WDFY2 is a 410-amino-acid protein with a molecular weight of ~100 kDa. It contains:
WD40 repeats: Involved in protein-protein interactions and scaffolding.
FYVE domain: Binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P), directing localization to endosomal membranes .
Regulates endosomal recycling of matrix metalloproteases (e.g., MT1-MMP) via VAMP3 interaction, influencing cell invasion and tumor suppression .
Acts as a tumor suppressor, with frequent loss observed in metastatic ovarian and prostate cancers .
This antibody is validated for:
| Application | Dilution Range | Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA | 1:500–1:1000 | Human, Mouse, Rat |
| IHC-Paraffin | 1:200–1:400 | Rat, Human |
| IHC-Frozen | 1:100–1:500 | Dog, Cow, Pig |
Source: Bioss USA product specifications
Detecting WDFY2 in cancer research to study its tumor-suppressive role in Rab4-positive endosomal tubules .
Investigating endosomal trafficking defects in metastatic cancers .
Role in Cancer: Loss of WDFY2 correlates with increased MT1-MMP secretion and ECM degradation, promoting cell invasion .
Endosomal Localization: WDFY2 localizes to Rab4-positive endosomal subdomains enriched in PtdIns3P, distinct from Rab5 or Rab11 vesicles .
Mechanistic Insights:
Traditional methods use heterobifunctional cross-linkers (e.g., Sulfo-SMCC) to covalently link HRP to antibody thiol groups .
Modern kits (e.g., Lightning-Link®) streamline conjugation, minimizing labor and preserving antibody affinity .
Chemiluminescent: Luminol-based substrates (e.g., Azure Radiance) for high-sensitivity Western blotting .
| Vendor | Target Species | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bioss USA | Rat, Human | $117–$240 |
| Thermo Fisher | Broad range | $39–$356 |
| Azure Biosystems | Goat, Donkey | $117–$240 |
Data compiled from Bioss USA, Thermo Fisher, and Azure Biosystems
Storage: Aliquot and store at -20°C to avoid freeze-thaw cycles .
Validation: Include positive controls (e.g., cancer cell lines with known WDFY2 expression) and confirm specificity using knockout models .
Signal Optimization: Pair with high-sensitivity substrates (e.g., Azure Radiance ECL) for low-abundance targets .
WDFY2 is an endosomal protein that acts as an adapter mediating interactions between kinase PRKCZ and its substrate VAMP2, increasing PRKCZ-dependent phosphorylation of VAMP2 . It positively regulates adipocyte differentiation by facilitating phosphorylation and inactivation of the anti-adipogenetic transcription factor FOXO1 by kinase AKT1 . WDFY2 plays a critical role in endosomal trafficking, particularly in regulating exocytosis of MT1-MMP (membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase) by controlling endosomal sorting of the v-SNARE VAMP3 . It localizes to actin-stabilized endosome tubules positive for the small GTPase RAB4 and shows a preference for highly curved membranes enriched in phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) .
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated antibodies function as signal amplification tools in immunodetection. The HRP enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of substrates in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, resulting in colored precipitates (chromogenic detection), light emission (chemiluminescent detection), or fluorescent signals . When an HRP-conjugated WDFY2 antibody binds to its target protein, the conjugated enzyme allows for visualization through:
Chemiluminescent detection: Light emission captured by imaging instruments
Colorimetric detection: Formation of colored precipitates visible without additional equipment
Fluorescent detection: Generation of fluorescent signals when using tyramide signal amplification systems
The HRP conjugation provides exceptional sensitivity compared to direct detection methods, making it particularly valuable for detecting low-abundance proteins like WDFY2 in subcellular compartments .
WDFY2 antibody, HRP conjugated, can be utilized in several research applications, including:
When selecting an HRP-conjugated WDFY2 antibody, researchers should verify its validated applications, as not all antibodies are suitable for all detection methods .
