapping spectra
FITC is relatively prone to photobleaching, which presents challenges for extended imaging sessions. Researchers can implement several strategies to mitigate this limitation:
Chemical anti-fade reagents: Incorporate specialized mounting media containing anti-fade agents such as n-propyl gallate, DABCO, or commercial alternatives specifically designed for fluorescein preservation.
Oxygen scavenging systems: Implement enzymatic oxygen scavenging systems (e.g., glucose oxidase/catalase with glucose) to reduce photobleaching rates during extended imaging.
Acquisition parameters optimization:
Reduce excitation intensity to the minimum required for adequate signal detection
Minimize exposure times
Increase detector sensitivity (e.g., EM-CCD cameras, PMT voltage)
Use larger binning where resolution permits
Advanced imaging techniques:
Implement time-lapse capture with intermittent imaging
Use deconvolution to extract more information from lower-intensity images
Consider computational approaches that correct for photobleaching effects
When encountering weak or absent signal with the FITC-conjugated Tmprss15 antibody, systematically evaluate and optimize these key parameters:
Epitope accessibility:
Test different fixation methods (paraformaldehyde, methanol, acetone)
Optimize permeabilization conditions (detergent type, concentration, duration)
Implement antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced, enzymatic)
Antibody concentration and incubation conditions:
Test higher antibody concentrations
Extend incubation time (overnight at 4°C versus 1-2 hours at room temperature)
Optimize incubation buffer composition (BSA percentage, detergent concentration)
Signal amplification techniques:
Consider tyramide signal amplification if compatible with experimental design
Use high-sensitivity detection systems or cameras
Implement image averaging during acquisition to improve signal-to-noise ratio
Technical verification:
Confirm the functional integrity of the fluorophore using spectrophotometry
Verify target protein expression in your samples via alternative methods (Western blot, RT-PCR)
Test the antibody in a positive control sample with confirmed target expression
Differentiating between specific and non-specific binding is crucial for accurate data interpretation. Implement these approaches to ensure signal specificity:
Comprehensive controls implementation:
Compare staining patterns with isotype control at identical concentration
Include competitive blocking with the immunizing peptide (aa 830-1069 of mouse Tmprss15)
Include samples known to lack the target protein
Compare staining patterns with alternative antibodies targeting different epitopes of Tmprss15
Signal pattern analysis:
Specific binding should show consistent subcellular localization corresponding to known biology
Non-specific binding often presents as diffuse, inconsistent, or unusual localization patterns
Compare observed patterns with published literature on Tmprss15 localization
Quantitative assessment:
Calculate signal-to-background ratios under different conditions
Perform line-scan analysis across cellular regions to assess signal distribution
Compare fluorescence intensity between experimental and control samples
When evaluating this FITC-conjugated antibody against alternative Tmprss15 detection methods, consider these comparative factors:
| Detection Method | Sensitivity | Specificity | Quantitation | Spatial Information | Technical Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITC-conjugated antibody (IF) | Moderate-High | High (with proper controls) | Semi-quantitative | High (subcellular) | Moderate |
| Unconjugated antibody (IHC) | Moderate | High | Semi-quantitative | High | Moderate |
| Western blot | Moderate-High | Very high (size verification) | Semi-quantitative | None | Moderate |
| qRT-PCR (mRNA) | Very high | High (primer-dependent) | Highly quantitative | None | Moderate |
| Mass spectrometry | High | Very high | Highly quantitative | None | High |
Understanding the trade-offs between direct FITC conjugation and unconjugated antibodies allows researchers to select the optimal approach for their specific research questions:
Advantages of FITC-conjugated antibody:
Simplified protocol with fewer steps, reducing hands-on time and potential for procedural errors
Elimination of secondary antibody cross-reactivity concerns in multi-labeling experiments
Direct 1:1 relationship between antibody and fluorophore, potentially improving signal consistency
Reduced background in some applications due to elimination of secondary antibody binding to endogenous immunoglobulins
Limitations of FITC-conjugated antibody:
Fixed fluorophore selection limits flexibility in imaging setup
FITC is relatively prone to photobleaching compared to newer fluorophores
No signal amplification from multiple secondary antibodies binding each primary
Limited options for alternative detection methods (e.g., cannot easily switch to enzymatic detection)
For applications requiring maximum sensitivity or flexible detection options, unconjugated primary antibodies with separate detection reagents might be preferable. Conversely, for multicolor imaging or applications where protocol simplification is valuable, the FITC-conjugated format offers significant advantages.
