WISP2 is a member of the CCN family (CCN5) involved in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis, particularly in cancers like ovarian and gastric malignancies . Biotin-conjugated WISP2 antibodies are polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies chemically linked to biotin, facilitating detection via streptavidin-enzyme complexes or fluorescent tags .
Sensitivity in ELISA: Thermo Fisher’s biotinylated antibody detects recombinant WISP2 at concentrations as low as 0.2 ng/well when paired with a capture antibody .
Western Blot Specificity: The same antibody identifies WISP2 at 1.5–3.0 ng/lane under reducing or non-reducing conditions, confirming its utility in protein analysis .
Cancer Research: While not directly tested in the provided studies, WISP2 antibodies are critical for investigating its role in ovarian cancer, where WISP2 deletion suppresses tumor growth by inhibiting ERK/YAP signaling .
Signal Amplification: Biotin-streptavidin systems enhance detection sensitivity by enabling multi-enzyme binding.
Versatility: Compatible with colorimetric, chemiluminescent, or fluorescent readouts.
Stability: Biotinylation does not compromise antibody-antigen binding under recommended storage conditions (-20°C with glycerol-based buffers) .
WISP2 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer tissues, making it a potential therapeutic target . Biotin-conjugated antibodies enable:
WISP2 (WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 2) belongs to the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) family. Unlike other family members, WISP2 lacks the C-terminal cystine knot-like (CT) domain implicated in dimerization and heparin binding . It functions as a matricellular protein with several significant biological roles:
Modulates bone turnover and promotes osteoblast cell adhesion
Inhibits fibrinogen binding to integrin receptors and osteocalcin production
Demonstrates context-dependent roles in cancer progression (inhibitory in breast cancer, promotional in ovarian cancer)
WISP2's amino acid sequence (recombinant protein) is: MQLCPTPCTC PWPPPRCPLG VPLVLDGCGC CRVCARRLGE PCDQLHVCDA SQGLVCQPGA GPGGRGALCL LAEDDSSCEV NGRLYREGET FQPHCSIRCR CEDGGFTCVP LCSEDVRLPS WDCPHPRRVE VLGKCCPEWV CGQGGGLGTQ PLPAQGPQFS GLVSSLPPGV PCPEWSTAWG PCSTTCGLGM ATRVSNQNRF CRLETQRRLC LSRPCPPSRG RSPQNSAF .
Biotin conjugation significantly improves detection sensitivity through several mechanisms:
Biotin binds non-covalently to avidin and streptavidin with exceptionally high affinity (Kd ≈ 10^-15 M)
The small biotin molecule (244 Da) minimally interferes with antibody binding
Signal amplification occurs because multiple streptavidin molecules can bind to biotinylated antibodies
Biotin-SP (spacer) formats extend the biotin moiety away from the antibody surface by 22.4 Å, making it more accessible to streptavidin binding sites
Provides flexibility in detection systems - a single biotinylated antibody can be used with various streptavidin conjugates (HRP, AP, fluorophores)
This design is particularly advantageous in ELISA applications where detection sensitivity is critical for accurately measuring WISP2 levels in biological samples .
For optimal sandwich ELISA performance with WISP2 Antibody, Biotin conjugated:
Standard Protocol:
Coat plates with non-biotinylated anti-WISP2 capture antibody (e.g., PeproTech Polyclonal Anti-Human CTGFL/WISP-2 500-P212) at 0.25-1.0 μg/mL
Block with appropriate blocker (typically 2% BSA in PBS)
Add samples or standards
Add biotinylated WISP2 antibody at 0.25-1.0 μg/mL (100 μL/well)
Add streptavidin-enzyme conjugate (HRP or AP)
Add appropriate substrate and measure signal
Key Sensitivity Parameters:
Detection limit: 0.2-0.4 ng/well of recombinant human CTGFL/WISP-2
For binding assays involving WISP2-collagen interactions, use 500 nM WISP2 for coating
When investigating WISP1-WISP2 binding, incubate proteins for 45 minutes at room temperature prior to adding to coated wells
These protocols have been validated for detecting WISP2 in serum, plasma, and tissue homogenates with minimal cross-reactivity .
