Here’s a structured FAQ collection for researchers working with TPST-2 antibodies, categorized into basic and advanced research questions, with methodological guidance and data-driven insights:
Methodological Answer:
Use knockout (KO) controls (e.g., Tpst2−/− mouse tissue lysates) to confirm antibody specificity. Compare band patterns between wild-type and KO samples. For example, a 31-kDa band observed in wild-type epididymis lysates disappears in Tpst2−/− samples, confirming specificity .
Include peptide blocking assays: Pre-incubate the antibody with its immunizing peptide to verify signal loss.
Key Applications:
Prioritize antibodies validated in multiple species (e.g., rabbit polyclonal RB4954 reacts with human, mouse, rat, cow, and chicken TPST-2) .
Confirm ortholog homology: TPST-2 shares >80% sequence similarity between humans and mice .
Stepwise Approach:
Knockdown Models: Use shRNA (e.g., TPST2-targeted lentivirus) in THP-1 or RAW264.7 cells .
Functional Readouts:
In Vivo Validation: Compare Tpst2−/− myeloid cells with wild-type in murine S. aureus infection models .
Case Example:
Chronic Pancreatitis: No association found between TPST2 variants (e.g., p.R153H) and disease risk in sequencing studies .
Inflammatory Disorders: TPST-2 mediates leukocidin cytotoxicity by sulfating phagocyte receptors (e.g., C5aR1), exacerbating S. aureus infections .
Resolution Strategy:
Context-dependent analysis: Tissue-specific sulfation patterns (e.g., epididymal vs. immune cells) explain divergent roles .
Essential Controls:
Key Findings:
Experimental Adjustment: Include dual Tpst1/Tpst2 KO models to assess redundancy.
Signal Amplification: Use tyramide-based IHC amplification for tissue sections .
Fraction Enrichment: Isolate Golgi membranes via differential centrifugation .