ATP6V1C1A antibodies are immunoglobulins designed to detect the zebrafish atp6v1c1a protein, which is orthologous to human ATP6V1C1. These antibodies serve as essential tools for investigating the structure, function, and expression patterns of this important protein in zebrafish models. The atp6v1c1a protein is a subunit of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) complex, which plays crucial roles in cellular pH regulation and membrane trafficking .
The development and characterization of antibodies against atp6v1c1a enable researchers to study this protein's involvement in various physiological processes and potential roles in disease models. Understanding these antibodies requires knowledge of both the target protein and general antibody principles.
The atp6v1c1a protein is a component of the V1 domain of the V-ATPase complex. V-ATPase consists of two main domains: the cytosolic V1 domain responsible for ATP hydrolysis and the membrane-embedded V0 domain that handles proton translocation . Within this complex, the C subunit (which includes atp6v1c1a in zebrafish) plays a critical role as a flexible stator connecting the V1 and V0 sectors of the enzyme .
The C subunit is particularly important for V-ATPase regulation, as its release results in the dissociation of the V1 and V0 subcomplexes - a key mechanism controlling V-ATPase activity in cells . This regulatory function makes atp6v1c1a a significant target for antibody-based research exploring V-ATPase dynamics.
Antibodies targeting atp6v1c1a can be classified based on their production methods and characteristics, each with distinct advantages for specific research applications.
| Characteristic | Monoclonal Antibodies | Polyclonal Antibodies |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Single B cell clone | Multiple B cell clones |
| Specificity | High (single epitope) | Moderate (multiple epitopes) |
| Production time | Longer | Shorter |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Precise epitope targeting | Broader detection range |
| Consistency | High batch-to-batch consistency | Batch variability |
Monoclonal antibodies against atp6v1c1a would offer high specificity by targeting a single epitope, making them ideal for applications requiring precise detection . In contrast, polyclonal antibodies recognize multiple epitopes on the atp6v1c1a protein, providing greater sensitivity but potentially less specificity . Most commercially available ATP6V1C1 antibodies that might cross-react with zebrafish atp6v1c1a are polyclonal in nature .
Recombinant antibody technology allows for the generation of engineered antibodies with customized properties. These antibodies are produced by cloning antibody-coding genes into expression vectors . For atp6v1c1a research, recombinant antibodies could offer advantages such as consistent production, reduced batch-to-batch variation, and the ability to incorporate specific tags or modifications.
The production of antibodies against zebrafish atp6v1c1a follows standard antibody development protocols, with specific considerations for this unique target.
The first critical step in atp6v1c1a antibody production is selecting an appropriate immunogen. Options include:
Full-length recombinant atp6v1c1a protein
Synthetic peptides corresponding to specific regions of the protein
Fusion proteins containing atp6v1c1a sequences
The immunogen is typically prepared in chosen expression systems, such as mammalian, insect, or bacterial cells, to achieve the desired immune response in the host animal . For zebrafish proteins like atp6v1c1a, careful selection of antigenic regions with low conservation to other V-ATPase subunits is essential to ensure specificity.
| Production Method | Key Steps | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybridoma Technology | Immunization, B cell isolation, fusion with myeloma cells, screening | High specificity, continuous production | Time-consuming, expensive |
| Polyclonal Production | Immunization, serum collection, purification | Rapid production, cost-effective | Batch variability, limited supply |
| Phage Display | Library creation, biopanning, sequence identification, cloning into expression vector | No animal immunization needed, high throughput | Technical complexity |
| Cell Line Development | Sequence design, plasmid transfection, monoclonal selection | Consistent production, scalability | Resource intensive |
The production of atp6v1c1a antibodies requires several key steps regardless of the method chosen:
Immunization (for animal-based methods)
Collection of antibodies
Screening for specificity and affinity
Isotyping to determine antibody class and subclass
Proper validation is essential to ensure the specificity and reliability of atp6v1c1a antibodies for zebrafish research.