WISP2's role as the first known inhibitor of collagen linearization represents a significant mechanism in cancer metastasis research. The following methodological approaches leverage biotinylated WISP2 antibodies:
Experimental Design for Studying WISP2-Collagen Interactions:
Binding Assay Protocol:
Prepare collagen I solution on ice as described for scanning electron microscopy
Coat 96-well plates with 100 μL collagen I solution (10 min at 4°C)
Remove excess and incubate at 37°C for 4 hours to allow fibril formation
For WISP1-WISP2 binding studies, coat plates with 50 μL of 500 nM WISP2 in PBS + 0.01% Tween-20 (overnight at 4°C)
Block with 2% BSA in PBS to prevent non-specific binding
Prepare WISP1/WISP2 protein concentrations in PBS with 1% BSA
Incubate on rotator (45 min, room temperature)
Add to collagen-coated wells and incubate (2 hours, 37°C)
Detect with anti-WISP1 or anti-WISP2 antibodies followed by appropriate conjugates
Visualizing Collagen Architecture Changes:
Key Research Findings on WISP2 in Cancer:
WISP2 expression is lower in most solid tumors compared to normal tissues
Restoration of WISP2 impairs collagen linearization and prevents tumor cell invasion
WISP2 deletion in ovarian cancer cells (ES-2 and HO8910) promotes tumor growth in xenograft models
WISP2 deletion inhibits cell growth, clone formation, and migration of ovarian cancer cells through ERK1/2, CEBPα, and CEBPβ pathways
These methodologies provide powerful tools for investigating WISP2's therapeutic potential in normalizing collagen architecture and inhibiting metastasis.
Rigorous validation is essential when working with WISP2 Antibody, Biotin conjugated:
Comprehensive Validation Strategy:
Specificity Validation:
Antibody Performance Controls:
Quantitative Validation:
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Validation Data Example:
| Validation Parameter | Expected Performance | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot Sensitivity | 1.5-3.0 ng/lane | Optimize antibody concentration (0.1-0.2 μg/mL) |
| ELISA Detection Limit | 0.2-0.4 ng/well | Adjust capture antibody (0.25-1.0 μg/mL) |
| Intra-assay CV% | <8% | Improve pipetting technique, standardize incubation times |
| Cross-reactivity | Minimal with other CCN family proteins | Perform pre-absorption controls |
Optimizing Western blot protocols for WISP2 detection requires attention to several critical parameters:
Optimization Protocol:
Sample Preparation:
Antibody Concentration:
Gel and Transfer Conditions:
Detection System:
Use enhanced chemiluminescence detection systems
For low abundance samples, consider extended exposure times or signal amplification systems
Controls for Validation:
Antibody Performance Table:
| Application | Concentration | Detection Limit | Sample Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | 0.1-0.2 μg/mL | 1.5-3.0 ng/lane | Cell lysates, tissue homogenates |
| Sandwich ELISA | 0.25-1.0 μg/mL | 0.2-0.4 ng/well | Serum, plasma, tissue extracts |
| Immunoprecipitation | Variable | Not specified | Cell lysates |
WISP2's inhibitory effect on WISP1-induced collagen linearization represents an important area for metastasis research. This detailed protocol enables investigation of these interactions:
Step-by-Step Protocol:
Interaction Analysis:
Coat plates with collagen I solution (prepare on ice, coat for 10 min at 4°C)
Incubate at 37°C for 4 hours to allow fibril formation
For WISP1-WISP2 binding studies, pre-mix WISP1 and WISP2 in various molar ratios (1:1, 1:3) in PBS with 1% BSA
Incubate protein mixtures on a rotator (45 min, room temperature)
Add to collagen-coated wells and incubate (2 hours, 37°C)
Wash with 1X wash buffer (3 times)
Detect bound proteins using biotinylated anti-WISP2 antibody followed by streptavidin-HRP
Binding Competition Assays:
To test whether WISP2 disrupts WISP1-collagen interactions, use solid-phase binding assays
For pre-bound WISP1-Col I or WISP2-Col I complexes, wash 3 times with wash buffer
Add different concentrations of WISP1 or WISP2 in PBS with 1% BSA
Incubate (2 hours, 37°C)
After washing, detect bound proteins with anti-WISP1 or anti-WISP2 antibodies
Key Research Findings:
WISP2 inhibits WISP1's function by preventing WISP1 binding to collagen I
At 1:3 WISP1:WISP2 molar ratio, WISP2 effectively blocks WISP1-induced collagen linearization
WISP1 and WISP2 can directly bind to each other, potentially sequestering WISP1
Both WISP1 and WISP2 can bind to fibrillar collagen I
Once bound to collagen, neither protein is easily displaced by the other
These methodologies provide critical insights into how WISP2 functions as an inhibitor of collagen linearization and its potential therapeutic applications in cancer metastasis.
