WDPCP (WD Repeat Containing Planar Cell Polarity Effector) is a cytoplasmic protein critical for planar cell polarity signaling, ciliogenesis, and collective cell movement . HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase)-conjugated antibodies are used in immunodetection methods like Western blotting and ELISA to amplify signal detection. While primary antibodies (e.g., anti-WDPCP) are typically unconjugated, HRP is often linked to secondary antibodies for indirect detection. HRP-conjugated primary antibodies exist but are less common, as conjugation can affect antibody specificity .
WDPCP antibodies, whether conjugated or unconjugated, are utilized in:
Note: Direct detection (HRP-conjugated primary antibodies) is less common due to challenges in maintaining antibody affinity .
Elevated Leucine and WDPCP Dysregulation:
Neonatal CHD patients exhibit elevated plasma leucine levels, reduced WDPCP expression, and suppressed MAPK/ERK signaling .
Western Blot Data:
| Group | WDPCP (Normalized to β-Actin) | EMCN (Normalized to β-Actin) | p38 Phosphorylation | ERK Phosphorylation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHD Patients | ↓ (p < 0.05) | ↑ (p < 0.01) | ↓ (p < 0.0001) | ↓ (p < 0.0001) |
| Controls | Reference | Reference | Reference | Reference |
Intervention: Overexpression of WDPCP or MAPK activation restores EMT and migration in HCMECs .
High Leucine Exposure:
Wdpcp Knockout Models:
Buffer Compatibility: Avoid additives like sodium azide or BSA in buffers when conjugating HRP .
Signal Amplification: Use HRP substrates (e.g., DAB, TMB) for chromogenic detection .
Controls: Include no-primary-antibody controls to exclude nonspecific binding .
WDPCP (WD repeat-containing and planar cell polarity effector protein fritz homolog) is a crucial regulator in developmental signaling pathways. It functions as an upstream modulator of MAPK/ERK signaling and plays essential roles in cardiac development. WDPCP influences cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs), making it a significant target in cardiac development research . The protein is also known by several aliases including hFRTZ, Bardet-Biedl syndrome 15 protein, and C2orf86 FRITZ . WDPCP's influence on cytoskeletal organization further contributes to its importance in developmental biology and cardiovascular research contexts .
For optimal stability and performance, WDPCP antibody with HRP conjugation should be stored at -20°C or -80°C upon receipt. It's crucial to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as these can significantly degrade antibody performance . For HRP conjugates specifically, storing the antibody in undiluted form is strongly recommended whenever possible. While some researchers may prefer working concentrations for convenience, this approach can compromise long-term stability . The antibody is typically supplied in a storage buffer containing 0.03% Proclin 300, 50% Glycerol, and 0.01M PBS at pH 7.4, which helps maintain stability during proper storage .
To verify antibody specificity, perform western blot analysis using appropriate positive and negative controls. For WDPCP antibody, this would ideally include samples with known WDPCP expression levels as well as negative controls like knockout or knockdown samples . Evaluating band patterns for predicted size range (±20% of the expected molecular weight) provides initial validation. For enhanced validation, consider implementing approaches like:
Genetic validation: siRNA knockdown to demonstrate decreased staining intensity
Recombinant expression validation: overexpression systems showing increased signal
Independent antibody validation: comparison with different antibodies targeting distinct epitopes
Orthogonal validation: correlation with RNA expression data
Protein array analysis: testing against panels containing 384 different antigens
For western blot applications using WDPCP antibody with HRP conjugation, follow these methodological guidelines based on established protocols:
Protein extraction: Use RIPA buffer containing protease inhibitor cocktail
Protein quantification: BCA assay for accurate loading (typically 5 μg protein per lane)
Gel conditions: 12% polyacrylamide gel for optimal separation
Transfer: To PVDF membrane using standard transfer protocols
Blocking: 5% skimmed milk for 1 hour at room temperature
Primary antibody dilution: Start with 1:1000 dilution in blocking buffer at 4°C for 24 hours
Washing: PBS-T or TBS-T buffer, 3-5 washes of 5 minutes each
Detection: Use western blot chemiluminescence kit
Imaging: Capture using a GelDoc system or equivalent
Analysis: Quantify band intensities using ImageJ, normalizing to β-actin as loading control
Optimization may be necessary for your specific experimental conditions, particularly regarding antibody dilution and incubation time.
