The SPBC651.04 Antibody (Product Code: CSB-PA530947XA01SXV) is a rabbit-derived polyclonal antibody designed to detect the SPBC651.04 protein in fission yeast . It is classified as an IgG isotype, characterized by two gamma (γ) heavy chains and two light chains (kappa or lambda), enabling antigen binding through its Fab regions .
Western Blot (WB): Identifies SPBC651.04 protein in fission yeast lysates .
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Quantifies antigen presence in research samples .
Not for Diagnostics/Therapeutics: Restricted to research use only .
Specificity: Requires validation for non-standard experimental conditions .
Purification Method: Antigen affinity purification ensures high specificity .
Database References: While structural databases like SAbDab catalog antibody-antigen interactions , SPBC651.04-specific structural data are not publicly available as of March 2025.
Experimental Design: Include positive/negative controls to confirm antibody specificity.
Concentration Optimization: Titrate for optimal signal-to-noise ratio in WB/ELISA.
SPBC651.04 refers to a specific gene/protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast), an important model organism in molecular biology research. Antibodies against this target are essential tools for studying protein localization, expression levels, protein-protein interactions, and functional roles in cellular processes.
When designing experiments with SPBC651.04 antibodies, researchers should consider:
The specific epitope(s) recognized by the antibody
Validation data demonstrating specificity
Experimental applications the antibody has been validated for
Cross-reactivity with related proteins
Similar to other research antibodies, proper validation is critical before use in experiments to ensure reliable and reproducible results .
SPBC651.04 antibodies, like other research antibodies, can be applied in multiple experimental techniques:
Western blotting: For detecting and quantifying SPBC651.04 protein levels in cell or tissue lysates
Immunoprecipitation (IP): For isolating SPBC651.04 and associated protein complexes
Immunocytochemistry (ICC)/Immunofluorescence (IF): For visualizing subcellular localization
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP): If SPBC651.04 has DNA-binding properties
Flow cytometry: For quantitative analysis of protein expression in cell populations
It's essential to verify that the specific antibody has been validated for your intended application, as not all antibodies perform equally across different techniques. For example, some antibodies may recognize native protein conformations but not denatured forms, making them suitable for IP but not western blotting .
Proper validation is crucial for ensuring experimental reliability. Follow these methodological steps:
Specificity testing:
Test on both positive and negative controls
Use knockout/knockdown models if available
Test for cross-reactivity with related proteins
Application-specific validation:
For western blots: Verify appropriate molecular weight band and specificity
For ICC/IF: Confirm expected localization pattern
For IP: Verify enrichment of the target protein
Reproducibility assessment:
Test multiple batches/lots when possible
Compare with alternative antibodies against the same target
This rigorous validation approach follows the recommendations outlined in antibody validation studies that have found many commercial antibodies lack specificity for their intended targets .
Several factors can influence antibody performance:
| Factor | Impact | Optimization Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody concentration | Too low: weak signal Too high: background | Perform titration experiments |
| Incubation time/temperature | Affects binding kinetics | Optimize for each application |
| Buffer composition | Affects antibody stability and binding | Test different formulations |
| Sample preparation | Affects epitope accessibility | Optimize fixation/extraction methods |
| Blocking reagents | Reduces non-specific binding | Test different blocking agents |
Research has shown that antibody performance can vary significantly between applications, and even supposedly specific antibodies may show cross-reactivity under certain conditions. Therefore, experimental conditions must be optimized for each specific application .
Batch-to-batch variability is a common challenge in antibody research. To address this issue:
Standardize validation protocols:
Develop consistent validation assays specific to your experimental system
Document performance metrics for each batch
Maintain reference samples for comparative analyses
Implement parallel testing:
Test new batches alongside previously validated batches
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of SPBC651.04
Consider monoclonal alternatives if using polyclonal antibodies
Create detailed batch characterization profiles:
Determine optimal working concentrations for each application
Assess sensitivity thresholds
Document any specific performance limitations
Research has shown that batch variations can lead to significantly different results, and may explain contradictory findings in the literature. For example, studies on p65 antibodies demonstrated that certain batches showed non-specific binding in immunocytochemistry while producing clean results in western blots .