When using WDFY2 antibodies for cellular localization studies, you should expect the following pattern:
Primary localization to endosomal structures, particularly subdomains of early endosomes
Strong signal on endosomal tubules emerging from EEA1-positive endosomes
Colocalization with RAB4-positive structures (fast-recycling pathway)
Partial overlap with RAB5-positive regions on endosomes
Minimal colocalization with RAB11 (slow recycling pathway) and RAB7 (late endosomes)
Distinct localization from APPL1-positive vesicles near the plasma membrane
Strong signals at highly curved endosomal membrane regions and tubule bases
Notably, WDFY2 does not completely colocalize with EEA1 but rather localizes to distinct EEA1-negative subdomains on early endosomes .
WDFY2 is recruited to endosomal membranes through its FYVE domain, which specifically binds to PtdIns3P . This membrane interaction affects antibody accessibility in several ways:
The FYVE domain (amino acids 280-339) may be partially embedded in the membrane when bound to PtdIns3P, potentially masking epitopes in this region
Antibodies targeting the N-terminal region (amino acids 1-150) may provide better accessibility in fixed cells
Treatment with PI 3-kinase inhibitors like Wortmannin or SAR405 disrupts WDFY2's endosomal localization, causing it to redistribute to the cytosol
For optimal detection:
Use antibodies targeting accessible regions (N-terminal or C-terminal domains)
Ensure proper membrane permeabilization during sample preparation
Consider fixation methods that preserve membrane architecture while allowing antibody penetration
Test antibody performance after treatments that disrupt PtdIns3P binding to confirm specificity
Understanding this membrane recruitment mechanism is crucial when designing experiments to study WDFY2's functional domains and protein interactions .
To distinguish WDFY2's roles in different endosomal subpopulations (RAB4-positive vs. RAB5-positive vs. tubular structures), researchers can employ these methodological approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy techniques:
Multi-color immunofluorescence with domain markers:
Live-cell imaging approaches:
Functional perturbation experiments:
When using HRP-conjugated antibodies in these approaches, consider secondary detection methods compatible with multicolor analysis or sequential detection protocols.
Optimizing detection of WDFY2 in endosomal tubule structures requires addressing several technical challenges:
Fixation optimization:
Use paraformaldehyde fixation (4%) to preserve tubular structures
Avoid methanol fixation which can disrupt membrane architecture
Consider glutaraldehyde addition (0.1-0.5%) for better ultrastructural preservation
Permeabilization considerations:
Gentle detergents (0.1% Triton X-100 or 0.1% saponin) to maintain tubule integrity
Shorter permeabilization times to prevent tubule disruption
Signal amplification strategies:
Co-staining optimization:
Imaging considerations:
Z-stack acquisition with optimal step size to capture entire tubular networks
Deconvolution processing to improve resolution of thin tubular structures
Super-resolution microscopy when available
Research shows that WDFY2 strongly localizes to the base and along the length of endosomal tubules, with particular enrichment at highly curved membrane regions . These structures are relatively long-lived and show accumulations of actin-organizing proteins like CORONIN1B and WASH at their base .
When investigating WDFY2's role in MT1-MMP trafficking using HRP-conjugated antibodies, include these essential controls:
Antibody specificity controls:
WDFY2 knockout or knockdown cells to confirm antibody specificity
Peptide competition assays to validate epitope specificity
WDFY2 overexpression to verify detection sensitivity
Functional controls:
Trafficking pathway controls:
RAB4 dominant negative constructs to disrupt fast recycling
Actin disruption agents to assess effects on WDFY2-positive tubules
General endocytosis inhibitors to distinguish recycling from internalization defects
Readout controls:
Surface biotinylation to quantify MT1-MMP plasma membrane levels
Gelatin degradation assays to assess functional MT1-MMP activity
Comparative analysis with other trafficking cargoes (transferrin receptor)
Research shows that WDFY2 regulates exocytosis of MT1-MMP by controlling endosomal sorting of VAMP3, and loss of WDFY2 leads to enhanced secretion of MT1-MMP and increased cell invasion into extracellular matrix .
