This antibody targets WNT10A, a ligand for the frizzled family of seven-transmembrane receptors. WNT10A is a key component of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and plays a crucial role in various developmental processes. Its functions include mediating normal ectoderm development, tooth development, postnatal development and maintenance of tongue papillae and sweat ducts, basal cell proliferation in tongue filiform papillae, plantar epithelium and sweat ducts, keratin expression in tongue papillae, KRT9 expression in foot plantar epithelium, and hair follicle function.
WNT10A's involvement in various biological processes is supported by extensive research:
WNT10A, officially designated as wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 10A, is a 417 amino acid secreted signaling molecule that plays crucial roles in developmental processes, cell fate regulation, and embryogenesis. The FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody enables visualization of this protein in multiple biological contexts . WNT10A acts as a ligand for frizzled proteins in the central nervous system, facilitating essential signaling pathways . The antibody can be utilized to study WNT10A's expression in developmental biology, cancer research (particularly in promyelocytic leukemia, Burkitt's lymphoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma), and rare genetic disorders like odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia (OODD) . The FITC conjugation specifically enhances fluorescence microscopy applications while maintaining reactivity with mouse, rat, and human samples .
For optimal results with FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody, sample preparation varies by application and tissue type. For immunohistochemistry with paraffin-embedded sections, antigen retrieval is essential - either using TE buffer at pH 9.0 (preferred) or citrate buffer at pH 6.0 . For immunofluorescence applications on cultured cells (confirmed effective in NIH/3T3 and HeLa cells), standard fixation with 4% paraformaldehyde followed by permeabilization with 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100 is recommended . When working with tissue sections for fluorescence applications, background autofluorescence should be minimized through treatments such as Sudan Black B or commercial autofluorescence quenching reagents. Proper blocking (5% normal serum or BSA) is crucial to minimize non-specific binding . For quantitative applications, consistent sample preparation protocols must be maintained across experimental and control groups to ensure comparable signal intensities.
The optimal dilution ratios for FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody vary by application and should be empirically determined for each experimental system. For immunohistochemistry (IHC), recommended dilutions range from 1:50 to 1:500 . For immunofluorescence (IF) and immunocytochemistry (ICC), similar dilution ranges (1:50-1:500) are suggested . When using these antibodies for flow cytometry applications, starting dilutions of 1:50 are recommended with optimization as needed. Regarding incubation conditions, standard protocols suggest primary antibody incubation at 4°C overnight or at room temperature for 1-2 hours for most applications . The specific reaction kinetics may vary depending on target abundance, sample type, and experimental conditions. It is strongly recommended to include appropriate positive controls (such as esophageal cancer tissue samples or HeLa cells, which are known to express WNT10A) and negative controls (antibody diluent only) to establish staining specificity .
Verifying antibody specificity is essential for reliable results. For WNT10A antibody, FITC conjugated, researchers should implement multiple validation approaches. First, perform positive control staining using tissues or cell lines known to express WNT10A, such as esophageal cancer tissues, NIH/3T3 cells, or HeLa cells . Second, conduct negative control experiments with tissues known to lack WNT10A expression or using isotype control antibodies matching the primary antibody's host species and isotype (mouse IgG2a kappa for monoclonal variants) . Third, perform knockdown/knockout validation by comparing staining between WNT10A-expressing cells and those with WNT10A expression reduced through siRNA, shRNA, or CRISPR-Cas9 technologies . Fourth, consider peptide competition assays where the antibody is pre-incubated with excess WNT10A peptide, which should abolish specific staining. Finally, compare staining patterns with published literature or validation data from antibody manufacturers to ensure consistency in subcellular localization (primarily cytoplasmic for WNT10A) . These multi-faceted approaches collectively strengthen confidence in antibody specificity.