Detecting post-translational modifications (PTMs) requires specialized approaches:
Selection of PTM-specific antibodies:
Use antibodies specifically raised against the modified form
Validate specificity using synthesized peptides with and without modifications
Consider using general PTM antibodies (e.g., anti-phosphotyrosine) in combination with SPBC651.04 IPs
Sample preparation considerations:
Include appropriate phosphatase/protease inhibitors during extraction
Optimize lysis conditions to preserve modifications
Consider enrichment strategies for low-abundance modified forms
Controls for validation:
Include samples with induced or blocked modifications
Use mass spectrometry to confirm antibody-detected modifications
Employ site-directed mutagenesis to verify specificity
Similar to other research antibodies, PTM-specific antibodies require rigorous validation to ensure they specifically recognize the modified form of the protein and not unmodified proteins or related modifications .
When working with low-abundance proteins, consider these methodological approaches:
Signal amplification methods:
Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for immunofluorescence
Polymer-based detection systems for western blots
Biotin-streptavidin amplification systems
Sample preparation enhancements:
Subcellular fractionation to concentrate the target protein
Immunoprecipitation before western blotting
Optimized extraction methods for the specific protein
Advanced detection technologies:
When using signal amplification methods, careful titration is necessary to maintain specificity while increasing sensitivity. Flow cytometry using fluorophore-conjugated antibodies can detect low-abundance proteins in cell populations, as demonstrated with the O4 antibody in oligodendrocyte research .
Studying protein interactions requires careful experimental design:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) optimization:
Test both native and crosslinked conditions
Optimize lysis buffers to preserve interactions
Consider proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) as a complementary approach
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) implementation:
Requires two antibodies raised in different species
Optimize antibody concentrations and incubation conditions
Include appropriate controls (known interactors, non-interactors)
FRET/BRET approaches with antibody validation:
Use antibodies to validate interactions detected by resonance energy transfer
Optimize fixation and permeabilization for in situ PLA
Consider live-cell compatibility of detection methods
Research has shown that antibody-based interaction studies can produce false positives due to non-specific binding. Therefore, confirmation with orthogonal methods like mass spectrometry is recommended for novel interactions .
When faced with contradictory results:
Systematic antibody characterization:
Map the epitopes recognized by each antibody
Test for potential interference with protein interactions or modifications
Assess sensitivity to fixation methods or protein conformation
Orthogonal validation approaches:
Compare with genetic approaches (knockdown/knockout/overexpression)
Utilize mass spectrometry to confirm protein identity
Employ CRISPR-tagged endogenous protein as a reference standard
Controlled comparisons:
Test all antibodies simultaneously on identical samples
Standardize all experimental conditions
Document any procedural differences that could affect results
Research has demonstrated that contradictory results often stem from antibody specificity issues. For example, a study on p65 antibodies found that certain antibodies produced false positive signals in cells lacking the target protein. The authors recommended rigorous testing of each new antibody batch to prevent misinterpretation of results .
High background in immunofluorescence can be systematically troubleshooted:
Optimization of blocking conditions:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, normal serum, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking time and concentration
Consider adding detergents like Tween-20 or Triton X-100 to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Antibody dilution optimization:
Perform serial dilutions to determine optimal concentration
Consider longer incubations with more dilute antibody solutions
Test incubation at different temperatures (4°C, room temperature)
Sample preparation refinements:
Optimize fixation method and duration
Test different permeabilization conditions
Implement additional washing steps with varying buffer compositions
Similar to approaches used with oligodendrocyte marker antibodies, researchers should determine optimal dilutions for each application through systematic testing .
