TOB1 (Transducer of ERBB2, 1) is a tumor suppressor protein involved in regulating cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cancer metastasis . The FITC-conjugated TOB1 antibody combines specificity for TOB1 with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), a green-emitting fluorophore optimized for fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting . This conjugate enables direct visualization of TOB1 localization and expression dynamics in cellular and tissue samples without requiring secondary antibodies .
Western Blot: Detects endogenous TOB1 in HeLa, MCF-7, and Jurkat cell lysates .
Immunohistochemistry: Localizes TOB1 in formalin-fixed human hepatocarcinoma .
Specificity: No cross-reactivity with non-phosphorylated TOB1 isoforms .
Gastric Cancer: TOB1 overexpression inhibits proliferation (50% reduction in MKN28 cells) and migration by downregulating β-catenin targets (cyclin D1, CDK4) and upregulating Smad4/p15 .
Breast Cancer: Phosphorylated TOB1 (Ser164) promotes estrogen-independent survival by rewiring ERBB2/AKT/mTOR signaling . Depleting TOB1 in LCC1/LCC9 cells induces G1 arrest and sensitizes cells to mTOR inhibitors .
Ubiquitination: SCFSkp2-mediated degradation of TOB1 stabilizes cyclin D1, accelerating G1-S transition .
| Cancer Type | TOB1 Function | Mechanism | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric | Tumor suppressor | ↑Smad4/p15; ↓cyclin D1/CDK4 | |
| Breast (ER+) | Estrogen-independent survival | ↑ERBB2/AKT/mTOR | |
| Lung | Apoptosis induction | ↑Caspase-3; ↓Bcl-2 |
FITC-Labeling Impact: Higher FITC-to-antibody ratios reduce antigen-binding affinity but increase detection sensitivity . Optimal labeling preserves 70–90% antigen recognition .
Photostability: FITC signal degrades under prolonged UV exposure; use antifade mounting media for microscopy .
Staining: Apply FITC-conjugated TOB1 antibody (1:500 dilution in PBS/FBS) for 1 hr in the dark .
Imaging: Use FITC filters (ex: 488 nm laser) with minimal exposure to prevent photobleaching .
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| High Background | Increase blocking time (30–60 min) |
| Weak Signal | Titrate antibody (1:100–1:500) |
| Non-Specific Staining | Validate with TOB1 knockout controls |
TOB1 (Transducer of ERBB2 1), also known as TOB or TROB1, is a protein with UniprotID P50616 that functions as a transcriptional regulator. It belongs to the BTG/TOB family of antiproliferative proteins that play important roles in cell cycle regulation and tumor suppression. TOB1 interacts with various cellular pathways including those involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The protein contains conserved domains that mediate protein-protein interactions, particularly with proteins involved in mRNA deadenylation and degradation processes .
FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate) conjugation involves the covalent attachment of the fluorescent FITC molecule to proteins such as antibodies. The isothiocyanate group (-N=C=S) in FITC reacts with primary amine groups on proteins, forming stable thiourea bonds. This reaction typically occurs at alkaline pH conditions (pH 8.0-9.5) where lysine residues are deprotonated. The resulting FITC-antibody conjugate emits bright green fluorescence when excited by blue light (approximately 495 nm), making it detectable in various fluorescence-based applications .
For optimal stability and performance, TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated should be stored at -20°C or -80°C immediately upon receipt. The antibody is supplied in a protective buffer containing 50% glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), and 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be strictly avoided as they can lead to protein denaturation, antibody fragmentation, and loss of FITC fluorescence intensity. For short-term storage (less than one week), the antibody can be kept at 4°C in the dark to prevent photobleaching of the FITC molecule .
TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated undergoes several quality control procedures before commercial release. The antibody is Protein G purified to >95% purity as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. Functional validation typically includes ELISA testing against the recombinant human TOB1 protein immunogen (amino acids 42-175). Additional quality control may include spectrophotometric analysis to determine the FITC-to-protein ratio, which optimally ranges between 3:1 and 6:1 for most antibody applications. This ensures sufficient fluorescence intensity while maintaining antibody binding capacity .