When designing co-localization studies with FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody, several critical factors must be considered. First, spectral compatibility must be ensured when selecting additional fluorophores to avoid bleed-through between channels. FITC emits in the green spectrum (peak ~520nm), so choosing far-red or deep-red fluorophores for co-staining minimizes spectral overlap . Second, proper controls must be implemented, including single-stained samples for each fluorophore to establish detection parameters and unstained samples to determine autofluorescence levels. Third, the fixation protocol must be optimized to preserve both WNT10A and the co-target protein's epitopes simultaneously, as different proteins may require different fixation conditions . Fourth, the sequential staining order should be determined empirically, as it may affect antibody accessibility to targets. Fifth, when studying potential interactions between WNT10A and Frizzled receptors or β-catenin, super-resolution microscopy techniques may be necessary to distinguish true co-localization from coincidental proximity . Lastly, quantitative co-localization analysis should employ appropriate statistical methods like Pearson's or Mander's correlation coefficients rather than relying solely on visual assessment.
Optimizing FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody for flow cytometry, particularly for rare cell population analysis, requires methodical approach refinement. Begin with titration experiments testing antibody concentrations from 1:20 to 1:500 to determine the optimal signal-to-noise ratio . For intracellular WNT10A detection, effective permeabilization is crucial—compare detergents like saponin (0.1-0.5%) and Triton X-100 (0.1-0.3%) to balance epitope accessibility with cellular integrity maintenance. When analyzing rare populations (such as CD44High/CD24Low cancer stem cells in WNT10A-expressing tumors), implement a pre-enrichment strategy using density gradient centrifugation or magnetic separation to increase target cell frequency . Reduce non-specific binding through thorough blocking with appropriate sera and Fc receptor blocking reagents. Include fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls to accurately set gates and compensation controls to adjust for spectral overlap. For rare events, collect sufficient total events (typically >500,000) to ensure statistical significance. Consider dual-labeling with other stemness markers when studying WNT10A in cancer stem cell populations, as WNT10A overexpression has been linked to increased CD44High/CD24Low populations with enhanced self-renewal capabilities .
Overcoming autofluorescence when using FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody in naturally fluorescent tissues requires a multi-faceted approach. First, implement chemical quenching treatments: Sudan Black B (0.1-0.3% in 70% ethanol) effectively reduces lipofuscin-based autofluorescence; alternatively, copper sulfate (10mM CuSO₄ in 50mM ammonium acetate buffer) can reduce formaldehyde-induced fluorescence . Second, optimize the fixation protocol, as extended fixation in formaldehyde increases autofluorescence; shorter fixation times or alternative fixatives like acetone or methanol may be preferable for highly autofluorescent tissues . Third, consider photobleaching the sample by pre-exposure to the excitation light source for 10-15 minutes before antibody application. Fourth, implement spectral unmixing during image acquisition and analysis to computationally separate specific FITC signal from autofluorescence profiles. Fifth, consider alternative conjugates to FITC, such as Alexa Fluor 488, which offers higher photostability and brightness at similar wavelengths . Lastly, employ advanced imaging techniques like time-resolved fluorescence or fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to distinguish between the shorter lifetime of autofluorescence and the longer lifetime of specific FITC signals.
Integrating FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody into multiplexed immunofluorescence panels requires strategic panel design and optimization. Begin by selecting compatible fluorophores across distinct spectral regions (e.g., FITC/green, TRITC/red, Cy5/far-red) with minimal spectral overlap . For comprehensive WNT pathway analysis, include antibodies against key interacting partners: β-catenin to visualize canonical pathway activation, Frizzled receptors as WNT10A binding partners, and LRP5/6 co-receptors . When studying WNT10A in cancer contexts, incorporate markers reflecting cell stemness (CD44/CD24) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, as WNT10A promotes invasive phenotypes . Implement sequential staining protocols with thorough washing between steps to minimize cross-reactivity. For each new antibody added to the panel, perform single-stain controls to confirm retention of expected staining patterns. Consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for targets with low expression levels, which allows multiple antibodies from the same species to be used. For highly complex panels (>5 markers), sequential antibody detection and spectral unmixing techniques, or cyclic immunofluorescence with antibody stripping and re-probing, may be necessary . For quantitative pathway interaction studies, advanced image analysis algorithms capable of cellular segmentation and colocalization analysis should be employed.