Epitope masking can prevent antibody binding to its target. Address this methodically:
Antigen retrieval techniques:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (citrate or EDTA buffers)
Enzymatic digestion methods (proteinase K, trypsin)
Detergent-based unmasking approaches
Fixation optimization:
Compare different fixatives (paraformaldehyde, methanol, acetone)
Test varying fixation durations and temperatures
Consider dual fixation protocols for complex samples
Denaturation approaches:
SDS treatment for certain applications
Urea-based protocols for strongly masked epitopes
pH manipulation to alter protein conformation
When working with antibodies recognizing conformational epitopes, gentle fixation methods are often preferable to preserve native protein structure. Conversely, antibodies against linear epitopes may perform better after denaturing treatments .
Multiplex experiments require rigorous controls:
Single staining controls:
Perform individual staining with each antibody separately
Document spectral profiles to identify potential bleed-through
Use these as reference for multiplex interpretation
Absorption controls:
Pre-absorb antibodies with recombinant antigens when available
Compare staining patterns before and after absorption
Identify non-specific binding components
Secondary antibody controls:
Test each secondary antibody with non-matching primaries
Include secondary-only controls
Test for species cross-reactivity
Biological controls:
Include samples with known expression patterns
Use genetic knockdown/knockout samples when available
Compare with alternative detection methods
Similar to flow cytometry approaches used with conjugated antibodies, proper gating and controls are essential to distinguish specific from non-specific signals .
Quantitative analysis of antibody staining requires systematic approaches:
Image acquisition standardization:
Use consistent exposure settings across all samples
Implement flat-field correction
Acquire technical replicates from multiple regions
Signal quantification methods:
Intensity-based measurements (integrated density, mean intensity)
Morphology-based parameters (area, perimeter)
Colocalization metrics when performing multiplex staining
Statistical analysis considerations:
Determine appropriate sample sizes through power analysis
Apply normality tests before selecting parametric/non-parametric tests
Implement multiple testing corrections for large datasets
Reporting standards:
Document all image processing steps
Report variance measures alongside means
Include representative images alongside quantitative data
Similar to approaches used in flow cytometry analysis with fluorophore-conjugated antibodies, proper normalization to controls is essential for meaningful comparisons .
Rigorous validation in complex samples involves:
Orthogonal identification techniques:
Mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated material
Correlation with genetic manipulation (siRNA, CRISPR, overexpression)
Size verification through western blotting
Competition assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with purified antigen
Compare staining patterns with and without competition
Titrate competing antigen to demonstrate specificity
Multiple antibody verification:
Use antibodies targeting different epitopes of SPBC651.04
Compare staining/detection patterns
Investigate discrepancies methodically
Research has shown that even commercially validated antibodies may recognize unintended targets in complex samples. For example, studies of p65 antibodies revealed cross-reactivity in cells where the target protein was absent, emphasizing the importance of thorough validation .
Adapting antibodies for super-resolution microscopy requires:
Fluorophore selection considerations:
Choose bright, photostable fluorophores
Consider photoactivatable or photoswitchable dyes for PALM/STORM
Select fluorophores with appropriate spectral properties for STED
Sample preparation optimization:
Minimize fixation-induced autofluorescence
Optimize labeling density for techniques like STORM
Consider expansion microscopy protocols for physical sample enlargement
Validation approaches:
Compare with conventional microscopy
Perform correlative electron microscopy when possible
Implement quantitative controls for localization precision
Similar to approaches used with fluorophore-conjugated antibodies like Alexa Fluor® 488, optimization of signal-to-noise ratio is critical for super-resolution applications .
Developing effective multiplexed assays requires:
Antibody compatibility assessment:
Test for interference between antibodies
Verify epitope accessibility in multiplexed conditions
Optimize staining order and protocol for each antibody
Spectral separation strategies:
Select fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap
Implement linear unmixing algorithms when necessary
Consider sequential detection for challenging combinations
Quantification considerations:
Normalize signals to appropriate controls
Account for channel-specific background
Implement colocalization analysis with appropriate statistics
For accurate multiplexing, researchers should carefully validate each antibody individually before combining them, similar to the approach used in flow cytometry with multiple markers .