Using TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated offers several advantages over two-step detection methods:
Direct detection eliminates the need for secondary antibodies, reducing protocol time and complexity
Removes potential sources of non-specific binding from secondary antibodies
Allows for more precise quantification as the fluorophore-to-antibody ratio is consistent
Enables multicolor staining protocols with reduced risk of cross-reactivity
The fluorescence properties of FITC are significantly influenced by pH conditions, which researchers must consider when designing experiments. FITC exhibits optimal fluorescence at slightly alkaline pH (7.5-8.5), with emission intensity decreasing substantially below pH 7.0. This pH-dependent behavior is particularly relevant when studying acidic cellular compartments such as endosomes, lysosomes, or tumor microenvironments where lower pH values may result in diminished signal intensity.
Research demonstrates that in acidic tumor microenvironments (pH ≈6.0), FITC-conjugated molecules can show up to a 50% reduction in fluorescence intensity compared to neutral pH conditions. This phenomenon has been exploited in certain pH-sensitive applications, as seen in studies using pH-dependent grafting of cancer cells with antigenic epitopes where cellular fluorescence varies with environmental acidity . When designing experiments with TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated, researchers should implement appropriate pH controls and consider alternative fluorophores for strongly acidic environments.
Several sophisticated methodologies can leverage TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated to investigate protein-protein interactions:
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET): By pairing TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated with antibodies against potential interacting partners labeled with appropriate acceptor fluorophores (e.g., rhodamine), researchers can detect molecular proximities below 10 nm, indicating direct protein interactions.
Co-localization Studies: High-resolution confocal microscopy using TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated alongside antibodies against suspected interaction partners (labeled with spectrally distinct fluorophores) can reveal spatial relationships within cellular compartments.
Immunoprecipitation Combined with Fluorescence Detection: TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated can be used to pull down TOB1 protein complexes, with fluorescence measurements providing quantitative data on complex formation under various experimental conditions.
Flow Cytometry-Based Protein Interaction Assays: Multi-parameter flow cytometry can simultaneously detect TOB1 (using the FITC-conjugated antibody) and potential interacting proteins, allowing correlation analysis at the single-cell level .
Multiplex immunofluorescence studies present several technical challenges when incorporating TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated:
Spectral Overlap Management: FITC has relatively broad emission spectra (peak ~520 nm) that may overlap with other green-yellow fluorophores. Careful fluorophore selection is essential, with fluorophores such as Pacific Blue, Cy5, or APC being ideal partners due to minimal spectral overlap.
Panel Design Strategy: Position FITC in the panel according to the expected expression level of TOB1. For highly expressed targets, less bright fluorophores like FITC are appropriate, while rare targets benefit from brighter fluorophores.
Antibody Cross-Reactivity Assessment: Validate that the rabbit-derived TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated does not cross-react with other antibodies in the multiplex panel, particularly when using multiple rabbit-derived antibodies.
Sequential Staining Approaches: For complex multiplex panels, consider sequential staining with intermittent blocking steps to minimize cross-reactivity, particularly when using antibodies from the same host species.
Compensation Controls: Single-color controls using TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated alone are essential for proper spectral unmixing and compensation in flow cytometry or multispectral imaging systems .
The polyclonal nature of TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated has significant implications for research applications:
Advantages:
Recognition of multiple epitopes increases signal strength, especially for low-abundance targets
Greater tolerance to minor protein modifications or conformational changes
Often more robust against fixation-induced epitope masking
Experimental Considerations:
Batch-to-batch variation requires validation when switching lots
May bind to conserved epitopes present in related proteins, necessitating thorough specificity controls
Signal intensity can vary across experiments due to heterogeneous binding characteristics
When interpreting data generated with polyclonal TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated, researchers should include appropriate controls to account for these characteristics. This includes pre-absorption controls with recombinant TOB1 protein, comparison with monoclonal antibodies when available, and validation across multiple experimental systems to ensure consistency of findings .