| Validation Method | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | Detection of single band at expected molecular weight (42-44 kDa) | Confirms size-appropriate recognition |
| Immunohistochemistry | Comparison with known expression patterns | Verifies tissue localization accuracy |
| IP-MS | Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis | Confirms protein identity |
| Knockout Controls | Testing in atp6v1c1a knockout models | Confirms specificity |
| Epitope Mapping | Identification of specific binding regions | Characterizes recognition properties |
Western blot analysis is widely used as a first validation step, with a specific antibody expected to show a single band at the appropriate molecular weight (42-44 kDa for atp6v1c1a) . The presence of multiple bands or bands at unexpected molecular weights should raise concerns about antibody specificity.
Validating antibodies for zebrafish proteins presents unique challenges. The zebrafish genome underwent an additional whole-genome duplication called the teleost-specific genome duplication (TSD) , potentially resulting in multiple paralogs with similar sequences and sizes that may be difficult to distinguish by traditional methods.
To address this challenge, researchers have developed systems to screen putative epitopes by:
Cloning sequences between yeast SUMO protein and a C-terminal tag
Expressing the recombinant fusion protein in E. coli
Analyzing by Western blot to identify epitopes with cross-reactivity
This approach can conclusively identify epitopes that exhibit cross-reactivity with antibodies of interest, ensuring specificity for zebrafish atp6v1c1a.
Given that approximately 70% of human genes have at least one zebrafish ortholog , antibodies raised against human ATP6V1C1 may exhibit cross-reactivity with zebrafish atp6v1c1a.
Zebrafish atp6v1c1a is orthologous to human ATP6V1C1, with significant sequence conservation in functional domains . This evolutionary relationship suggests that antibodies targeting conserved epitopes in the human protein might recognize the zebrafish counterpart.
ATP6V1C1A antibodies serve various research purposes in zebrafish models, enabling investigation of this protein's expression, localization, and function.
Immunohistochemical analysis using atp6v1c1a antibodies allows researchers to visualize the protein's distribution in zebrafish tissues. Based on studies of human ATP6V1C1, we might expect differential expression patterns in various tissues, with potential concentration in specific cell types .
For instance, in a study of human oral mucosa using V-ATPase C1 antibody, staining was observed in the basal and intermediate layers of the epithelium, with more intense staining in oral squamous cell carcinoma samples . Similar approaches could be applied to study atp6v1c1a distribution in zebrafish tissues.
Western blot applications allow quantitative analysis of atp6v1c1a protein expression across different tissues, developmental stages, or experimental conditions. This technique can reveal changes in protein levels associated with physiological processes or disease states.
The expected molecular weight for atp6v1c1a detection by Western blot is approximately 42-44 kDa , consistent with its human ortholog.
A key application for atp6v1c1a antibodies is whole-mount immunostaining in zebrafish embryos, which allows visualization of protein expression patterns during development. Protocols specifically optimized for zebrafish include:
| Protocol Feature | Standard Method | TCA Fixation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fixation Agent | 8% PFA/PBS | 2% TCA |
| Optimal Specimens | Embryos up to 4 dpf | Larvae 3-7 dpf |
| Permeabilization | Water (30 min) + PBSTw/1% TritonX100 (30-60 min) | PBSTx multiple washes |
| Antigen Retrieval | Heat-mediated with citrate buffer | Not required |
| Blocking | PBSTw/0.5%TritonX100/10%DMSO/1%goat serum/5%BSA | Western Block |
| Duration | 3-4 days | 4 days |
| Strengths | Effective for early embryos | Superior for neural circuit visualization |
These protocols provide valuable frameworks for adapting antibodies for zebrafish-specific applications .