When encountering weak or absent signals with WDPCP antibody, HRP conjugated, systematically evaluate these potential issues:
Antibody concentration: Verify that the working dilution is appropriate; insufficient primary antibody can result in weak signals
Antigen abundance: WDPCP may be expressed at low levels in your samples; consider loading more protein or using enrichment techniques
Antigen accessibility: Ensure complete protein denaturation and sufficient membrane blocking
Detection system sensitivity: Use high-sensitivity chemiluminescent substrates for low-abundance proteins
HRP activity: Verify the activity of the HRP enzyme; improper storage or expired reagents can lead to reduced activity
Transfer efficiency: Check protein transfer using Ponceau S or similar reversible stains
Blocking conditions: Excessive blocking can mask epitopes; optimize blocking time and reagent
Substrate incubation: Extend the substrate incubation time to allow for signal development
For particularly challenging samples, consider signal amplification systems designed for HRP-based detection methods.
While the commercial WDPCP antibody with HRP conjugation may be primarily validated for ELISA, adapting it for immunohistochemistry requires careful optimization:
Antigen retrieval: Test both heat-induced (citrate buffer, pH 6.0 or EDTA buffer, pH 9.0) and enzymatic methods to determine optimal epitope exposure
Blocking endogenous peroxidase: Use 0.3-3% hydrogen peroxide for 10-15 minutes prior to antibody incubation
Antibody titration: Perform dilution series (typically 1:100 to 1:1000) to identify optimal concentration
Incubation conditions: Test both overnight at 4°C and 1-2 hours at room temperature
Signal amplification: Consider tyramide signal amplification for low-abundance targets
Counterstaining: Use appropriate nuclear counterstain (hematoxylin) that doesn't obscure specific signals
Controls: Include positive and negative controls, including tissue known to express WDPCP and primary antibody omission controls
Document optimization steps thoroughly as tissue-specific conditions may vary considerably between experimental systems.
WDPCP antibody with HRP conjugation provides a valuable tool for investigating the role of WDPCP in cardiac development through MAPK signaling pathways. Research has demonstrated that WDPCP acts as an upstream regulator of MAPK/ERK signaling, with WDPCP overexpression enhancing phospho-p38 and phospho-ERK levels . To investigate this pathway:
Establish experimental models: Utilize cardiac microvascular endothelial cells, animal models with high-leucine diets, or genetic modification systems
Manipulate WDPCP expression: Implement WDPCP overexpression or knockdown strategies
Assess pathway components: Analyze both WDPCP and downstream MAPK components (phospho-p38, phospho-ERK) using western blotting with the HRP-conjugated antibody
Functional assays: Measure cellular phenotypes including migration, invasion, and EMT markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin)
Rescue experiments: Test whether MAPK activators like C16-PAF can rescue phenotypes in WDPCP-deficient systems
This approach allows for mechanistic dissection of how WDPCP regulates cardiac development through MAPK signaling cascades.
For rigorous analysis of WDPCP in signaling pathways using HRP-conjugated antibodies, include these essential controls:
Positive control: Samples known to express WDPCP (specific cell lines or tissues)
Negative control: Samples with WDPCP knockdown/knockout
Loading control: β-actin or similar housekeeping protein to normalize expression levels
Pathway modulation controls:
WDPCP overexpression samples
MAPK activator (e.g., C16-PAF) treated samples
Combined treatment samples
Specificity control: Pre-absorption with immunizing peptide to confirm antibody specificity
Technical controls: Secondary antibody-only control to assess non-specific binding
This comprehensive control strategy ensures reliable interpretation of results, particularly when investigating complex signaling relationships between WDPCP and MAPK pathway components.
Multiplexed detection of WDPCP and related signaling proteins requires careful planning:
Primary antibody selection: Choose antibodies raised in different host species to avoid cross-reactivity
Sequential detection: For HRP-conjugated antibodies:
Complete first detection with WDPCP antibody, HRP conjugated
Document results thoroughly
Strip membrane using commercial stripping buffer (validate stripping efficiency)
Block again and reprobe with antibodies for other targets
Fluorescent alternatives: Consider converting workflow to fluorescent secondaries for true multiplexing
Sample preparation: Ensure extraction methods preserve all target proteins equally
Data analysis: Use image analysis software that can accurately quantify multiple targets in relation to loading controls
For complex signaling pathway analysis, a combination of traditional western blotting with HRP-conjugated antibodies and phospho-specific flow cytometry may provide complementary insights.
When faced with contradictory results using WDPCP antibody with HRP conjugation, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Antibody validation: Verify antibody specificity using enhanced validation protocols
siRNA knockdown
Recombinant expression
Independent antibodies targeting different epitopes
Technical verification:
Test multiple lysate preparation methods
Vary blocking conditions
Adjust antibody concentrations
Orthogonal approaches:
Complement protein detection with mRNA analysis
Utilize immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Biological considerations:
Assess cell type-specific expression patterns
Consider post-translational modifications affecting epitope recognition
Evaluate splice variants that might affect antibody binding
Statistical analysis:
This systematic approach helps identify whether contradictions stem from technical limitations or represent true biological complexity.
