KEGG: spo:SPBC27B12.05
STRING: 4896.SPBC27B12.05.1
Pi073 is an uncharacterized WD-repeat-containing protein (SPBC27B12.05) found in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. WD-repeat proteins typically serve as platforms for protein-protein interactions and are involved in various cellular processes including signal transduction, gene regulation, and vesicular trafficking. Antibodies against pi073 are valuable tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in yeast cell biology research.
Based on available information, pi073 antibodies have been validated for:
| Application | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|
| Western Blotting (WB) | Detection of native and recombinant pi073 protein |
| ELISA | Quantitative detection of pi073 protein |
| Immunofluorescence (potential) | Localization studies (requires optimization) |
Researchers should validate the antibody in their specific experimental system before proceeding with larger studies .
The optimal antibody dilution depends on your specific application:
For Western blotting: Start with a 1:100 to 1:500 dilution range
For ELISA applications: A starting dilution of 1:1000 is recommended
For immunohistochemistry: Begin with 1:50 to 1:200 dilution
Always perform a dilution series experiment to determine the optimal concentration for your specific sample type and detection method. The goal is to find the dilution that provides the highest signal-to-noise ratio .
To validate antibody specificity, implement multiple validation methods as recommended by the International Working Group on Antibody Validation (IWGAV) :
Genetic strategies: Use S. pombe strains with pi073 gene knockout/knockdown to confirm absence of signal
Orthogonal strategies: Compare antibody results with other detection methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Independent antibody strategy: Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of pi073
Tagged protein expression: Compare signals between tagged and untagged pi073 protein
Immunocapture-MS: Perform immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to confirm target capture
A combination of these approaches provides robust validation of antibody specificity .
Include these essential controls in your pi073 antibody experiments:
| Control Type | Purpose | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative control | Detect non-specific binding | Include samples lacking pi073 (knockout strains) |
| Isotype control | Identify background from antibody class | Use matched isotype IgG with no specific target |
| Loading control | Normalize protein quantity | Include antibody against housekeeping protein |
| Positive control | Verify detection system | Include sample with known pi073 expression |
| No primary control | Assess secondary antibody specificity | Omit pi073 antibody, include only secondary |
Proper controls ensure reliable and interpretable results .
For co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) with pi073 antibody:
Optimize lysis conditions to preserve protein-protein interactions (consider mild detergents like 0.5-1% NP-40 or Triton X-100)
Pre-clear lysate with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Incubate cleared lysate with pi073 antibody (typically 2-5 μg per 1 mg of total protein)
Capture antibody-antigen complexes with protein A/G beads
Wash extensively with lysis buffer to remove non-specific interactions
Elute bound proteins and analyze by mass spectrometry or Western blotting
This approach can identify novel pi073 interaction partners and provide insights into its cellular functions .
When adapting pi073 antibody for ChIP applications:
Fixation optimization: Test different formaldehyde concentrations (0.75-1.5%) and incubation times (5-15 minutes)
Sonication parameters: Optimize sonication conditions to yield DNA fragments of 200-500 bp
Antibody specificity: Validate antibody specificity in ChIP context using knockout controls
Antibody amount: Determine optimal antibody amount (typically 2-10 μg per ChIP reaction)
Controls: Include IgG control and input controls for normalization
Sequential ChIP: Consider sequential ChIP (re-ChIP) to study co-occupancy with other proteins
If pi073 has nuclear functions, ChIP can help identify its DNA binding sites or chromatin associations .
To adapt pi073 antibody for high-throughput screening:
Miniaturization: Optimize antibody concentration for reduced sample volumes in microplate formats
Automation compatibility: Ensure antibody performance is consistent in automated liquid handling systems
Signal stability: Evaluate signal stability over time for batch processing
Multiplexing potential: Test compatibility with other antibodies for multiplex detection systems
Reproducibility assessment: Conduct rigorous reproducibility tests across plates and days
Data normalization: Develop robust normalization methods to account for plate-to-plate variation
These adaptations can facilitate screening of genetic or chemical libraries for modulators of pi073 expression or function .
To reduce non-specific binding:
Blocking optimization: Test different blocking agents (5% milk, 5% BSA, commercial blockers) and extend blocking time (1-3 hours)
Antibody dilution: Increase antibody dilution to reduce non-specific binding
Washing stringency: Increase wash buffer stringency by adding higher concentrations of detergent (0.1-0.3% Tween-20)
Buffer additives: Add 0.05-0.1% SDS to antibody dilution buffer to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Incubation temperature: Try 4°C overnight incubation instead of room temperature
Pre-absorption: Pre-absorb antibody with lysate from pi073 knockout strains to remove cross-reactive antibodies
Document all optimization steps systematically to establish the most effective protocol .
For weak or absent signals:
| Problem | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Insufficient antigen | Increase protein loading amount |
| Inefficient transfer | Check transfer efficiency with Ponceau S staining |
| Epitope masking | Try different sample preparation methods (native vs. denaturing) |
| Antibody degradation | Use fresh aliquot and verify storage conditions |
| Detection sensitivity | Switch to more sensitive detection system (e.g., ECL Plus) |
| Insufficient incubation | Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C) |
| Incorrect secondary antibody | Verify species compatibility between primary and secondary |
Systematic optimization of each parameter will help identify the limiting factor .
