The SPCC70.10 antibody is a research-grade antibody product available from manufacturers like CUSABIO-WUHAN HUAMEI BIOTECH Co., Ltd. While specific target information for this particular antibody must be confirmed through manufacturer documentation, antibodies in this class are typically designed to recognize specific protein targets with high specificity.
To determine the target specificity of any antibody including SPCC70.10:
Review the manufacturer's documentation for the specific epitope information
Perform Western blot analysis against known positive and negative controls
Consider knockout validation where the target protein is absent (CRISPR/Cas9)
Evaluate cross-reactivity through immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Thorough validation is essential as studies have shown that many commercially available antibodies may not perform as advertised, with one study finding only 48% of 3,313 antibodies recognizing their intended protein in Western blotting applications .
When considering applications for antibodies like SPCC70.10, researchers should:
Check the manufacturer's validation data for recommended applications
Review application-specific validation data for:
Western blot (WB)
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence (ICC/IF)
Flow cytometry
Immunoprecipitation (IP)
It's important to note that validation for one application does not guarantee performance in another. For example, antibodies that perform well in Western blot may not work in IHC due to differences in protein conformation and processing . Always validate the antibody for your specific application before use in critical experiments.
Validation should follow a multi-step approach:
Initial testing with positive controls: Use samples known to express the target protein
Negative control verification: Test in samples lacking target expression
Application-specific validation:
For Western blot: Check for single band at expected molecular weight
For IHC/ICC: Confirm proper subcellular localization
For IP: Verify pull-down of target protein through mass spectrometry
The International Working Group for Antibody Validation recommends multiple validation strategies including :
Genetic strategies (knockout/knockdown)
Orthogonal strategies (comparing with other measurement techniques)
Independent antibody strategies (using a second antibody against a different epitope)
Expression of tagged proteins
Immunocapture followed by mass spectrometry
Non-specific binding remains one of the most challenging aspects of antibody-based research. To distinguish true from non-specific signals:
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate antibody with excess synthetic peptide containing the epitope sequence; true signals should be blocked
Knockout/knockdown controls: Use genetic techniques to create samples lacking the target
Signal correlation analysis: True signals should correlate with known expression patterns of the target
Titration experiments: Specific signals typically show dose-dependent changes with antibody concentration, whereas non-specific signals may not
Multiple antibody validation: Use alternative antibodies recognizing different epitopes of the same protein
For phosphorylation-specific antibodies, additional controls are needed including:
Phosphatase treatment of samples (should eliminate signal)
Stimulation/inhibition experiments to modulate phosphorylation status
Mutation of the phosphorylation site in recombinant proteins
Batch-to-batch variability presents a significant challenge for longitudinal studies. To address this:
Strategic purchasing: Buy sufficient quantity of a single lot for the entire study
Lot validation: Thoroughly validate each new lot against previous lots using identical samples
Reference standards: Maintain reference samples to test each new lot
Internal controls: Include consistent positive and negative controls in every experiment
Normalization strategies: Develop robust normalization methods based on housekeeping proteins
Documentation: Maintain detailed records of lot numbers, validation data, and experimental conditions
Consider using recombinant antibodies when available, as these typically show less batch-to-batch variation compared to monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. A comprehensive study by Ayoubi et al. found that recombinant antibodies performed better across multiple tests compared to traditional antibody types .
When antibody results conflict with other methods:
Evaluate antibody validation: Reassess the antibody's specificity using knockout controls or peptide competition
Consider protein modifications: Post-translational modifications may affect antibody binding
Assess protein conformation: Native vs. denatured states can influence epitope accessibility
Check for splice variants: Different detection methods may recognize different isoforms
Examine subcellular localization: Proteins may be sequestered in different cellular compartments
Review experimental conditions: Buffer compositions, fixation methods, and antigen retrieval techniques can all affect results
Systematic analysis of discrepancies through methodological variation can provide insights into the nature of conflicts. Document all variables including:
| Variable | Western Blot | Immunofluorescence | Mass Spectrometry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample preparation | Denaturing buffers | Fixation method | Digestion protocol |
| Protein state | Denatured | Native or fixed | Peptide fragments |
| Detection sensitivity | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Spatial information | None | High | None |
| Quantification | Semi-quantitative | Semi-quantitative | Quantitative |
Epitope accessibility varies significantly across techniques:
Protein conformation factors:
Secondary/tertiary structure may mask epitopes in native conditions
Denaturation may expose or destroy epitopes depending on their nature
Oligomerization or protein-protein interactions can block binding sites
Sample preparation effects:
Fixation methods (formaldehyde, methanol, acetone) differentially affect epitope structure
Cross-linking can permanently mask epitopes
Antigen retrieval techniques may be required to recover epitopes after fixation
Buffer conditions impact:
pH affects protein charge and conformation
Detergent types and concentrations influence protein solubility and structure
Salt concentration affects electrostatic interactions
Post-translational modifications:
Phosphorylation, glycosylation, or ubiquitination may mask epitopes
Modifications near the epitope may prevent antibody binding
Research from antibody validation studies shows that epitope accessibility is a primary reason why antibodies may work in Western blot but fail in immunohistochemistry or vice versa .