Researchers frequently encounter several challenges when working with biotinylated antibodies for WISP2 detection:
Common Issues and Solutions:
High Background in Immunoassays:
Cause: Endogenous biotin in samples or inadequate blocking
Solution: Pre-block with avidin/streptavidin, use biotin-free blocking reagents, increase washing steps
Reduced Sensitivity over Storage:
Interference in Multiplex Assays:
Inconsistent Signal Amplification:
Cause: Variable streptavidin binding
Solution: Use standardized streptavidin reagents, optimize streptavidin-enzyme concentration
Non-specific Binding Issues:
Buffer Composition Table:
Working with complex tissue samples presents unique challenges for WISP2 detection:
Optimization Strategies:
Sample Preparation Optimization:
For tissue homogenates, use standardized sonication in lysis buffer at 4°C
Centrifuge lysates thoroughly to remove particulates
Consider pre-clearing samples with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Antigen Retrieval for Tissue Sections:
Optimize antigen retrieval methods for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues
Test both heat-induced epitope retrieval and enzymatic methods
Signal Amplification Selection:
Background Reduction Techniques:
Implement dual blocking (protein block followed by biotin/avidin blocking)
Use highly purified primary antibodies (affinity purified preparations)
Optimize antibody concentration through titration experiments
Include appropriate negative controls (normal rabbit IgG at matching concentration)
Detection System Selection:
For low abundance targets: streptavidin-HRP with enhanced chemiluminescence
For multiplexed detection: streptavidin conjugated to different fluorophores
For highest sensitivity: alkaline phosphatase systems with chromogenic substrates
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
Based on published research, WISP2 expression varies significantly across tissues, requiring different detection strategies:
Normal mammary epithelium: high expression (positive control)
Skeletal muscle: detectable expression (requires IHC optimization)
Cancer tissues: often reduced expression compared to normal tissue counterparts
Recent research suggests several promising directions for WISP2 antibody applications:
Therapeutic Monitoring:
Single-Cell Analysis:
Combine with microfluidic platforms for single-cell WISP2 secretion analysis
Integrate with mass cytometry for comprehensive protein profiling
In Vivo Imaging:
Develop in vivo imaging techniques using biotinylated WISP2 antibodies paired with streptavidin-conjugated imaging agents
Monitor tumor microenvironment changes during treatment
Liquid Biopsy Applications:
Ultrasensitive detection of circulating WISP2 as a potential biomarker
Paired analysis with extracellular matrix remodeling markers
Drug Discovery Platforms:
High-throughput screening for compounds that modulate WISP2 activity
Target engagement studies for WISP2-directed therapeutics
Research Areas Table:
| Research Area | WISP2 Relevance | Potential Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Metastasis | Inhibits collagen linearization | Metastasis prevention therapies |
| Extracellular Matrix Remodeling | Modulates collagen architecture | Fibrosis treatment |
| Metabolic Disease | Influences adipose tissue function | Obesity and diabetes interventions |
| Bone Metabolism | Promotes osteoblast adhesion | Osteoporosis treatments |
| Cell Signaling | Interacts with WNT1 pathway | Developmental biology applications |
Current research points to several technological improvements that could enhance WISP2 research:
Enhanced Specificity Reagents:
Development of recombinant antibody fragments with higher specificity
Domain-specific WISP2 antibodies to distinguish different functional regions
Multiplexed Detection Systems:
Simultaneous monitoring of WISP2 and interacting partners (WISP1, collagens)
Integration with spatial transcriptomics to correlate protein and gene expression
Live-Cell Imaging Applications:
Real-time visualization of WISP2-collagen interactions
Dynamic analysis of WISP2 secretion and extracellular matrix effects
Quantitative Structure-Function Analysis:
Tools to correlate WISP2 levels with collagen architecture parameters
Automated image analysis for fibril curvature ratio and structural features
Microenvironment Context:
Methods to study WISP2 function within complex 3D tumor microenvironments
Integration with other matricellular protein detection systems
These advancements would help overcome current limitations in understanding WISP2's context-dependent functions in cancer and other diseases, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies targeting the WISP2 pathway.