This antibody is validated for diverse techniques, leveraging its biotin conjugation for enhanced sensitivity:
TSPAN9 is a platelet-specific tetraspanin that interacts with GPVI (collagen receptor) and integrin α6β1, but not with GPIbα or αIIbβ3 . Key findings include:
Expression Levels: ~2,800 copies per platelet (relative to CD9) .
Microdomain Association: Co-localizes with GPVI and integrin α6β1, suggesting a role in platelet activation and adhesion .
Regulation: Tightly controlled in platelets, with glycosylation influencing detection patterns .
Tumor Microenvironment: Expressed in lung cancer and thyroid tissues, implicating TSPAN9 in tumor progression .
Signal Transduction: Mediates cell surface receptor signaling, influencing proliferation and migration .
Enhanced Sensitivity: Biotin-streptavidin binding enables amplified detection in ELISA and Western blot .
Versatility: Compatible with streptavidin-HRP or streptavidin-fluorophore systems for multi-modal analysis .
TSPAN9 (Tetraspanin 9, also known as NET-5) is a 239 amino acid multi-pass membrane protein belonging to the tetraspanin (TM4SF) family. Tetraspanins regulate cell development, activation, growth, and motility through participation in signal transduction pathways. TSPAN9 specifically forms complexes with GPVI in tetraspanin microdomains on platelet surfaces. The gene encoding TSPAN9 maps to human chromosome 12p13.33, a region associated with various developmental disorders . As a member of the tetraspanin family, TSPAN9 contains four hydrophobic domains that facilitate its integration into the cell membrane and its participation in protein-protein interactions that regulate cellular functions .
TSPAN9 antibodies are versatile research tools applicable to multiple experimental techniques:
Western Blotting (WB): Recommended dilution 1:300-5000
Flow Cytometry (FACS): Recommended dilution 1:20-100
Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin-embedded Sections) (IHC-P): Recommended dilution 1:200-400
Immunofluorescence (Paraffin-embedded Sections) (IF-P): Recommended dilution 1:50-200
These applications enable researchers to investigate TSPAN9 expression, localization, and interactions in various experimental models and clinical samples.
Biotin-conjugated TSPAN9 antibodies require specific storage conditions to maintain their functionality:
Shipping condition: 4°C
Long-term storage: -20°C for up to one year
Buffer composition: 0.01M TBS (pH 7.4) with 1% BSA, 0.02% ProClin300, and 50% Glycerol
Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles as this may compromise antibody stability and performance
ProClin preservative is classified as hazardous and should be handled by trained personnel only
Following these guidelines ensures maximum antibody stability and consistent experimental results.
The primary difference lies in their detection capabilities:
| Feature | Unconjugated TSPAN9 Antibody | Biotin-Conjugated TSPAN9 Antibody |
|---|---|---|
| Detection method | Requires secondary antibody | Can be detected directly with streptavidin conjugates |
| Signal amplification | Less amplification | Enhanced signal through biotin-streptavidin interaction |
| Multiplexing capability | Limited | Better for multiple target detection |
| Applications | All standard applications | Especially valuable for IHC, FACS, and protein interaction studies |
| Background concerns | Generally lower | May have higher background in biotin-rich tissues |
The biotin-conjugated version offers advantages in signal amplification through the strong biotin-streptavidin interaction, which enables more sensitive detection in various applications .
The biotin molecule's position may potentially affect antigen recognition if conjugated near the antigen-binding site
Optimal biotin-to-antibody ratio must be maintained to prevent over-conjugation that could compromise binding
While binding specificity is preserved (human, mouse, and rat reactivity is maintained), sensitivity can be enhanced due to signal amplification via the biotin-streptavidin system
When selecting between different conjugates (AbBy Fluor® dyes vs. biotin), researchers should consider the specific detection requirements of their experimental system and the potential for endogenous biotin interference.
To ensure experimental rigor, multiple validation approaches should be employed:
Blocking peptide competition: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide (KLH-conjugated synthetic peptide derived from human TSPAN9) to verify signal elimination
Positive and negative control samples: Include tissues/cells known to express or lack TSPAN9
Parallel detection methods: Compare results with unconjugated TSPAN9 antibodies targeting different epitopes
siRNA knockdown validation: Confirm reduced signal in TSPAN9-knockdown samples
Biotin blocking: Use avidin/biotin blocking kits to prevent endogenous biotin interference when working with biotin-rich samples
These validation steps are critical for confident interpretation of experimental findings, especially in complex tissues where non-specific binding may occur.