Direct ELISA Protocol for TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated:
Plate Coating:
Coat high-binding 96-well plates with capture antigen (recombinant TOB1 or cell lysates) at 1-10 μg/ml in carbonate-bicarbonate buffer (pH 9.6)
Incubate overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber
Blocking:
Wash wells 3 times with PBS + 0.05% Tween-20 (PBST)
Block with 2-5% BSA in PBS for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Antibody Incubation:
Dilute TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated to 1-10 μg/ml in blocking buffer
Add 100 μl to each well and incubate for 2 hours at room temperature protected from light
Detection:
Wash wells 4-5 times with PBST
Measure fluorescence using a microplate reader with excitation at 495 nm and emission at 520 nm
Controls to Include:
Blank wells (no antigen, with antibody)
Negative control wells (non-relevant protein coating)
Concentration curve of recombinant TOB1 protein for quantitation
The sensitivity of this direct fluorescent ELISA typically reaches the low ng/ml range, with a linear dynamic range spanning approximately 2 logs of concentration .
Photobleaching represents a significant challenge when working with FITC-conjugated antibodies in fluorescence microscopy. The following strategies can effectively minimize this issue:
Anti-Fade Mounting Media:
Use specialized mounting media containing anti-fade agents such as n-propyl gallate, p-phenylenediamine, or commercial formulations
Consider mounting media with antioxidants that scavenge free radicals generated during excitation
Imaging Parameters Optimization:
Reduce excitation light intensity to the minimum needed for adequate signal detection
Decrease exposure time and increase camera gain when possible
Use neutral density filters to attenuate excitation light
Confocal Microscopy Settings:
Narrow the confocal pinhole to reduce out-of-focus light exposure
Increase scan speed and apply line or frame averaging to maintain image quality
Use resonant scanners for faster imaging with reduced light exposure
Advanced Microscopy Techniques:
Consider using deconvolution algorithms to extract more information from lower-intensity images
Implement adaptive illumination strategies that reduce light exposure to previously scanned regions
Sample Preparation Considerations:
A comprehensive flow cytometry experiment using TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated should include the following controls:
Unstained Cells:
Essential for determining autofluorescence levels and setting appropriate voltage parameters
Isotype Control:
Rabbit IgG, FITC conjugated at the same concentration as the TOB1 antibody
Controls for non-specific binding due to Fc receptors or hydrophobic interactions
Single-Color Controls:
When performing multicolor experiments, single-color controls are necessary for compensation
Especially important when FITC emission overlaps with other fluorophores like PE
Fluorescence Minus One (FMO) Controls:
Include all fluorophores except FITC to determine the boundary between positive and negative populations
Critical for accurate gating when analyzing samples with low or variable TOB1 expression
Positive and Negative Cell Controls:
Cell lines with known high or absent TOB1 expression
Enables validation of staining protocol and antibody performance
Blocking Controls:
Pre-incubation with unconjugated anti-TOB1 antibody prior to staining with TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated
Confirms binding specificity to the TOB1 epitope
Fixation Controls:
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for generating reliable scientific data. For TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated, implement these validation approaches:
Genetic Validation:
Compare staining between wild-type cells and TOB1 knockout/knockdown models
Observe expected reduction or elimination of signal in cells with reduced TOB1 expression
Epitope Blocking:
Pre-incubate the antibody with recombinant TOB1 protein (particularly the immunogen fragment, amino acids 42-175)
Specific binding should be significantly reduced or eliminated
Orthogonal Detection Methods:
Compare results with alternative antibody clones targeting different TOB1 epitopes
Correlate findings with mRNA expression data from qPCR or RNA-seq
Confirm protein size via Western blot using the same antibody before FITC conjugation
Signal Localization Assessment:
Verify that subcellular localization matches known TOB1 distribution patterns
Compare with published literature on TOB1 localization studies
Cross-Reactivity Evaluation:
When optimizing immunofluorescence protocols with TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated, consider the following methodological approaches:
Fixation Optimization:
| Fixation Method | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 4% Paraformaldehyde | Preserves morphology, compatible with most epitopes | May require antigen retrieval for some epitopes |
| Methanol/Acetone | Excellent for many nuclear proteins, enhances some epitope accessibility | Can distort membrane structures, incompatible with some fluorescent proteins |
| Glyoxal | Improved preservation of fluorescent proteins | Less common, may require protocol adjustments |
Permeabilization Strategies:
| Agent | Concentration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Triton X-100 | 0.1-0.5% | Nuclear and cytoplasmic targets |
| Saponin | 0.1-0.5% | Membrane proteins, reversible permeabilization |
| Digitonin | 10-50 μg/ml | Selective plasma membrane permeabilization |
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Weak or Absent Signal:
Increase antibody concentration (try 2-5 μg/ml range)
Extend incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Try alternative fixation methods that may better preserve the epitope
Consider antigen retrieval techniques if using fixed tissues
High Background:
Increase blocking stringency (5-10% normal serum from the same species as secondary antibody)
Add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to blocking solution
Extend washing steps (5-6 washes of 5-10 minutes each)
Reduce antibody concentration or test more diluted preparations
Photobleaching:
Use anti-fade mounting media
Minimize exposure during imaging
Consider sequential imaging from longest to shortest wavelength fluorophores
Non-specific Nuclear Staining:
TOB1 has been implicated in various cancers as a potential tumor suppressor, making TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated a valuable tool in cancer research. Researchers can utilize this antibody in several sophisticated applications:
Cancer Cell Phenotyping:
Flow cytometric analysis of TOB1 expression levels across different cancer subtypes
Correlation of TOB1 expression with disease progression or treatment response
Identification of cancer stem cell populations based on TOB1 expression patterns
Tumor Microenvironment Studies:
Investigation of TOB1 expression in the context of tumor acidosis
Leveraging the pH sensitivity of FITC to simultaneously assess microenvironment pH and TOB1 expression
Analysis of TOB1 in tumor-associated immune cells and stromal components
High-Content Screening Applications:
Development of image-based assays to screen compounds that modulate TOB1 expression or localization
Automated quantification of nuclear versus cytoplasmic TOB1 in response to therapeutic agents
Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis:
Integration of TOB1 staining in liquid biopsy protocols for cancer detection and monitoring
Correlation of TOB1 expression patterns with metastatic potential
In particularly innovative approaches, researchers can combine TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated with pH-sensitive probes to simultaneously monitor tumor microenvironment conditions and TOB1 expression, as suggested by studies on pH-dependent grafting of cancer cells with antigenic epitopes .
Live cell imaging with TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated presents unique challenges and requires specific considerations:
Antibody Internalization Dynamics:
FITC-conjugated antibodies are not cell-permeable and will only detect surface-exposed epitopes unless delivery systems are employed
For intracellular TOB1 detection, consider membrane permeabilization techniques compatible with cell viability
Physiological Imaging Conditions:
Maintain cells in phenol red-free media to reduce background fluorescence
Supplement media with antioxidants to reduce phototoxicity
Control environmental conditions (pH, temperature, CO₂) to maintain cell health and FITC fluorescence
Signal-to-Noise Optimization:
Implement background subtraction algorithms for quantitative analysis
Consider ratiometric imaging approaches to normalize for variations in probe concentration
Use appropriate neutral density filters to minimize photobleaching while maintaining adequate signal
Temporal Resolution Considerations:
Balance acquisition frequency with photobleaching concerns
Implement intelligent acquisition strategies (e.g., triggered acquisition based on cellular events)
Consider the binding kinetics of the antibody when interpreting dynamic events
Alternative Delivery Strategies:
Integrating TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated into multimodal experimental approaches can provide more comprehensive insights:
Combined Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting:
Use TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated to isolate specific cell populations for downstream genomic or proteomic analysis
Sort cells based on TOB1 expression levels for functional assays or transcriptome analysis
Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS):