Multicolor immunofluorescence requires rigorous controls:
Single-color controls: Stain separate samples with each primary-secondary combination to assess spectral overlap
Isotype controls: Use matched isotype antibodies to evaluate non-specific binding
Blocking peptide controls: Competition with the immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
Secondary-only controls: Omit primary antibody to assess secondary antibody background
Knockout/negative controls: Include samples lacking the target protein
Positive controls: Include samples with known expression of target proteins
For advanced multiplexing, consider these additional controls:
| Control Type | Purpose | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential staining controls | Assess antibody stripping efficiency | Compare sequential vs. parallel staining |
| Order-of-application controls | Check for steric hindrance | Vary antibody application sequence |
| Cross-reactivity matrix | Test all antibodies against all secondaries | Create a grid testing each combination |
| Fluorophore stability controls | Monitor photobleaching | Measure signal decay over time |
Quantitative analysis requires careful methodological considerations:
Standard curve establishment:
Use purified recombinant proteins of known concentrations
Create a dilution series to establish linear range
Determine lower and upper limits of detection
Signal normalization strategies:
Normalize to housekeeping proteins (for Western blot)
Use ratio to DNA content (for flow cytometry)
Implement cell area normalization (for imaging)
Technical replication:
Perform technical triplicates at minimum
Assess coefficient of variation between replicates (<15% is typically acceptable)
Controls for quantification:
Include calibrator samples in each experiment
Run inter-assay controls to normalize between experiments
Image analysis parameters:
Standardize exposure settings
Define consistent thresholding methods
Document all image processing steps
Studies have demonstrated that application-specific validation is essential for quantitative analyses, as antibody performance characteristics like dynamic range and linearity vary between applications .
Optimization requires systematic testing of conditions:
Fixation method screening:
Test paraformaldehyde (1-4%) for structure preservation
Try methanol for cytoskeletal proteins
Evaluate glutaraldehyde for membrane proteins
Consider combined protocols for challenging targets
Fixation duration optimization:
Short fixation (5-10 min) for surface proteins
Standard fixation (15-20 min) for most applications
Extended fixation (30+ min) for some nuclear proteins
Permeabilization agent comparison:
Triton X-100 (0.1-0.5%) for nuclear proteins
Saponin (0.1-0.3%) for reversible membrane permeabilization
Digitonin (10-50 μg/ml) for selective plasma membrane permeabilization
Antigen retrieval evaluation:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (citrate or EDTA buffers)
Enzymatic retrieval (proteinase K, trypsin)
pH variation (pH 6.0, 8.0, or 9.0)
The optimal protocol will depend on the specific target's subcellular localization and the epitope recognized by SPCC70.10. Create a matrix of conditions and evaluate signal-to-noise ratio for each:
| Fixation | Permeabilization | Blocking | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4% PFA, 15 min | 0.1% Triton X-100, 10 min | 5% BSA | Signal intensity, background, specificity |
| Methanol, -20°C, 10 min | None needed | 5% BSA | Signal intensity, background, specificity |
| 2% PFA, 10 min | 0.2% Saponin, 15 min | 5% BSA | Signal intensity, background, specificity |
Sample preparation significantly impacts antibody performance:
Lysis buffer composition effects:
RIPA buffer: Good for membrane and nuclear proteins
NP-40/Triton buffers: Gentler for cytoplasmic and membrane proteins
SDS-based buffers: Harsh but effective for difficult proteins
Urea-based buffers: For highly insoluble proteins
Protein denaturation considerations:
Boiling duration (1-10 minutes)
Temperature variations (37°C, 65°C, 95°C)
Reducing agent concentration (DTT or β-mercaptoethanol)
Sample handling impact:
Freeze-thaw cycles (minimize to <3)
Storage temperature (-20°C vs. -80°C)
Protease/phosphatase inhibitor inclusion
Loading control selection:
Choose loading controls appropriate for your experimental conditions
Consider that treatments may affect "housekeeping" proteins
Research on antibody validation has shown that sample preparation methods can dramatically influence detection sensitivity and specificity. For instance, heat shock proteins like HSP70 may show different patterns depending on sample preparation methods due to their chaperone functions and stress-responsive nature .