For optimal western blot detection of WDFY2 using HRP-conjugated antibodies:
Sample preparation:
Lyse cells in RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors
Sonicate briefly to shear DNA and reduce sample viscosity
Centrifuge at 14,000×g for 15 minutes at 4°C
Collect supernatant and determine protein concentration
Gel electrophoresis and transfer:
Load 20-50 μg of total protein per lane
Resolve proteins on 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels
Transfer to PVDF membrane (recommended over nitrocellulose for WDFY2)
Verify transfer efficiency with reversible protein stain
Antibody incubation:
Block membrane with 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Dilute HRP-conjugated WDFY2 antibody (typically 1:500 to 1:2000, optimize for each antibody)
Incubate membrane with diluted antibody overnight at 4°C
Wash extensively with TBST (4 × 10 minutes)
Detection:
Apply chemiluminescent substrate directly to membrane
Develop signal using appropriate imaging system
Critical considerations:
Include positive control (tissues with known WDFY2 expression)
Include molecular weight markers to confirm band size
Validate antibody specificity using WDFY2 knockdown controls
For weakly expressed WDFY2, consider immunoprecipitation before western blotting
For optimizing ELISA protocols with HRP-conjugated WDFY2 antibodies:
Direct ELISA protocol:
Coat high-binding 96-well plate with sample diluted in carbonate buffer (pH 9.6) overnight at 4°C
Wash 3× with PBST (PBS + 0.05% Tween-20)
Block with 1-5% BSA in PBS for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Wash 3× with PBST
Add HRP-conjugated WDFY2 antibody diluted in blocking buffer (start with manufacturer's recommended dilution)
Incubate 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C
Wash 5× with PBST
Add TMB substrate and monitor color development
Stop reaction with 2N H₂SO₄ and read absorbance at 450 nm
Sandwich ELISA optimization:
Coat plate with capture antibody (non-conjugated WDFY2 antibody) overnight
Block as above
Add samples containing WDFY2 protein
Add HRP-conjugated WDFY2 antibody recognizing a different epitope
Develop and read as above
Optimization parameters:
Antibody concentration: Titrate from 1:200 to 1:5000
Incubation temperature: Compare room temperature vs. 4°C
Incubation time: Test 1, 2, and 4 hours vs. overnight
Blocking agent: Compare BSA, milk, and commercial blockers
Substrate: Compare TMB, ABTS, or OPD for optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Critical considerations:
Use antibodies recognizing different epitopes for sandwich ELISA
Include standard curve with recombinant WDFY2 protein
Run parallel negative controls omitting primary antibody
Test sensitivity by serial dilution of positive control
When encountering weak or non-specific signals with HRP-conjugated WDFY2 antibodies, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
For weak signals:
Antibody concentration:
Increase antibody concentration (reduce dilution factor)
Extended incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Signal amplification:
Sample preparation:
Optimize extraction buffer (RIPA vs. NP-40 vs. specialized buffers)
Add protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Consider subcellular fractionation to enrich endosomal compartments
Detection conditions:
Extend substrate incubation time
Optimize exposure time for western blots
Try alternative HRP substrates with higher sensitivity
For non-specific signals:
Blocking optimization:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, casein, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking time or concentration
Add 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 to antibody diluent
Antibody specificity:
Validate with WDFY2 knockout/knockdown controls
Perform peptide competition assays
Try antibodies targeting different WDFY2 epitopes
Washing conditions:
Increase number and duration of washes
Use higher Tween-20 concentration in wash buffer (0.1%)
Include salt wash steps (high stringency washes)
Cross-reactivity reduction:
Remember that WDFY2 is expressed at modest levels in many cell types, making detection challenging. Use positive controls from tissues known to express WDFY2 and consider enrichment strategies for low-abundance samples.
