SP140 (Speckled Protein 140 kDa) regulates chromatin remodeling and interferon responses, with implications in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections .
This polyclonal antibody targets the SP140 protein, validated for research applications.
Specificity: Recognizes the SP140 C-terminal region (AA 443–655), avoiding cross-reactivity with SP100 or SP110 .
Sensitivity: Detects endogenous SP140 in gliomas and immune cells .
Utility in Disease Models:
Glioma Prognosis: SP140 overexpression correlates with poor survival (HR = 1.45, p < 0.001). Inhibition via GSK761 suppresses TRIM22/PI3K/AKT signaling, reducing tumor proliferation and invasion .
CAR-T Development: Used to verify linker integrity in CAR-T constructs (e.g., (G4S)₄ linkers) .
Bacterial Resistance: SP140 deficiency exacerbates type I interferon responses during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, increasing susceptibility .
KEGG: spo:SPAC140.04
SPAC140.04 Antibody targets a specific protein that may be structurally or functionally related to the SP140 protein family. SP140 is a nuclear body protein expressed primarily in leukocytes and plays roles in immune response regulation. The protein is involved in transcriptional regulation through chromatin interactions and has been implicated in immune system development. When using this antibody, it's essential to first validate its specificity against your particular target using multiple methodological approaches including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence to confirm binding to the correct target .
Based on related antibody research, SPAC140.04 Antibody would likely be applicable for several standard immunological techniques including:
Western blotting (WB)
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence (ICC-IF)
Flow cytometry
Immunoprecipitation (IP)
Each application requires specific optimization of antibody concentration, incubation conditions, and detection methods. For flow cytometry applications, typically begin with a 1:20 dilution in PBS containing 0.1% FBS as a starting point, similar to protocols used for other research antibodies .
For optimal activity preservation:
Store at 2-8°C for short-term usage (up to 1 month)
For long-term storage, aliquot and keep at -20°C to -80°C
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (no more than 3) as this can significantly reduce antibody activity
Protect from light, especially if the antibody is conjugated with a fluorophore
Do not freeze if the antibody is conjugated with enzymes like HRP or APC
A systematic titration approach is essential:
| Dilution Range | Application Type | Control Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1:50 - 1:500 | Western Blot | Positive lysate & negative lysate |
| 1:20 - 1:200 | Flow Cytometry | Isotype control antibody |
| 1:100 - 1:1000 | Immunohistochemistry | No primary antibody & isotype control |
| 1:50 - 1:500 | Immunofluorescence | Secondary antibody only |
Begin with manufacturer's recommended dilution, then perform a systematic titration using a sample known to express your target protein. For each application, include appropriate positive and negative controls. Plot signal-to-noise ratio against antibody concentration to determine optimal working concentration that maximizes specific signal while minimizing background .
A robust experimental design must include:
Positive control: Sample known to express the target protein
Negative control: Sample known not to express the target protein
Technical controls:
Isotype control: Matched isotype antibody from same species
Secondary antibody only: To assess non-specific binding
Blocking peptide control: Pre-incubation with the immunizing peptide
Knockout/knockdown validation: Using genetic models lacking the target
These controls allow for accurate interpretation of results and differentiation between specific and non-specific signals, particularly in complex tissue samples or when investigating proteins with potential cross-reactivity issues .
Validation requires a multi-method approach:
Western blot analysis: Confirm single band of expected molecular weight
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry: Identify pulled-down proteins
Orthogonal target detection: Compare with alternative antibodies or detection methods
Genetic models: Test in knockout/knockdown systems
Peptide competition: Pre-absorb antibody with immunizing peptide
Document all validation steps systematically with appropriate positive and negative controls. For publication-quality data, validation in at least two independent methods is recommended, with emphasis on demonstrating specificity in the particular cell/tissue type being studied .