Quantifying WNT10A expression using FITC-conjugated antibodies in heterogeneous tissues requires sophisticated approaches to account for spatial variability and cell-type differences. First, implement multi-region tissue sampling, as WNT10A expression can vary significantly within tissues, notably showing 4-fold higher expression in invasive tumor regions compared to non-invasive areas . Second, employ automated image analysis with machine learning algorithms for consistent cell segmentation and classification to distinguish between different cell populations (e.g., tumor vs. stroma, invasive front vs. tumor core). Third, use internal reference standards such as fluorescent calibration beads or reference cell lines with known WNT10A expression levels to normalize fluorescence intensity across samples and experiments . Fourth, implement tissue clearing techniques (CLARITY, CUBIC, or iDISCO) for thick tissue sections to enable volumetric quantification when 2D analysis is insufficient. Fifth, when comparing WNT10A expression between normal and pathological tissues, use contralateral or adjacent normal tissue as controls processed identically. Sixth, consider complementary quantitative methods like flow cytometry for dissociated tissues or quantitative PCR to correlate protein and mRNA levels . Finally, when studying WNT10A in esophageal cancers or other heterogeneous tumors, separate quantification of invasive fronts from tumor cores is essential, as regional variation may have significant biological and prognostic implications .
False-negative results with FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody can stem from multiple sources. Insufficient antigen retrieval is a primary cause, particularly in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues where cross-linking can mask epitopes. This can be addressed by optimizing antigen retrieval conditions, specifically using TE buffer at pH 9.0 for WNT10A detection . FITC signal photobleaching is another common issue, as FITC is relatively photolabile compared to other fluorophores. This can be mitigated by minimizing sample exposure to light, using anti-fade mounting media, and capturing images promptly after staining . Inadequate permeabilization can prevent antibody access to intracellular WNT10A; optimization by testing different permeabilization agents and durations is recommended, especially when working with different cell types . Antibody dilution that is too high may result in signal below detection threshold; a titration series from 1:50 to 1:500 should be performed for each new application or sample type . Finally, WNT10A expression levels vary developmentally, being high during embryogenesis and reduced postnatally, which could lead to expected false-negatives in certain tissues . This biological variability should be accounted for through proper positive controls from tissues known to express WNT10A, such as esophageal cancer tissues or specific developmental stage samples .
When FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody results conflict with other detection methods, systematic investigation is required to reconcile discrepancies. First, evaluate epitope specificity differences—the WNT10A antibody targets specific epitopes that may be differentially accessible depending on protein conformation, post-translational modifications, or protein-protein interactions . Compare the immunogen sequences between different antibodies to determine if they recognize distinct regions of WNT10A. Second, assess methodological sensitivities—FITC detection may have different sensitivity thresholds compared to enzymatic methods like HRP or chromogenic detection used in western blotting or IHC . Third, consider subcellular localization—WNT10A is primarily detected in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, but detection methods may differentially access nuclear, membrane-associated, or secreted fractions . Fourth, implement validation through orthogonal approaches: compare protein detection (immunofluorescence) with mRNA expression (qPCR using primers: Forward: 5′-ATCCACGAATGCCAACACCA-3′, Reverse: 5′-CTCTCTCGGAAACCTCTGCT-3′) . Fifth, evaluate biological context—WNT10A expression varies significantly between developmental stages, normal vs. pathological states, and even within tumors (showing 4-fold higher expression in invasive regions) . When conflicts persist, consider using multiple antibodies targeting different WNT10A epitopes and correlating results with functional assays of WNT pathway activation to establish biological relevance .