For investigating WDPCP's role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), design experiments that capture both molecular and functional aspects:
Molecular markers: Use WDPCP antibody, HRP conjugated in western blot analysis alongside key EMT markers:
Epithelial markers: E-cadherin (typically 1:1500 dilution)
Mesenchymal markers: N-cadherin (1:1500) and vimentin (1:1000)
Functional assays:
Migration assays: Transwell or wound healing
Invasion assays: Matrigel-coated chambers
WDPCP manipulation strategies:
Overexpression with validated vectors
siRNA or shRNA knockdown
CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
Pathway analysis:
Monitor MAPK signaling components (phospho-p38, phospho-ERK)
Include pathway activators (C16-PAF) or inhibitors
Quantification approach:
This comprehensive approach provides mechanistic insights into how WDPCP regulates EMT processes.
Selecting appropriate control tissues for WDPCP antibody validation requires consideration of:
Expression patterns: Choose tissues with known WDPCP expression levels
Positive controls: Heart tissue (particularly cardiac endothelial cells)
Negative/low expression controls: Tissues with minimal WDPCP expression
Developmental stage: Consider embryonic versus adult tissues based on research context
Species considerations:
Ensure species cross-reactivity if using non-human models
Verify epitope conservation across species
Pathological samples:
Include relevant disease models (CHD models)
Match control tissues appropriately
Technical controls:
Careful selection of control tissues enhances confidence in antibody specificity and experimental results.
To investigate WDPCP interactions in signaling complexes:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use non-HRP conjugated WDPCP antibody for immunoprecipitation
Validate pulled-down complexes using WDPCP antibody, HRP conjugated
Probe for interaction partners (MAPK pathway components)
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Combine WDPCP antibody with antibodies against potential interaction partners
Visualize protein proximity in situ
Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC):
Create fusion constructs of WDPCP and potential partners
Visualize interactions through reconstituted fluorescence
FRET/FLIM analysis:
Use fluorescently labeled antibodies against WDPCP and interaction partners
Measure energy transfer as indication of proximity
Validation approaches:
These approaches provide complementary evidence for WDPCP's role in signaling complexes beyond traditional western blotting applications.
For challenging tissue samples:
Fixation optimization:
Test multiple fixation protocols (PFA, methanol, acetone)
Adjust fixation duration to balance antigen preservation and accessibility
Enhanced antigen retrieval:
Combine heat and enzymatic methods
Optimize pH conditions (acidic vs. basic buffers)
Signal amplification systems:
Tyramide signal amplification (TSA)
Polymer-based detection systems
Background reduction:
Extended blocking (overnight at 4°C)
Inclusion of species-specific serum in blocking buffer
Pre-absorption of antibody with tissue powder
Specialized extraction protocols:
These approaches can significantly improve detection of WDPCP in samples that have proven challenging with standard protocols.
For rigorous quantitative analysis:
Standard curve generation:
Include recombinant WDPCP protein standards
Create multi-point calibration curves
Linear detection range:
Determine the linear range of HRP detection for your system
Ensure samples fall within this range
Normalization strategy:
Use validated housekeeping proteins (β-actin)
Consider multiple reference proteins for robust normalization
Image acquisition:
Capture images below saturation threshold
Standardize exposure settings across experiments
Analysis software:
Use dedicated quantification software (ImageJ, Image Lab)
Apply consistent analysis parameters
Statistical considerations:
Adhering to these quantitative best practices enhances reproducibility and reliability of WDPCP expression data.
Storage conditions significantly impact antibody performance:
Temperature effects:
Optimal storage at -20°C or -80°C for long-term stability
Avoid storage at 4°C for extended periods (>1 week)
Freeze-thaw considerations:
Limit freeze-thaw cycles (<5 total)
Aliquot antibody upon first thaw
Stabilizing additives:
Glycerol (50%) prevents freeze damage
Preservatives like Proclin 300 (0.03%) prevent microbial growth
Dilution effects:
Store HRP conjugates undiluted when possible
Working dilutions have reduced stability
Environmental factors:
Protect from light exposure
Minimize exposure to atmospheric oxygen
Avoid contamination with heavy metals that can affect HRP
Monitoring stability:
Proper storage significantly extends the useful life of HRP-conjugated antibodies, maintaining sensitivity and specificity.