The UTP11 Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a specialized immunological reagent designed for detecting the UTP11 protein, a key component in ribosome biogenesis and nucleolar stress pathways. This conjugated antibody combines the specificity of anti-UTP11 antibodies with the versatility of biotin labeling, enabling applications in molecular biology, cancer research, and diagnostics. Below, we analyze its structure, synthesis, and applications based on available scientific literature and product specifications.
UTP11: A nucleolar protein critical for 18S rRNA biosynthesis and ribosome assembly. Its overexpression is associated with cancer progression, making it a potential therapeutic target .
Biotin Conjugation: The antibody is covalently linked to biotin via a 11-carbon linker (hence "UTP11"), allowing high-affinity binding to streptavidin or avidin for downstream detection .
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | Antibody (~150 kDa) + Biotin linker (~244 g/mol) |
| Buffer | Commonly supplied in Tris-HCl or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) |
| Storage | -20°C to 4°C for long-term stability |
The biotinylation process involves:
Primary Antibody Production: UTP11-specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies are generated using recombinant UTP11 as an immunogen .
Biotin Labeling: Antibodies are conjugated with biotin using NHS-ester chemistry or maleimide-based crosslinkers .
Purification: Affinity chromatography (e.g., protein A/G columns) removes unbound biotin .
Nucleolar Stress Detection: UTP11 depletion triggers nucleolar stress, which can be monitored via biotinylated antibodies in immunoblotting or fluorescence microscopy .
Ferroptosis Studies: UTP11 regulates NRF2 stability; biotin-conjugated antibodies enable quantification of UTP11 knockdown effects on SLC7A11 expression and glutathione levels .
Western Blotting: Detects UTP11 in lysates of cancer cells (e.g., CAL-51, HCT116) .
Immunoprecipitation: Identifies UTP11 interactors in ribosome biogenesis complexes .
In Situ Hybridization: Biotinylated probes (e.g., RNA probes incorporating biotin-11-UTP) are used to map UTP11 mRNA localization .
Biomarker Detection: UTP11 expression correlates with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma . Biotin-conjugated antibodies could enable ELISA-based assays for clinical screening.
UTP11 overexpression promotes tumor growth via p53-dependent and -independent pathways .
Biotin-conjugated antibodies reveal that UTP11 binds NRF2 mRNA, stabilizing its expression and reducing ferroptosis .
Biotin-streptavidin systems achieve detection limits as low as 500 pg/mL in sandwich ELISAs .
Antibody-based enrichment outperforms streptavidin-based methods by 30-fold in identifying biotinylation sites .
| Application | Method | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blotting | Anti-UTP11 detection | |
| Immunoprecipitation | Ribosome complex analysis | |
| ELISA | Cancer biomarker screening | |
| RNA In Situ Hybridization | Biotin-11-UTP probes |
UTP11 (Probable U3 Small Nucleolar RNA-Associated Protein 11) is primarily involved in nucleolar processing of pre-18S ribosomal RNA . This protein plays a critical role in ribosome biogenesis pathways, specifically in the maturation of pre-ribosomal RNA. Understanding UTP11's function is essential for researchers investigating RNA processing mechanisms, nucleolar activities, and related cellular processes.
When selecting a UTP11 antibody for your research, consider:
The specific protein region being targeted (e.g., AA 1-253 in the case of ABIN7164626)
Cross-reactivity with other species (human-reactive antibodies may not recognize UTP11 in other organisms)
Verification of antibody specificity through Western blot or other validation methods
The biotin-streptavidin system represents one of the strongest non-covalent interactions in nature, with an affinity constant (Ka) of approximately 10^14-10^15 M^-1 . This exceptional binding strength is approximately 10^3 to 10^6 times higher than typical antigen-antibody interactions .
The system offers several key advantages:
Signal amplification for detection of low-abundance targets
Robust stability across extreme conditions (pH, temperature, denaturing agents)
Versatility in detection methods
Enhanced sensitivity in immunoassays
Table: Comparison of Binding Affinities in Biological Systems
| System | Affinity K D |
|---|---|
| Biotin–(strept)avidin | 10^-14–10^-15 |
| His₆-tag–Ni²⁺ | 10^-13 |
| Monoclonal antibodies | 10^-7–10^-11 |
| RNA–RNA binding protein | 10^-9 |
| Nickel–nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni²⁺–NTA) | 10^-13 |
| Dinitrophenol (DNP)-anti-DNP | 10^-8 |
| Biotin–anti-biotin antibody | 10^-8 |
Biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies should typically be stored at -20°C or below . Most manufacturers recommend the following storage protocol:
Store antibodies in aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
For the specific UTP11 antibody (ABIN7164626), the recommended storage is at -20°C as received
The antibody is typically shipped on blue ice (wet ice) to maintain stability
Most biotin-conjugated antibodies remain stable for approximately 12 months from date of receipt when stored properly
The buffer often contains stabilizers such as glycerol (50%), BSA (0.25%), and sodium azide (0.02%) to maintain antibody integrity
Avoid exposing biotin-conjugated antibodies to direct light for extended periods, as this may affect conjugate stability.
Biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies can be effectively employed in IHC using either the Avidin-Biotin Complex (ABC) or Labeled Streptavidin-Biotin (LSAB) methods, both of which offer signal amplification advantages .
ABC Method Protocol:
Incubate tissue sections with primary antibody against UTP11
Apply biotinylated secondary antibody with specificity for the primary antibody (typically 1 hour at room temperature)
Pre-incubate biotinylated enzyme (HRP or AP) with free avidin to form avidin-biotin-enzyme complexes (15 minutes at room temperature)
Add this complex solution to the tissue sample
Add appropriate substrate for visualization
LSAB Method Protocol:
Follow the same primary and biotinylated secondary antibody steps as in ABC method
Instead of the pre-formed complex, add enzyme-conjugated streptavidin directly to the tissue
Add appropriate substrate for visualization
The LSAB method has several advantages over ABC:
Improved tissue penetration due to smaller complex size
Up to 8-fold improvement in detection sensitivity
For optimal results, consider the following parameters:
Primary antibody dilution (typically 1:150 for IHC applications with biotin-conjugated antibodies)
Incubation times and temperatures
Appropriate antigen retrieval methods for your specific tissue type
Blocking of endogenous biotin to reduce background
When utilizing biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies in ELISA applications, follow these methodological steps for optimal results:
Plate Preparation:
Coat microplate wells with capture antibody or antigen overnight at 4°C
Wash and block with appropriate blocking buffer (typically BSA or casein-based)
Sample Application:
Apply samples containing UTP11 protein at appropriate dilutions
Incubate for 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C
Detection with Biotin-Conjugated UTP11 Antibody:
Signal Development:
Add streptavidin-HRP or streptavidin-AP conjugate (diluted 1:5000-1:10000)
Incubate for 30-60 minutes at room temperature
Wash thoroughly and add appropriate substrate
Measure signal after stopping the reaction
For bridged biotin-streptavidin systems:
Consider using the BRAB (Bridged Avidin-Biotin) method, where antigen is "sandwiched" between capture antibody and biotin-labeled antibody, followed by avidin binding and subsequent addition of biotin-labeled enzyme
The high affinity of the biotin-streptavidin interaction provides excellent sensitivity for detecting low levels of UTP11 expression and permits robust signal amplification.
Endogenous biotin in tissues and cells can interfere with biotin-based detection systems, resulting in high background and false-positive signals. To address this issue:
Recommended Blocking Protocol:
After standard blocking of non-specific protein binding sites, apply avidin solution (10-20 μg/mL) for 15 minutes
Wash briefly with buffer
Apply biotin solution (50-200 μg/mL) for 15 minutes
Wash thoroughly before continuing with primary antibody application
This sequential avidin-biotin blocking effectively neutralizes endogenous biotin and any remaining biotin-binding sites on the avidin .
Alternative approaches include:
Heat pretreatment (boiling in citrate buffer, pH 6.0) to denature endogenous biotin
Using commercially available endogenous biotin blocking kits
Considering alternative detection systems for tissues known to be high in endogenous biotin (liver, kidney, brain)
The endogenous biotin blocking step is particularly important when working with UTP11 detection in tissues with high biotin content, as this can significantly impact the specificity of your results.
Several critical factors affect both sensitivity and specificity when using biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies:
Factors Affecting Sensitivity:
Spacer Arm Length: The linker between biotin and the UTP11 antibody influences accessibility for streptavidin binding. The Biotin-11-UTP contains 11 atoms in the linker between biotin and UTP, optimizing this accessibility .
Antibody Quality: Purification method affects specificity. The UTP11 antibody (ABIN7164626) is antigen affinity-purified, providing higher target specificity .
Signal Amplification Method: ABC methods can localize more enzyme molecules at antigenic sites (three enzyme molecules per avidin), increasing signal intensity .