Maintaining signal integrity of FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody requires strict adherence to storage and handling protocols. For long-term storage, keep the antibody at -20°C in the dark, as FITC is particularly susceptible to photobleaching . The storage buffer containing PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3 helps maintain antibody stability . Aliquot the antibody into single-use volumes upon receipt to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can compromise both antibody binding capacity and fluorophore integrity . When handling, minimize exposure to light by working under reduced illumination and covering tubes with aluminum foil. Avoid prolonged exposure to pH extremes, as FITC fluorescence is pH-sensitive and optimal at slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7.5-8.5). For diluted working solutions, prepare fresh on the day of use rather than storing diluted antibody. If storage of diluted antibody is necessary, add a stabilizing protein (such as 0.1% BSA) and keep at 4°C for no more than 1-2 weeks . For stained slides, mount using anti-fade reagents containing anti-photobleaching agents and store at 4°C in the dark. Signal intensity should be documented promptly after staining, as even with optimal storage, FITC signal typically decreases by approximately 10-20% within the first month after staining .
FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody has been instrumental in elucidating WNT10A's critical role in cancer stem cell (CSC) biology, particularly in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Immunofluorescence studies utilizing this antibody have demonstrated that WNT10A is significantly upregulated in ESCC compared to normal adjacent tissue, with particularly strong expression in invasive tumor regions—showing approximately 4-fold higher fluorescence intensity in invasive fronts compared to non-invasive regions . These spatial expression patterns revealed through fluorescence microscopy have helped establish WNT10A as a key driver of tumor invasion. Furthermore, the antibody has enabled researchers to correlate WNT10A expression with stemness markers, demonstrating that WNT10A overexpression induces a greater CD44High/CD24Low population, which are putative markers of cancer stem cells . Flow cytometry applications with FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody have allowed simultaneous analysis of WNT10A expression and stem cell markers, establishing direct relationships between WNT10A levels and self-renewal capability. This has led to the understanding that WNT10A functions as an oncofetal factor—highly expressed during development and aberrantly reactivated during tumorigenesis to promote migration, invasion, and self-renewal of cancer cells . These insights, facilitated by fluorescent antibody technology, have significant implications for targeting WNT10A in cancer therapy, particularly for addressing therapy-resistant CSC populations.
FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody studies have provided crucial insights into developmental biology, particularly regarding temporal and spatial regulation of WNT signaling. Immunofluorescence investigations have revealed that WNT10A is highly expressed during early embryogenesis but dramatically reduced postnatally, suggesting stage-specific roles in development . The fluorescent visualization capability has been particularly valuable in tracking WNT10A expression during placode promotion in hair follicle development, where epithelial cells must thicken and elongate to allow downward growth . These studies have demonstrated parallels between developmental processes and pathological conditions, as similar mechanisms appear to be employed during tumor cell invasion. The precise cellular localization afforded by fluorescence microscopy has shown that WNT10A primarily localizes to the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, with expression patterns that vary significantly across developmental stages and tissue types . This has helped establish WNT10A's role as a secreted signaling molecule that acts as a ligand for frizzled proteins in the central nervous system, facilitating essential developmental signaling pathways . Additionally, FITC-conjugated antibody studies have contributed to understanding the etiology of odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia (OODD), a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by dry hair, nail abnormalities, and skin hyperkeratosis, which is linked to WNT10A mutations . These findings collectively highlight WNT10A's multifaceted roles in tissue morphogenesis, cellular differentiation, and organ development.
Designing longitudinal studies to track WNT10A expression during therapeutic interventions requires careful methodological planning. First, establish baseline WNT10A expression using FITC-conjugated antibodies in pre-treatment samples, ensuring standardized acquisition parameters (exposure time, gain settings) for quantitative comparisons . For in vitro drug response studies, implement live cell imaging with membrane-permeable fluorescent WNT pathway reporters to complement fixed-cell FITC antibody staining at discrete timepoints. For in vivo models, consider window chamber models that allow repeated intravital microscopy of the same tissue region over time, or schedule sequential biopsies from the same tumor region when possible . Develop consistent tissue processing protocols to minimize technical variability, including standardized fixation times, antigen retrieval methods (preferably TE buffer pH 9.0 for WNT10A), and counterstaining procedures . Include treatment-responsive and non-responsive control samples in each analytical batch to normalize for potential batch effects. For therapies targeting the WNT pathway specifically, monitor both WNT10A expression and downstream signaling components like β-catenin to assess pathway inhibition efficacy . In clinical studies, correlate changes in WNT10A expression with patient outcomes, particularly focusing on invasive regions of tumors where WNT10A expression is typically highest . Consider implementing multiplexed analysis including proliferation markers, apoptosis indicators, and stem cell markers (CD44/CD24) alongside WNT10A to comprehensively assess therapeutic response mechanisms . Finally, develop quantitative image analysis workflows that can be consistently applied across all timepoints to enable rigorous statistical comparison of WNT10A expression changes during treatment.