The epitope recognized by this antibody (aa 830-1069 of mouse Tmprss15) may be subject to various post-translational modifications that could significantly impact detection. Researchers should consider these potential interactions:
Proteolytic processing: Tmprss15/Enteropeptidase undergoes cleavage into heavy and light chains as part of its activation . Since the antibody targets a region within the light chain (catalytic domain), detection may be influenced by the protein's processing state.
Glycosylation sites: The extracellular domain of Tmprss15 contains multiple N-glycosylation sites. While the exact impact on the epitope region requires experimental verification, glycosylation can potentially mask antibody binding sites or alter protein conformation.
Phosphorylation: Serine proteases can be regulated by phosphorylation events. If phosphorylation sites exist within the epitope region, they could potentially enhance or inhibit antibody recognition.
To address these considerations, researchers might:
Compare detection patterns in samples treated with glycosidases or phosphatases
Analyze samples under reducing versus non-reducing conditions
Compare detection in systems with altered protein processing machinery
For quantitative analysis of Tmprss15 expression using this FITC-conjugated antibody, researchers should implement these methodological considerations:
Standardization protocols:
Establish standard curves using recombinant Tmprss15 protein at known concentrations
Include internal reference standards across all experimental batches
Maintain consistent imaging parameters between samples and across experiments
Signal calibration approaches:
Use calibrated fluorescent beads to normalize fluorescence intensity measurements
Implement ratio-metric analysis against stable housekeeping proteins
Consider photobleaching rates in quantitative time-course experiments
Technical validation:
Confirm linearity of detection within the expected expression range
Verify antibody saturation is not occurring at high target concentrations
Validate quantitative findings with orthogonal methods (e.g., Western blot, qPCR)
Data analysis considerations:
Apply appropriate background subtraction methods
Use software that accounts for potential uneven illumination
Consider three-dimensional distribution of signal in confocal applications
Integrating this antibody into multi-omics research requires thoughtful experimental design that leverages its specific capabilities while complementing other methodologies:
Spatial proteomics integration:
Use the FITC-conjugated antibody to establish subcellular localization of Tmprss15
Correlate with mass spectrometry-based proteomics data on protein abundance
Combine with proximity labeling approaches to identify interaction partners
Transcriptomics correlation:
Compare protein detection patterns with RNA-seq or single-cell RNA-seq data
Investigate potential post-transcriptional regulation by correlating mRNA and protein levels
Use the antibody to validate findings from transcriptomic screens in specific cell populations
Functional genomics applications:
Apply the antibody to verify protein knockout/knockdown in CRISPR or RNAi experiments
Quantify protein expression changes following genetic manipulation
Correlate phenotypic outcomes with protein expression patterns
Clinical research applications:
Develop standardized protocols for Tmprss15 detection in patient-derived samples
Correlate protein expression with clinical metadata and outcomes
Integrate with biomarker panels for digestive disorders
Emerging technologies offer opportunities to extend the applications and enhance the performance of this FITC-conjugated Tmprss15 antibody:
Advanced microscopy techniques:
Super-resolution microscopy to visualize detailed subcellular localization beyond diffraction limits
Expansion microscopy to physically enlarge specimens for enhanced spatial resolution
Light-sheet microscopy for reduced photobleaching and rapid 3D imaging of large samples
Microfluidic and single-cell applications:
Integration with microfluidic antibody capture techniques for ultra-sensitive detection
Adaptation for CyTOF/mass cytometry by metal-tagging for highly multiplexed analysis
Single-cell western blot technologies for correlative protein analysis at the cellular level
Computational enhancements:
Machine learning algorithms for automated signal quantification and pattern recognition
Artificial intelligence-based image analysis to detect subtle expression differences
Cloud-based collaborative platforms for standardized antibody validation across laboratories