Detection Methodology: Anti-biotin antibodies have demonstrated superior enrichment of biotinylated molecules compared to streptavidin-based enrichment, with studies showing up to 30-fold more biotinylation sites identified using antibody-based enrichment .
Optimization Strategies:
Titrate antibody concentration to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Adjust incubation times and temperatures
Test different detection systems (HRP vs. AP)
Evaluate various blocking reagents to minimize background
Consider sample preparation methods that may affect epitope accessibility
For mass spectrometry applications, anti-biotin antibody enrichment yields significantly more biotinylated peptides than streptavidin-based approaches (approximately 4,810 vs. 185 distinct peptides in comparable samples) .
Multiplexed detection using biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies enables simultaneous analysis of multiple targets, improving efficiency and enabling co-localization studies. Methodological approaches include:
Sequential Multiplexing Protocol:
Apply first primary antibody (e.g., UTP11)
Detect with biotin-conjugated secondary antibody
Visualize with streptavidin-fluorophore conjugate (e.g., streptavidin-Alexa Fluor 488)
Block remaining biotin binding sites with excess biotin
Apply second primary antibody against different target
Detect with differently labeled detection system
Repeat as needed for additional targets
Simultaneous Multiplexing Strategies:
Use different reporter systems (e.g., biotin-streptavidin for UTP11, digoxigenin-anti-digoxigenin for second target)
Employ spectral unmixing techniques with multiple fluorophores
Utilize quantum dots with narrow emission spectra for better signal separation
When designing multiplex experiments with biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies, consider:
Potential cross-reactivity between antibodies
Sequential vs. simultaneous application of primary antibodies
Compatible reporter systems that can be distinguished
Appropriate controls to validate specificity of each signal
For imaging applications, a recommended approach is to use anti-biotin antibodies from ImmuneChem Pharmaceuticals, which have demonstrated superior performance in biotinylated peptide enrichment compared to other commercial options .
Proximity labeling using biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies provides powerful insights into protein-protein interactions and spatial relationships within cellular compartments. A methodological approach using APEX peroxidase:
Protocol for APEX-Based Proximity Labeling:
Express APEX2 fusion protein in cells (APEX2-UTP11 or known UTP11 interactor)
Incubate cells with biotin-phenol (500 μM) for 30 minutes
Add H₂O₂ (1 mM) to initiate biotinylation reaction (1 minute)
Quench reaction with antioxidants
Lyse cells and process samples for:
Direct analysis with streptavidin detection
Enhanced detection using anti-biotin antibodies for better sensitivity
Research has demonstrated that anti-biotin antibody enrichment identified 1,695 biotinylation sites compared to only 185 sites using streptavidin-based enrichment in comparable samples . This represents a 30-fold improvement in detection capability.
For optimal results:
Use 50 μg of anti-biotin antibody per 1 mg of peptide input
Consider the ImmuneChem Pharmaceuticals anti-biotin antibody, which demonstrated superior performance in comparative studies
Process replicate samples to improve confidence in identified interactions
This approach is particularly valuable for investigating UTP11's role in nucleolar processing complexes and identifying novel interaction partners in ribosome biogenesis pathways.
When detecting biotinylated UTP11 antibodies, researchers must choose between anti-biotin antibodies and streptavidin detection systems. Comparative analysis reveals distinct advantages for each approach:
Anti-Biotin Antibody Advantages:
Superior Peptide-Level Detection: Anti-biotin antibodies enable unprecedented enrichment of biotinylated peptides, with studies showing enrichment of 4,810 distinct biotinylated peptides from complex mixtures versus much lower numbers with streptavidin
Improved Site-Specific Analysis: Allows identification of specific biotinylation sites (1,122 sites reproducibly identified with antibody enrichment vs. only 38 with streptavidin)
Compatible with Harsh Washing Conditions: Maintains binding under stringent wash conditions that would disrupt some protein-protein interactions
Streptavidin Advantages:
Higher Binding Affinity: Streptavidin-biotin affinity (Kᴅ=10⁻¹⁴-10⁻¹⁵) significantly exceeds biotin-anti-biotin antibody affinity (Kᴅ=10⁻⁸)
Lower Background in Some Applications: The extremely specific interaction reduces non-specific binding in certain contexts
Stability Under Extreme Conditions: Remains intact under harsh pH, temperature, and detergent conditions
Methodological Recommendation:
For peptide-level analysis of UTP11 biotinylation sites or when maximum sensitivity is required, use anti-biotin antibody enrichment with the following protocol:
Reconstitute peptides in 1 mL of 50 mM MOPS pH 7.2, 10 mM sodium phosphate, and 50 mM NaCl
Wash anti-biotin antibody 3× with the same buffer
Add 50 μg antibody to 1 mg peptide sample
For protein-level analysis or applications requiring highest binding strength and stability, streptavidin-based detection remains advantageous.