For immunofluorescence with pi073 antibody:
Fixation method: Compare paraformaldehyde (4%) vs. methanol fixation to determine optimal epitope preservation
Permeabilization: Test different permeabilization agents (0.1-0.5% Triton X-100, 0.1-0.5% saponin)
Blocking: Use 3-5% BSA or serum from secondary antibody species
Antibody concentration: Start with 1:100-1:500 dilution
Incubation conditions: Compare room temperature (1-2 hours) vs. 4°C (overnight)
Detection system: Choose fluorophore with appropriate spectral properties for your microscopy setup
Counterstaining: Include nuclear stain (DAPI) and relevant organelle markers
Include appropriate controls and use deconvolution or confocal microscopy for optimal resolution .
For quantitative analysis:
Sample preparation standardization: Ensure consistent sample preparation across all conditions
Standard curve: Include a dilution series of recombinant pi073 protein for absolute quantification
Loading controls: Normalize to multiple housekeeping proteins to account for loading variation
Linear detection range: Determine the linear range of your detection system
Image acquisition: Use consistent exposure settings for all samples
Analysis software: Employ quantitative analysis software (ImageJ, etc.) with standardized measurement parameters
Statistical analysis: Apply appropriate statistical tests based on your experimental design
This approach allows reliable quantitative comparison of pi073 expression across different conditions .
For adaptation to flow cytometry:
Cell preparation: Optimize fixation and permeabilization for intracellular staining
Antibody titration: Perform detailed titration to identify optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Controls: Include fluorescence minus one (FMO), isotype, and unstained controls
Compensation: Set up proper compensation when using multiple fluorophores
Gating strategy: Develop consistent gating strategy based on controls
Resolution: Evaluate resolution sensitivity for detecting subtle expression differences
Sample viability: Include viability dye to exclude dead cells that may bind antibody non-specifically
This approach enables quantitative assessment of pi073 expression at the single-cell level .
Consider these factors when interpreting signal differences:
Expression level changes: Verify whether changes reflect actual expression differences by normalizing to loading controls
Post-translational modifications: Consider whether modifications might affect antibody binding
Protein localization: Determine if changes reflect redistribution rather than expression changes
Protein degradation: Assess whether protein fragmentation patterns suggest degradation
Technical variability: Evaluate run-to-run variability through replicate analysis
Biological variability: Ensure sufficient biological replicates to distinguish biological from technical variation
Statistical significance: Apply appropriate statistical tests to quantified data
Thorough controls and replicates are essential for reliable interpretation .
Validate antibody results using:
| Orthogonal Method | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Mass spectrometry | Identify and quantify pi073 protein directly |
| RT-qPCR | Measure pi073 mRNA expression as correlation |
| Genetic modification | Use CRISPR/Cas9 to tag endogenous pi073 for direct detection |
| Recombinant expression | Express tagged pi073 for independent detection |
| Functional assays | Correlate antibody signal with functional readouts |
| Proximity ligation | Verify protein interactions detected by co-IP |
Combining multiple orthogonal approaches strengthens result validity and addresses antibody specificity concerns .
Computational approaches for antibody optimization:
Epitope mapping: Use protein structure prediction tools to identify accessible epitopes on pi073
Cross-reactivity prediction: Analyze epitope conservation across related proteins to predict potential cross-reactivity
Binding affinity simulation: Model antibody-antigen interactions to predict binding affinity
Directed mutagenesis: Design strategic mutations to enhance antibody specificity
Machine learning applications: Apply ML algorithms to predict optimal antibody characteristics based on training datasets
Conformational analysis: Predict epitope accessibility in native vs. denatured conditions
These computational approaches can guide experimental optimization of pi073 antibodies .
Emerging technologies to consider:
Single-cell antibody assays: Adapt pi073 antibody for single-cell proteomics
Super-resolution microscopy: Optimize protocols for nanoscale localization imaging
Intrabodies: Develop cell-permeable or genetically encoded intrabodies against pi073
Bifunctional antibodies: Create antibody formats that can simultaneously detect pi073 and interaction partners
Proximity labeling: Couple pi073 antibody recognition with enzymatic proximity labeling
Microfluidic applications: Adapt for high-throughput microfluidic immunoassays
In vivo imaging: Develop protocols for real-time imaging using fluorescently tagged antibody fragments
These technologies can dramatically expand the research applications of pi073 antibodies .
Strategic experimental design approach:
Expression profiling: Use the antibody to determine expression patterns across conditions
Localization studies: Combine with organelle markers to determine subcellular localization
Interaction mapping: Employ immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Functional knockdown: Correlate antibody-detected expression with knockdown phenotypes
Post-translational modification: Develop protocols to detect modified forms of pi073
Structure-function analysis: Compare antibody binding to different pi073 domains
Evolutionary conservation: Test cross-reactivity with homologs from related species
This comprehensive approach can reveal multiple aspects of pi073 biology .
For live-cell applications:
Antibody fragments: Develop Fab or scFv fragments with cell-permeable properties
Genetic tagging: Tag endogenous pi073 with fluorescent proteins as an alternative approach
Nanobodies: Use camelid-derived single-domain antibodies for live-cell imaging
Intrabodies: Express genetically encoded antibodies that function within cells
SNAP/HALO tagging: Use split tag systems where antibody brings together reporter components
Fluorogen-activating proteins: Couple antibody binding to fluorogen activation
Optogenetic applications: Combine antibody recognition with light-controlled functions
These approaches enable dynamic studies of pi073 in its native cellular environment .