The performance characteristics of FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody differ significantly from other conjugates across various applications. Regarding fluorescence microscopy, FITC offers moderate sensitivity but is more susceptible to photobleaching than Alexa Fluor conjugates, which provide superior photostability and brightness with similar excitation/emission spectra . For flow cytometry applications, PE (phycoerythrin) conjugates typically offer 5-10 fold higher sensitivity than FITC due to PE's higher quantum yield, making PE preferable for detecting low-abundance WNT10A expression . For chromogenic applications like IHC, HRP conjugates provide advantages including permanent signal (unlike fluorophores), compatibility with conventional light microscopy, and resistance to photobleaching, although they lack the multiplexing capabilities of fluorophores . In terms of spatial resolution, all fluorophore conjugates (FITC, PE, Alexa Fluor) generally offer superior resolution compared to HRP-based detection systems. For quantitative applications, Alexa Fluor conjugates typically provide more consistent results due to their resistance to photobleaching and pH changes, while FITC fluorescence can be pH-sensitive . When detecting WNT10A in challenging samples with high autofluorescence, HRP conjugates with chromogenic detection avoid autofluorescence interference altogether, while among fluorophores, longer-wavelength conjugates (Alexa Fluor 594, 647) encounter less autofluorescence than FITC . The optimal conjugate selection ultimately depends on specific experimental needs, with FITC representing a cost-effective option for standard applications, while specialized needs may warrant alternative conjugates.
The selection between monoclonal and polyclonal WNT10A antibodies should be guided by specific experimental objectives and technical requirements. Monoclonal antibodies, such as the mouse monoclonal IgG2a kappa WNT10A antibody (A-4), offer superior specificity by recognizing a single epitope, providing high consistency between production lots and reducing batch-to-batch variation . This makes them ideal for longitudinal studies where consistent detection across multiple experiments is critical. Conversely, polyclonal antibodies like the rabbit polyclonal WNT10A antibody recognize multiple epitopes, potentially enhancing sensitivity, especially for proteins expressed at low levels or for applications like western blotting where proteins are denatured . For applications requiring detection of post-translationally modified WNT10A or specific WNT10A isoforms, monoclonal antibodies can be selected for epitope-specific recognition . In multiplexed studies, monoclonal antibodies from different host species facilitate clear discrimination between targets . When studying evolutionarily conserved regions of WNT10A across species, polyclonal antibodies may offer broader cross-reactivity . For detecting conformationally intact WNT10A in native conditions (as in immunoprecipitation or flow cytometry), epitope accessibility considerations favor polyclonal antibodies . Cost and availability also factor into selection—monoclonal production is typically more expensive but offers unlimited supply of identical antibodies. The specific application also guides choice: for quantitative comparisons of WNT10A expression across samples, monoclonal antibodies provide more consistent signal-to-noise ratios, while for discovery-oriented research, polyclonal antibodies might detect WNT10A despite minor sequence variations or modifications .