For researchers using human ATP6V1C1 antibodies in zebrafish studies, additional validation steps are recommended:
Perform Western blot analysis with zebrafish tissue lysates to confirm detection at the expected molecular weight
Include appropriate controls (blocking peptides, competing antigens)
Compare staining patterns with known or predicted expression patterns
Consider epitope mapping to confirm the specific binding regions
The following protocol is adapted for zebrafish embryo immunostaining:
Day 1 - Fixation and Processing:
Fix embryos with 8% PFA/PBS at 4°C overnight
Wash with 100% MetOH once
Quench with 3% H₂O₂ in MetOH for 1 hour
Wash with 100% MetOH twice
Rinse embryos with PBSTw (PBS+0.1% Tween20) several times
Permeabilize with water for 30 min at RT (for embryos up to 38 hpf)
Permeabilize with PBSTw/1% TritonX100 for 30 min-1 hour
Heat-mediated antigen retrieval with Citrate buffer at 94-98°C for 20 min
Block with blocking solution for 2-3 hours
Incubate with primary atp6v1c1a antibody (dilution determined empirically) overnight at 4°C
Day 2 - Secondary Antibody:
Wash with PBSTw at RT for 20 min × 5 times
Incubate with appropriate secondary antibody (e.g., 1/1000 goat anti-rabbit IgG-HRP) overnight at 4°C
Day 3 - Detection:
Wash with PBSTw for 20 min × 5 times
Develop with appropriate detection system (e.g., Tyramide-Cy3)
For superior visualization of neural circuits in larval zebrafish:
Day 1 - Fix and Block:
Anesthetize fish with tricaine methanesulfonate
Fix larvae in 2% TCA for 3-4 hours at room temperature
Wash in PBS (5 × 5 min)
Block with Western Block overnight at 4°C
Day 2 - Primary Antibody:
Add primary atp6v1c1a antibody diluted in Western Block
Incubate overnight at 4°C
Day 3 - Secondary Antibody:
Wash with PBSTx (5 × 15 min)
Add fluorescent secondary antibody
Incubate overnight at 4°C in the dark
Day 4 - Final Washes:
Current research on atp6v1c1a in zebrafish is still developing, with much of the knowledge extrapolated from studies of its human ortholog ATP6V1C1. Based on human studies, the V-ATPase C1 subunit has been implicated in various physiological processes and disease states.
For example, immunohistochemical studies of human oral tissues revealed that ATP6V1C1 is expressed in the basal and intermediate layers of normal oral epithelium, with increased expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma . This suggests potential roles in cancer development that could be explored in zebrafish models.
Future research directions for atp6v1c1a antibodies in zebrafish include:
Development of zebrafish-specific antibodies with validated epitopes
Comprehensive expression mapping across developmental stages
Investigation of atp6v1c1a's role in zebrafish disease models
Comparative studies between zebrafish atp6v1c1a and human ATP6V1C1
Exploration of potential paralogous genes resulting from the teleost-specific genome duplication
ATP6V1C1A is the zebrafish ortholog of the human ATP6V1C1 gene, which encodes a component of vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), a multisubunit enzyme that mediates acidification of intracellular compartments . The protein serves as part of the V1 complex responsible for ATP hydrolysis, working in conjunction with the membrane-integrated V0 complex that translocates protons .
In cellular systems, ATP6V1C1A participates in:
Lysosomal acidification and pH maintenance
Vesicular trafficking
Autophagy regulation
Ion homeostasis in specialized cells
Research has demonstrated that alterations in ATP6V1C1 can lead to disrupted lysosomal morphology and function, resulting in defective autophagic flux and accumulation of lysosomal substrates . This suggests the zebrafish ortholog likely plays similar critical roles in vesicular systems.
ATP6V1C1A antibodies serve multiple critical applications in zebrafish research, each requiring specific methodological considerations:
| Application | Typical Dilution | Sample Preparation | Key Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blotting | 1:500-1:4000 | Protein extraction with protease inhibitors | Recombinant protein, knockout samples |
| Immunohistochemistry | 1:20-1:200 | Fixation with PFA, antigen retrieval | Secondary-only, pre-immune serum |
| Immunofluorescence | As recommended | Permeabilization with 0.5% Triton X-100 | Co-localization markers |
| ELISA | Assay-dependent | Direct or indirect format | Standard curve validation |
When designing experiments with ATP6V1C1A antibodies in zebrafish, it's essential to validate reactivity specifically with Danio rerio samples, as most commercial antibodies were initially developed against human or mouse proteins . Cross-species validation is critical before proceeding with extensive experimental series.