To quantify and interpret WDFY2 localization changes in immunofluorescence experiments:
Quantification methods:
Colocalization analysis:
Calculate Pearson's correlation coefficient between WDFY2 and endosomal markers
Determine Manders' overlap coefficient to assess proportion of WDFY2 overlapping with RAB4/RAB5/EEA1
Use object-based colocalization for discrete structures
Morphological analysis:
Measure number, length, and branching of WDFY2-positive tubules
Quantify ratio of tubular versus vesicular WDFY2 localization
Calculate WDFY2 enrichment at tubule bases versus limiting membrane
Distribution analysis:
Measure WDFY2 intensity gradients from plasma membrane to perinuclear regions
Quantify distance of WDFY2-positive endosomes from cell edge
Analyze spatial relationship with actin cytoskeleton
Data analysis workflow:
Collect z-stack images under identical acquisition settings
Apply appropriate background subtraction
Define regions of interest (entire cell, peripheral region, perinuclear region)
Threshold WDFY2 signal and endosomal markers consistently across samples
Apply colocalization or morphological analysis algorithms
Export numerical data for statistical analysis
Compare experimental conditions using appropriate statistical tests
Interpretation guidelines:
WDFY2 normally localizes to subdomains on EEA1-positive endosomes and endosomal tubules
Increased cytosolic WDFY2 suggests disrupted PtdIns3P binding or endosomal recruitment
Enhanced tubular localization may indicate altered endosomal recycling
Loss of colocalization with RAB4 suggests defects in fast recycling pathways
Changes in WDFY2-VAMP3 association may affect MT1-MMP trafficking and matrix degradation
WDFY2 localization changes should be interpreted in context of functional outcomes, such as alterations in cargo trafficking, cell migration, or matrix degradation.
When analyzing WDFY2 function across different cell types, consider these important factors:
Expression level variations:
WDFY2 expression levels vary significantly between cell types
Western blot quantification should be normalized to housekeeping proteins
Use absolute quantification methods (recombinant protein standards) for direct comparisons
Functional context differences:
Technical considerations:
Optimize antibody dilutions for each cell type
Adjust fixation protocols based on cell type (epithelial vs. fibroblast vs. adipocyte)
Consider endogenous expression levels when interpreting knockdown/overexpression phenotypes
Use cell type-specific markers to contextualize WDFY2 localization patterns
Biological context assessment:
Evaluate relevant trafficking pathways (VAMP3, MT1-MMP) in context of cell-specific functions
Consider interaction with tissue-specific matrix components
Assess cell type-specific responses to WDFY2 manipulation
Examine relevant signaling cascades (AKT, insulin signaling) in appropriate cell types
When comparing WDFY2 functions across cell types, use consistent experimental approaches and quantification methods to enable valid comparisons of phenotypes and molecular mechanisms.
To meaningfully integrate WDFY2 localization data with functional outcomes in invasion and trafficking studies, implement this comprehensive approach:
Correlation analysis framework:
Matched sample analysis:
Perform parallel assays on the same cell populations
Correlate WDFY2 subcellular distribution with quantitative functional readouts
Use regression analysis to identify predictive localization patterns
Temporal relationship studies:
Track WDFY2 localization changes over time
Monitor corresponding changes in MT1-MMP surface levels
Measure subsequent matrix degradation or invasion events
Establish cause-effect relationships through time-course experiments
Structure-function analysis:
Integrated experimental approach:
For invasion studies:
Quantify WDFY2 localization to RAB4-positive endosomes and tubules
Measure MT1-MMP surface levels by biotinylation or flow cytometry
Assess matrix degradation using fluorescent gelatin degradation assays
Quantify 3D invasion through matrigel or collagen matrices
Calculate correlation coefficients between WDFY2 localization metrics and functional outcomes
For trafficking studies:
Track WDFY2-positive endosomal tubule dynamics
Monitor VAMP3 trafficking in same cells
Measure cargo recycling rates (MT1-MMP or transferrin)
Correlate tubule formation frequency with recycling efficiency
Use live-cell imaging to establish temporal relationships
Data integration schema:
| WDFY2 Parameter | Trafficking Readout | Invasion Readout | Statistical Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubule association | VAMP3 recycling rate | Matrix degradation area | Pearson correlation |
| RAB4 colocalization | MT1-MMP surface levels | Invasion distance | Linear regression |
| PtdIns3P binding | Recycling endosome morphology | Invadopodia formation | Multivariate analysis |
Research shows that loss of WDFY2 leads to enhanced secretion of MT1-MMP and allows cells to actively invade into ECM, connecting WDFY2's endosomal functions directly to invasive potential .