Perform pull-down of TOB1 protein complexes using the antibody
Utilize fluorescence detection to confirm successful immunoprecipitation before MS analysis
Identify novel TOB1 interacting partners under various experimental conditions
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Applications:
For transcription factor studies, adapt the TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated for ChIP protocols
Monitor immunoprecipitation efficiency using fluorescence measurements
Combine with sequencing (ChIP-seq) to identify TOB1 binding sites genome-wide
Super-Resolution Microscopy Integration:
Exploit the photophysical properties of FITC for techniques like STORM or PALM
Achieve nanoscale resolution of TOB1 localization patterns
Combine with proximity labeling methods for spatial proteomics applications
Single-Cell Analysis Pipelines:
Analyzing primary cells and tissue samples with TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated requires specific methodological adaptations:
Tissue-Specific Fixation Optimization:
Different tissues may require varied fixation protocols to preserve TOB1 epitopes
Consider tissue-specific antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
Validate fixation protocols that maintain both tissue architecture and epitope accessibility
Autofluorescence Management:
Primary tissues often exhibit significant autofluorescence in the FITC channel
Implement autofluorescence quenching steps (e.g., Sudan Black B treatment)
Consider spectral unmixing approaches to separate FITC signal from autofluorescence
Antibody Penetration Strategies:
For tissue sections over 10 μm, extend antibody incubation times (24-48 hours at 4°C)
Consider using antibody penetration enhancers such as Triton X-100 or saponin
For whole-mount preparations, implement clearing techniques compatible with immunofluorescence
Multi-Marker Co-localization:
Design marker panels that include cell type-specific identifiers alongside TOB1
Implement standardized quantification methods for co-expression analysis
Consider sequential staining approaches for complex marker panels
Validation Across Tissue Types:
Several cutting-edge technologies hold promise for expanding the utility of TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated in research:
Spatially Resolved Transcriptomics Integration:
Combining TOB1 protein detection with spatial transcriptomics for correlative protein-RNA analysis
Development of protocols that preserve both protein epitopes and RNA integrity
Creation of multimodal datasets linking TOB1 protein levels to local transcriptional landscapes
Advanced Microfluidic Applications:
Integration of TOB1 staining in organ-on-chip models for real-time monitoring
Development of microfluidic antibody delivery systems for improved tissue penetration
Creation of high-throughput, low-volume immunoassays for rare sample analysis
Computational Analysis Enhancements:
Implementation of machine learning algorithms for automated TOB1 expression quantification
Development of digital pathology tools specific for nuclear protein expression patterns
Integration of multiparametric data through advanced computational pipelines
CRISPR-Based Validation Approaches:
Generation of epitope-tagged endogenous TOB1 for antibody validation
Development of CRISPR activation/inhibition systems for dynamic TOB1 expression control
Creation of reporter systems for real-time monitoring of TOB1 expression
Novel Conjugation Chemistries:
The integration of these emerging technologies with traditional antibody-based detection methods will continue to expand our understanding of TOB1 biology and its roles in normal physiology and disease.
Fluorescently labeled antibodies, particularly TOB1 Antibody, FITC conjugated, have significantly advanced TOB1 research in several ways:
Spatial Resolution of TOB1 Biology:
Visualization of subcellular distribution patterns has revealed nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling behaviors
Identification of specific nuclear compartments where TOB1 concentrates during different cell cycle phases
Detection of TOB1 in previously unappreciated cellular structures
Quantitative Expression Analysis:
Flow cytometric quantification of TOB1 across cell types and disease states
Single-cell analysis revealing heterogeneity in TOB1 expression within populations
Correlation of expression levels with functional outcomes in various experimental models
Dynamic Process Investigation:
Monitoring of TOB1 translocation in response to signaling events
Analysis of protein stability and turnover kinetics through pulse-chase approaches
Examination of protein-protein interactions in living systems
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications:
Development of TOB1-based biomarkers for disease classification
Evaluation of TOB1 as a potential therapeutic target
Creation of companion diagnostics for targeted therapies