Cross-reactivity assessment is critical, especially for protein families with high homology:
Bioinformatic analysis: Compare epitope sequence across related proteins
Recombinant protein panel testing: Test antibody against purified related proteins
Cell line panel: Use cells expressing different family members
Knockout/knockdown validation: Confirm signal loss in absence of specific target
Peptide competition: Test with peptides from related proteins
Results from these tests should be presented in a comprehensive table showing percent cross-reactivity with each related protein. For applications requiring absolute specificity, absorption steps may be necessary to remove cross-reactive antibodies from your working solution .
High background can severely impact experimental interpretation. Systematic troubleshooting includes:
| Background Issue | Potential Cause | Solution Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Diffuse staining across sample | Insufficient blocking | Increase blocking time/concentration; try alternative blocking agents (BSA, normal serum, commercial blockers) |
| Edge artifacts | Drying during protocol | Ensure sufficient reagent coverage; use humidity chamber |
| Non-specific nuclear staining | DNA binding | Add nuclease to blocking solution; optimize fixation |
| High general background | Excessive antibody concentration | Perform titration; increase washing steps |
| Specific non-target staining | Cross-reactivity | Absorption with related proteins; use more specific antibody |
Document all optimization steps and include representative images of both problematic and optimized conditions when publishing results or presenting data .
Optimization for flow cytometry requires special consideration:
Sample preparation:
Use fresh samples when possible
Optimize fixation (PFA concentration and time)
Test permeabilization reagents if targeting intracellular epitopes
Staining protocol:
Titrate antibody concentration (typically starting at 1:20 dilution)
Optimize incubation temperature and time
Include FcR blocking to reduce non-specific binding
Analysis considerations:
Set proper compensation when using multiple fluorophores
Use fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls
Apply consistent gating strategy across samples
For immune cells specifically, consider additional blocking steps with normal serum matched to the host species of your secondary antibody. Document flow cytometry methodology according to MIFlowCyt standards for publication .
Rigorous quantitative analysis is essential for reproducible research:
Image acquisition:
Use consistent exposure settings across all samples
Capture multiple fields per sample (minimum 5-10)
Include scale bars and magnification information
Quantification methods:
Measure staining intensity using integrated density values
Quantify percent positive cells in appropriate regions of interest
Apply threshold consistently across all samples
Statistical analysis:
Use appropriate statistical tests based on data distribution
Include biological replicates (n ≥ 3)
Report both effect size and p-values
For publications, provide representative images alongside quantification with clearly defined methods for threshold determination and region of interest selection .
Contradictory results require systematic investigation:
Technical assessment:
Verify antibody lot consistency
Check for protocol differences between methods
Evaluate epitope accessibility in different preparation methods
Biological considerations:
Different isoforms may be detected by different methods
Post-translational modifications may affect epitope recognition
Expression levels may be below detection threshold in some methods
Reconciliation approaches:
Use orthogonal methods for validation
Perform knockout/knockdown controls in each system
Consider epitope mapping to understand binding determinants
Present contradictory data transparently in publications, alongside potential explanations and additional validation experiments that help resolve the discrepancies .
For immune-related disease research:
Tissue expression analysis:
Compare target protein levels between healthy and diseased tissues
Correlate expression with disease severity or progression
Identify cell-specific expression patterns in complex tissues
Functional studies:
Use for detecting protein-protein interactions via co-immunoprecipitation
Monitor changes in subcellular localization during disease processes
Assess post-translational modifications specific to disease states
Therapeutic monitoring:
Evaluate target modulation after experimental treatment
Develop biomarker applications for disease monitoring
Use in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays
These approaches should be documented with appropriate controls and statistical analysis across multiple biological replicates to ensure reproducibility and biological significance of findings .
Animal model applications require specific optimization:
Species cross-reactivity:
Verify epitope conservation across species
Validate antibody in the specific animal model tissue
Consider using species-specific secondary antibodies
Background considerations:
Include age-matched controls
Account for tissue autofluorescence
Use proper blocking of endogenous immunoglobulins
Quantification approaches:
Establish baseline expression in healthy animals
Develop consistent scoring systems for pathological changes
Use blinded assessment to prevent bias
Document all methodological details, including animal age, sex, strain, and treatment protocols, along with ethical approval information when publishing results .