Understanding false-positive mechanisms helps in troubleshooting:
Cross-reactivity sources:
Shared epitopes between related proteins
Common structural motifs recognized by antibody
Post-translational modifications present on multiple proteins
Non-specific binding mechanisms:
Fc receptor interactions on cells
Hydrophobic interactions with denatured proteins
Charge-based interactions with highly charged proteins
Technical artifacts:
Secondary antibody cross-reactivity
Endogenous peroxidase or phosphatase activity
Autofluorescence in specific wavelengths
Tissue-specific considerations:
Endogenous biotin in certain tissues
High background in adipose or liver tissue
Necrotic tissue binding antibodies non-specifically
Studies have found that even highly specific monoclonal antibodies can produce false positive signals due to these mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of proper controls and validation strategies .
Transitioning between antibody types requires protocol adjustments:
Concentration optimization:
Polyclonals typically used at 1:200-1:1000 dilutions
Monoclonals often effective at 1:1000-1:5000 dilutions
Titration experiments essential for each new antibody
Incubation conditions:
Polyclonals may work with shorter incubation times
Monoclonals sometimes benefit from longer/overnight incubations
Temperature optimization (4°C, room temperature, 37°C)
Blocking strategy differences:
Polyclonals may require stronger blocking (5-10% serum)
Monoclonals sometimes work with reduced blocking (1-3% BSA)
Species matching considerations for blocking serum
Signal detection adjustments:
Polyclonals generally produce stronger signals requiring shorter exposure
Monoclonals may need signal enhancement techniques
Secondary antibody concentration adjustments
Research has shown that monoclonal antibodies typically offer higher reproducibility but potentially lower sensitivity compared to polyclonals, which may detect multiple epitopes but have higher batch variation .
Integrating antibodies with complementary techniques enhances protein interaction studies:
Co-immunoprecipitation enhancements:
Sequential immunoprecipitation to identify multiprotein complexes
Crosslinking prior to immunoprecipitation for transient interactions
Comparison of different lysis conditions to preserve different interaction types
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) implementation:
Combine SPCC70.10 with antibodies against potential interaction partners
Optimize probe concentration and incubation times
Include appropriate controls (single antibody, non-interacting protein pairs)
FRET/BRET analysis integration:
Use antibodies to validate interactions observed with fluorescent/bioluminescent tags
Compare endogenous interactions (antibody-detected) with tagged protein results
Mass spectrometry validation:
Use antibody immunoprecipitation followed by MS to identify novel interactions
Validate MS-identified interactions with reciprocal immunoprecipitation
| Technique | Advantages | Limitations | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-IP | Detects endogenous interactions | May disrupt weak interactions | IgG control, reverse IP |
| PLA | Single-molecule sensitivity, spatial information | Requires two specific antibodies | Single antibody, known non-interactors |
| FRET/BRET | Real-time, in living cells | Requires protein tagging | Donor/acceptor only, non-interacting pair |
| Crosslinking-MS | Captures transient interactions | Complex data analysis | Non-crosslinked samples |
Cross-species and cross-tissue applications require careful validation:
Epitope conservation analysis:
Perform sequence alignment of the epitope region across species
Predict potential differences in post-translational modifications
Consider evolutionary conservation of protein structure
Tissue-specific validation steps:
Test antibody in multiple tissues independently
Adjust protocols for tissue-specific factors (fixation time, antigen retrieval)
Account for different expression levels across tissues
Species-specific optimization:
Adjust antibody concentration for each species
Modify blocking conditions to reduce background
Consider species-matched secondary antibodies
Potential confounding factors:
Endogenous biotin in certain tissues (liver, kidney)
Autofluorescence in specific tissues (brain, liver)
High background in adipose tissue
Research has shown that antibody performance can vary dramatically across species even with highly conserved proteins. For heat shock proteins like HSP70, epitope accessibility may differ between species due to interaction partners and conformational states .
Implementing antibodies in high-throughput systems requires:
Assay miniaturization strategies:
Optimize antibody concentration for microwell formats
Determine minimum sample volume requirements
Establish signal detection limits in reduced volumes
Automation compatibility assessment:
Test antibody stability in automated handling conditions
Optimize incubation times for robotic workflows
Validate performance with automated washing systems
Batch consistency requirements:
Implement quality control metrics for each antibody batch
Create standard operating procedures for lot testing
Maintain reference samples for inter-batch calibration
Multiplexing capabilities:
Evaluate antibody performance in multiplexed detection systems
Test for cross-reactivity with other antibodies in the panel
Optimize signal separation for multiple readouts
Data analysis automation:
Develop standardized analysis pipelines
Implement quality control metrics in the analysis workflow
Validate automated vs. manual analysis concordance