Biotin-conjugated TSPAN9 antibodies are valuable components in multi-protein detection strategies:
Multiplexed immunofluorescence: Combine with other non-biotin primary antibodies followed by streptavidin conjugates with distinct fluorophores
Chemical conjugation approaches: The biotin functionality can be leveraged in click chemistry approaches for building complex detection systems
Three-protein conjugate generation: As demonstrated in checkpoint inhibitory T cell engagers (CiTEs), biotin-functionalized three-protein conjugates can be constructed using chemical methods like SPAAC or SPIEDAC reactions
Proximity ligation assays: Detect TSPAN9 interactions with other proteins using biotin-conjugated antibodies combined with oligonucleotide-coupled streptavidin
For example, researchers developing multi-protein constructs can utilize the dibromopyridazinedione (Br₂PD) scaffold approach with bioorthogonal click handles to create sophisticated detection systems that incorporate biotin-conjugated TSPAN9 antibodies .
Different applications require specific optimization strategies:
Optimal dilution: 1:20-100
Cell permeabilization is necessary for detecting internal epitopes
Streptavidin conjugate selection affects sensitivity and resolution
Compensation settings must account for streptavidin fluorophore characteristics
Live/dead discrimination is essential to prevent non-specific binding to dead cells
Optimal dilution: 1:200-400
Antigen retrieval methods may affect epitope accessibility
Endogenous biotin blocking is critical for biotin-rich tissues (liver, kidney)
Streptavidin-HRP or -AP systems provide flexible visualization options
The fixation method significantly impacts epitope preservation and detection sensitivity
These application-specific considerations help researchers optimize their experimental protocols for maximum specificity and sensitivity.
When encountering variability in experimental outcomes, systematic troubleshooting should address:
Antibody integrity: Evaluate for potential degradation due to improper storage or handling
Sample preparation: Optimize fixation and permeabilization protocols for the specific sample type
Blocking efficiency: Enhance blocking steps to reduce non-specific binding
Endogenous biotin interference: Implement avidin/biotin blocking systems for biotin-rich tissues
Detection system sensitivity: Adjust streptavidin conjugate concentration or incubation time
Epitope masking: The AA 180-203 region might be inaccessible in certain experimental conditions; alternative fixation or antigen retrieval methods may be required
Systematic adjustment of these parameters should be documented to establish optimized protocols for specific experimental systems.
For researchers requiring customized biotin conjugation to TSPAN9 antibodies:
SPAAC (Strain-Promoted Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition): Utilize bicyclononyne (BCN) strained alkyne-functionalized molecules to react with azide-modified antibodies
SPIEDAC (Strain-Promoted Inverse Electron Demand Diels-Alder Cycloaddition): Employ tetrazine-BCN reactions for efficient biotin conjugation
Dibromopyridazinedione (Br₂PD) scaffold: This approach enables re-bridging of disulfide bonds while incorporating bioorthogonal click handles
Sequential one-pot reactions: Combine SPAAC with DBCO-biotin to create multi-functional conjugates
These chemical biology approaches allow for precise control over conjugation sites and stoichiometry, potentially enhancing antibody performance in specific applications.
The versatility of biotin-conjugated TSPAN9 antibodies positions them as valuable tools for investigating tetraspanin biology in various disease states:
Platelet function disorders: Given TSPAN9's role in GPVI complexes on platelets, these antibodies can help elucidate mechanisms of platelet activation and aggregation abnormalities
Cancer research: Tetraspanins often have altered expression in malignancies; biotin-conjugated TSPAN9 antibodies can be incorporated into multi-marker panels for tumor characterization
Immunotherapy research: Building on CiTE technologies, TSPAN9-targeting constructs could potentially be developed using biotin-streptavidin bridging approaches
Developmental biology: Chromosome 12p13.33 associations with developmental disorders suggest potential roles for TSPAN9 in developmental processes that could be investigated using these antibodies
The continued refinement of chemical conjugation techniques will likely expand the utility of these antibodies in complex experimental systems and therapeutic development.