Simultaneously detecting and distinguishing between different WNT family members requires sophisticated methodological approaches to overcome the high sequence homology among WNT proteins. First, implement multiplexed immunofluorescence using antibodies targeting unique epitopes of different WNT proteins, carefully selecting primary antibodies from different host species (e.g., mouse anti-WNT10A and rabbit anti-WNT6) to enable discrimination with species-specific secondary antibodies . For closely related WNT proteins where antibody cross-reactivity is a concern, validate antibody specificity through overexpression and knockout controls for each WNT family member being studied. Consider spectral imaging and linear unmixing to resolve overlapping fluorescent signals when multiple WNTs must be visualized simultaneously. For mRNA-level discrimination, implement RNAscope or single-molecule FISH with sequence-specific probes that can distinguish between different WNT transcripts with single-cell resolution, which can complement protein-level detection . For protein-level quantification, consider proximity ligation assay (PLA) approaches to detect specific WNT-receptor interactions, providing functional discrimination between WNT family members. When studying WNT10A alongside other WNTs in cancer contexts, particularly colorectal cancer where WNT10A and WNT6 are coexpressed, spatial information becomes critical—use tissue microarrays with sequential sections stained for different WNT proteins to maintain spatial context . For comprehensive pathway analysis, combine protein detection with reporter assays that distinguish between canonical (β-catenin-dependent) and non-canonical WNT signaling to classify functional outcomes of different WNT family members in the same biological system .
Emerging super-resolution microscopy techniques promise to revolutionize WNT10A localization studies by overcoming the diffraction limit of conventional fluorescence microscopy. Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) can enhance FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody resolution to approximately 100nm, revealing previously indiscernible details of WNT10A distribution within cellular compartments and at cell membranes where signaling initiation occurs . Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy can further improve resolution to 30-50nm, potentially enabling visualization of individual WNT10A-containing vesicles and secretory pathways, crucial for understanding WNT10A trafficking in developmental processes and cancer progression . Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy techniques (PALM/STORM) could achieve even higher resolution (~10-20nm), allowing researchers to investigate WNT10A clustering and potential co-localization with frizzled receptors at previously impossible precision . These advanced techniques would be particularly valuable for investigating the reported 4-fold increased WNT10A expression in invasive tumor fronts, potentially revealing nanoscale distribution patterns that correlate with invasive behavior . Expansion Microscopy, which physically enlarges specimens while maintaining relative spatial relationships, offers another approach compatible with standard FITC detection systems. For dynamic studies, lattice light-sheet microscopy could enable long-term visualization of FITC-labeled WNT10A in living systems with minimal phototoxicity, potentially revealing temporal aspects of WNT10A secretion and signaling during developmental processes or cancer progression . Collectively, these super-resolution approaches could bridge the gap between conventional microscopy and electron microscopy, providing unprecedented insights into WNT10A's subcellular localization and molecular interactions.
The development of quantitative multiplexed assays incorporating FITC-conjugated WNT10A antibody with other biomarkers holds significant promise for precision medicine applications. Building on findings that WNT10A expression correlates with poor survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, multiplexed panels could integrate WNT10A detection with established prognostic markers to create refined risk stratification algorithms . For cancer therapeutics, multiplexed assays combining WNT10A with stemness markers (CD44/CD24) and drug resistance indicators could identify patients likely to benefit from WNT pathway inhibitors or combination therapies . Spatial biology platforms like Imaging Mass Cytometry or Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging could incorporate FITC-WNT10A detection alongside dozens of other markers, enabling comprehensive single-cell spatial profiling of tumor microenvironments with WNT10A activity . For developmental disorders linked to WNT10A mutations, such as odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia (OODD), multiplexed genetic and protein assays could correlate specific mutations with protein expression patterns to develop genotype-phenotype relationships . Digital pathology approaches integrating artificial intelligence could quantify WNT10A expression patterns across whole-slide images, automatically identifying invasive regions with high WNT10A expression for prognostic scoring . Single-cell multiomics approaches could correlate WNT10A protein levels with transcriptomic and proteomic signatures, establishing comprehensive cellular states associated with WNT10A activation . For therapeutic monitoring, longitudinal liquid biopsy assays could potentially detect circulating tumor cells with high WNT10A expression as biomarkers of invasive disease or treatment resistance. These integrated approaches would move beyond single-marker assessments to comprehensive pathway evaluation, potentially transforming WNT10A from a research focus to a clinically actionable biomarker in precision oncology.