Selection of an appropriate ATP6V1C1A antibody requires consideration of multiple technical factors:
Epitope specificity: Choose antibodies targeting conserved regions between human ATP6V1C1 and zebrafish ATP6V1C1A. The N-terminal region (amino acids 1-110) is often suitable for cross-species applications .
Application compatibility: Verify the antibody has been validated for your specific application. Some antibodies perform well in Western blotting but poorly in immunohistochemistry applications .
Clonality considerations:
Polyclonal antibodies offer broader epitope recognition but potential batch variation
Monoclonal antibodies provide consistency but may have limited epitope accessibility in certain applications
Host species compatibility: Select antibody host species that won't conflict with other antibodies in multi-labeling experiments. Rabbit-derived polyclonal antibodies are commonly available for ATP6V1C1A detection .
When examining commercially available options, review published literature using these antibodies in zebrafish models to assess performance consistency across laboratories.
Investigating lysosomal disorders in zebrafish using ATP6V1C1A antibodies requires sophisticated experimental approaches:
Subcellular co-localization protocol:
Seed primary zebrafish cells at 20×10³ density on 12-μm cover glasses
After 24 hours in complete medium, fix with 3% PFA (30 minutes at 4°C)
Permeabilize with 0.5% Triton X-100 (10 minutes at room temperature)
Co-stain with anti-ATP6V1C1A antibody and lysosomal marker antibodies (e.g., anti-LAMP1)
Analyze using confocal microscopy to assess morphology and localization patterns
Functional assays to assess lysosomal acidification:
LysoTracker staining to visualize acidic organelles
LysoSensor probes to measure intra-lysosomal pH changes
Correlation of ATP6V1C1A immunostaining with acidification patterns
Research has demonstrated that pathogenic variants in ATP6V1C1 result in gain-of-function mechanisms that upregulate V-ATPase activity, leading to increased lysosomal acidification . Zebrafish models provide an excellent system to investigate how these alterations affect developmental processes.
Recent research has identified ATP6V1C1 variants associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes resembling DOORS syndrome . To investigate similar roles for ATP6V1C1A in zebrafish neurodevelopment:
Morpholino knockdown approach:
Design morpholinos targeting ATP6V1C1A splice sites or translation start sites
Inject 1-2 nl of morpholino (0.25-1.0 mM) into 1-4 cell stage embryos
Validate knockdown efficacy using ATP6V1C1A antibodies via Western blotting
Analyze neurodevelopmental phenotypes through behavioral assays and morphological assessment
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing protocol:
Design guide RNAs targeting conserved regions of ATP6V1C1A
Co-inject with Cas9 protein into single-cell embryos
Screen F0 embryos for mutations and phenotypes
Establish stable mutant lines for comprehensive phenotypic characterization
Validate protein loss using ATP6V1C1A antibodies
Rescue experiments:
Co-inject human ATP6V1C1 mRNA with morpholinos or after CRISPR editing
Evaluate rescue efficacy through phenotypic assessment and ATP6V1C1A antibody staining
Test variant forms associated with human disorders to assess functional conservation
This comprehensive approach allows for detailed investigation of how ATP6V1C1A disruption affects neuronal development, providing insights into conserved mechanisms between zebrafish and human neurodevelopmental disorders.