The length and chemical composition of the spacer arm between biotin and the UTP11 antibody significantly impacts detection efficiency through several mechanisms:
Effects of Linker Length on Detection:
Steric Accessibility: Longer spacer arms (e.g., 11-atom linker in Biotin-11-UTP) reduce steric hindrance, improving streptavidin binding to biotin moieties that may be partially buried within the antibody structure
Hydrophilicity/Hydrophobicity Balance: Linker chemistry affects antibody solubility and may influence non-specific binding. Hydrophilic linkers generally improve:
Aqueous solubility
Reduction of aggregation
Decreased non-specific hydrophobic interactions
Flexibility: More flexible linkers improve the ability of biotin to orient correctly for streptavidin binding
Experimental Considerations:
When selecting biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies, consider these linker-dependent factors:
For applications requiring maximum sensitivity, choose longer linker arms (10-14 atoms)
For experiments with high background concerns, shorter or more hydrophilic linkers may reduce non-specific binding
In multiplex detection scenarios, ensure consistent linker chemistry across all biotinylated antibodies to maintain uniform detection efficiency
While the 11-atom linker used in Biotin-11-UTP represents a common and effective compromise between accessibility and specificity , researchers should empirically determine the optimal linker length for their specific application with UTP11 antibodies.
Several cutting-edge technologies are expanding the utility of biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies in molecular and cellular research:
Proximity-Dependent Biotin Identification (BioID): This approach fuses UTP11 to a promiscuous biotin ligase (BirA*) to identify proximal proteins through biotinylation, creating an "interaction map" surrounding UTP11 in its native cellular environment. The significant advantage of anti-biotin antibody enrichment (30-fold more identified biotinylation sites) makes this particularly powerful for UTP11 interaction studies .
High-Throughput Antibody Arrays: Multiplexed platforms leverage the biotin-streptavidin system for simultaneous detection of UTP11 alongside dozens or hundreds of other proteins, enabling comprehensive pathway analysis.
Super-Resolution Microscopy: Biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies, when coupled with appropriate streptavidin-fluorophore conjugates, enable visualization of UTP11 localization with nanometer precision, revealing previously undetectable subcellular distribution patterns.
Single-Cell Analysis Platforms: Biotin-conjugated antibodies against UTP11 can be incorporated into single-cell protein profiling technologies, enabling correlation of UTP11 expression with cell-specific transcriptomes.
Spatially-Resolved Proteomics: Techniques combining in situ labeling with biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies and mass spectrometry enable protein identification with spatial context, potentially revealing compartment-specific functions of UTP11.
As these technologies continue to mature, researchers can anticipate increasingly detailed insights into UTP11's role in nucleolar processing of pre-18S ribosomal RNA and potentially discover novel functions through its interaction networks.
Despite their utility, biotin-conjugated UTP11 antibodies face several limitations that researchers should consider:
Current Limitations:
Endogenous Biotin Interference: Tissues and cells containing high levels of endogenous biotin can produce significant background. While blocking protocols exist , they add complexity and may be incompletely effective.
Signal Amplification Ceiling: While biotin-streptavidin systems offer excellent sensitivity, they ultimately reach a detection limit with very low abundance targets.
Multiplexing Constraints: The dominant nature of the biotin-streptavidin interaction can limit flexibility in multiplexed assays.
Potential Epitope Masking: Biotin conjugation may occasionally affect antibody binding to UTP11 if conjugation occurs near the antigen-binding site.
Emerging Solutions:
Engineered Streptavidin Variants: Modified streptavidins with controllable affinity or photoreleasable binding provide more experimental control.
Alternative Enrichment Strategies: The demonstrated superiority of anti-biotin antibody enrichment (identifying 1,695 biotinylation sites compared to only 185 with streptavidin) offers a promising alternative pathway.
Spatial Separation Technologies: Techniques like Digital Spatial Profiling can overcome some multiplexing limitations by using spatial resolution rather than spectral separation.
Site-Specific Conjugation: Advances in antibody engineering enable precisely controlled conjugation sites, preserving binding characteristics.
Computational Approaches: Machine learning algorithms that can deconvolute complex signals may help overcome some current technical limitations.