Several emerging technologies could significantly enhance WDFY2 studies using HRP-conjugated antibodies:
Proximity labeling approaches:
HRP-APEX technology for spatially restricted protein labeling
Combining HRP-WDFY2 antibodies with tyramide-biotin for selective labeling of proximal proteins
Identification of transient WDFY2 interaction partners on endosomal tubules
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM):
Using HRP-conjugated antibodies for both fluorescence and EM contrast
Diaminobenzidine (DAB) polymerization for ultrastructural visualization
Nanoscale resolution of WDFY2 on endosomal tubule membranes
Super-resolution microscopy enhancements:
Combination of HRP-mediated signal amplification with STORM/PALM
Expansion microscopy for physical magnification of subcellular structures
Multi-color DNA-PAINT for simultaneous visualization of multiple endosomal markers
Live-cell applications:
Split-HRP complementation assays for studying WDFY2-VAMP3 interactions
HRP-mediated activation of fluorogenic probes for dynamic studies
Intrabody approaches using HRP-tagged nanobodies against WDFY2
Quantitative approaches:
Multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI) using metal-conjugated WDFY2 antibodies
Mass cytometry for single-cell analysis of WDFY2 in heterogeneous populations
Highly multiplexed immunofluorescence using sequential HRP-antibody labeling
These technologies could provide unprecedented insights into WDFY2's dynamic localization and function at endosomal tubules, particularly in relation to its role in controlling MT1-MMP trafficking and cell invasion .
Emerging understanding of WDFY2's role in disease progression could significantly influence antibody-based detection strategies:
Cancer-focused applications:
Given WDFY2's role in regulating MT1-MMP secretion and cell invasion , antibodies targeting specific functional domains could serve as diagnostic tools for invasive tumors
Development of phospho-specific antibodies to detect activated WDFY2 in tumor samples
Creation of antibody panels to simultaneously assess WDFY2 and its key partners (VAMP3, MT1-MMP) in tumor biopsies
Metabolic disease applications:
Due to WDFY2's role in adipocyte differentiation and insulin signaling , specialized antibodies to detect tissue-specific isoforms or modifications
Multiplex detection systems to simultaneously assess WDFY2, AKT phosphorylation, and FOXO1 localization
Development of antibodies specifically detecting WDFY2 in insulin-responsive tissues
Technical innovations:
Domain-specific antibodies to distinguish active vs. inactive WDFY2 conformations
Engineered antibodies with enhanced penetration into endosomal compartments
Bifunctional antibodies targeting WDFY2 and trafficking cargo simultaneously
Spatially-resolved antibody detection using spatial transcriptomics platforms
Clinical translation considerations:
Standardization of WDFY2 detection for potential biomarker applications
Validation across diverse tissue types and disease states
Correlation of WDFY2 alterations with disease progression and therapeutic responses
As research continues to uncover WDFY2's roles in cancer invasion, metabolic regulation, and potentially neurodegenerative diseases (given its endosomal functions), antibody technologies will need to evolve to address specific disease-relevant modifications, interactions, and subcellular localizations.