Immunoprecipitation studies with ATP6V1C1A antibodies require rigorous controls:
Input controls:
Reserve 5-10% of pre-IP lysate to verify target protein presence
Use in parallel with IP samples for Western blot analysis
Negative controls:
Isotype-matched non-specific IgG from the same host species as the ATP6V1C1A antibody
This controls for non-specific binding to the antibody or beads
Process identically to experimental samples
Specificity controls:
Pre-incubation of antibody with recombinant ATP6V1C1A protein
Should significantly reduce or eliminate target band in Western blots
Validates specificity of the IP procedure
Procedural protocol:
Lyse 1mg of zebrafish tissue in non-denaturing buffer
Pre-clear with Protein A/G beads (1 hour at 4°C)
Incubate cleared lysate with ATP6V1C1A antibody (1:50 dilution) overnight at 4°C
Add fresh beads and incubate 4 hours at 4°C
Wash 4-5 times with cold IP buffer
Elute and analyze by Western blotting using 1:1000 dilution of ATP6V1C1A antibody
This approach has been validated for related V-ATPase subunits and can be adapted for ATP6V1C1A in zebrafish samples with appropriate optimization.
Cross-reactivity presents a significant challenge when working with ATP6V1C1A antibodies, particularly in zebrafish models. Implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Epitope analysis:
Perform sequence alignment between zebrafish ATP6V1C1A and potential cross-reactive proteins
Identify regions of high homology that might contribute to non-specific binding
Consider antibodies raised against unique protein regions
Blocking optimization:
Test gradient concentrations of blocking agents (5-10% non-fat dry milk or BSA)
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Consider adding 5% serum from the secondary antibody host species
Validation with genetic models:
Use zebrafish ATP6V1C1A knockout or knockdown lines as negative controls
Overexpression models as positive controls
These genetic validations provide definitive evidence of antibody specificity
Peptide competition assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with 5-10 fold molar excess of immunizing peptide
Compare staining patterns with and without peptide competition
True ATP6V1C1A signal should be specifically competed away
When persistent cross-reactivity occurs, consider using epitope-tagged constructs in transgenic models as an alternative approach to directly detect the protein of interest.
Developmental analysis of ATP6V1C1A requires stage-specific protocols:
Embryonic stages protocol (0-72 hpf):
Collect 30-50 embryos per timepoint
Dechorionate manually or with pronase treatment
Homogenize in RIPA buffer with protease inhibitors
For Western blotting, load 20-30 μg protein per lane
Use 1:1000-1:2000 dilution of ATP6V1C1A antibody
GAPDH serves as an appropriate loading control
Larval stages protocol (3-30 dpf):
Adult tissue protocol:
Dissect specific tissues of interest (brain, kidney, etc.)
Flash-freeze in liquid nitrogen for protein extraction
For immunofluorescence of tissue sections, process as for larvae
Counter-staining with DAPI facilitates tissue architecture visualization
Data analysis considerations:
Normalize expression to reliable housekeeping genes/proteins
Analyze minimum 3 biological replicates per developmental stage
Apply appropriate statistical tests for temporal expression patterns
This comprehensive approach enables detailed characterization of ATP6V1C1A expression dynamics throughout zebrafish development.
Investigating V-ATPase complex assembly requires sophisticated biochemical approaches:
Blue Native PAGE protocol:
Extract membrane fractions from zebrafish tissues in non-denaturing conditions
Solubilize with 1% digitonin or 1% n-dodecyl β-D-maltoside
Separate on 3-12% gradient Native PAGE gels
Transfer to PVDF membranes
Probe with ATP6V1C1A antibody (1:500) to detect intact complexes
Compare migration patterns with known complex sizes
Co-immunoprecipitation strategy:
Use ATP6V1C1A antibody (1:50 dilution) for pull-down
Analyze co-precipitated proteins by mass spectrometry or Western blotting
Probe for other V-ATPase components (ATP6V1A, ATP6V1B2)
Different detergent conditions can reveal subcomplex interactions
Proximity labeling approach:
Generate ATP6V1C1A-BioID or ATP6V1C1A-APEX2 fusion constructs
Express in zebrafish cells or transgenic models
Activate labeling and purify biotinylated proteins
Identify interaction partners through mass spectrometry
Validate with ATP6V1C1A antibody immunoblotting
Quantitative stoichiometry analysis:
Use purified recombinant ATP6V1C1A protein standards
Generate calibration curves for absolute quantification
Compare stoichiometric ratios across different tissues and conditions
Analyze how pathogenic variants affect complex assembly
These methodologies provide comprehensive insights into how ATP6V1C1A integrates into the V-ATPase complex and how this assembly may be altered in disease states.
Discrepancies between protein detection and gene expression require systematic analysis:
Validation of antibody specificity:
Perform Western blotting on samples with confirmed ATP6V1C1A expression
Include positive controls (human or mouse samples with cross-reactive antibodies)
Test multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes when available
Post-transcriptional regulation assessment:
Measure mRNA stability through actinomycin D chase experiments
Analyze microRNA targeting ATP6V1C1A through bioinformatic prediction and validation
Evaluate protein half-life through cycloheximide chase assays
Technical considerations:
Biological interpretation framework:
Consider tissue-specific post-transcriptional regulation
Evaluate developmental stage-specific regulation mechanisms
Assess potential protein localization changes affecting detection
When persistent discrepancies exist, consider using orthogonal methods such as mass spectrometry-based proteomics to provide antibody-independent validation of protein expression patterns.
Accurate quantification of ATP6V1C1A expression changes requires rigorous methodological approaches:
Western blot quantification protocol:
Use gradient protein loadings to establish linear detection range
Include recombinant protein standards at known concentrations
Apply fluorescent secondary antibodies for wider linear range
Normalize to multiple housekeeping proteins (GAPDH, β-actin, α-tubulin)
Use LiCor Odyssey or similar quantitative imaging systems
Immunofluorescence quantification:
Acquire images with identical exposure settings across all samples
Use automated image analysis with consistent thresholding
Measure total integrated intensity per cell or structure
Analyze minimum 50-100 cells per condition across 3+ biological replicates
Flow cytometry approach:
Permeabilize fixed cells with 0.1% saponin
Stain with ATP6V1C1A antibody (optimal dilution determined empirically)
Use fluorescent secondary antibodies
Include isotype controls and secondary-only controls
Measure median fluorescence intensity for population analysis
Recommended statistical analysis:
Apply appropriate normality tests before choosing statistical methods
Use ANOVA with post-hoc tests for multiple condition comparisons
Report effect sizes alongside p-values
Include power analysis to justify sample sizes
This comprehensive approach ensures robust quantification of ATP6V1C1A expression changes under various experimental conditions.
Integrating ATP6V1C1A localization and expression data with functional V-ATPase assays provides mechanistic insights:
Lysosomal pH measurement protocol:
Load cells with pH-sensitive dyes (LysoSensor Yellow/Blue DND-160)
Calibrate with ionophores in buffers of known pH
Correlate pH measurements with ATP6V1C1A immunostaining patterns
Analyze how experimental manipulations affect both protein expression and function
V-ATPase activity assay:
Isolate membrane fractions from zebrafish tissues
Measure ATP hydrolysis through phosphate release assays
Determine bafilomycin A1-sensitive component (specific to V-ATPase)
Correlate activity with ATP6V1C1A protein levels determined by immunoblotting
Genetic manipulation validation:
Knockdown ATP6V1C1A using morpholinos or CRISPR-Cas9
Confirm protein reduction via ATP6V1C1A antibody staining
Measure functional consequences on organelle acidification
Perform rescue experiments with wild-type and mutant constructs
Integrative data analysis approach:
Plot correlations between ATP6V1C1A levels and functional readouts
Apply multivariate analysis to identify key variables affecting V-ATPase function
Develop mathematical models integrating protein expression and activity data
Use Bayesian statistical frameworks to incorporate prior knowledge from literature
This integrative approach provides a comprehensive understanding of how ATP6V1C1A expression and localization relate to functional V-ATPase activity in physiological and pathological contexts.