STRING: 7955.ENSDARP00000103862
UniGene: Dr.93113
ZNF687 (Zinc finger protein 687) functions as a central hub in a large transcriptional regulatory network. Initially identified as a translocation partner gene with RUNX1 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), ZNF687 has emerged as a protein of interest in multiple cancer types . Recent studies have demonstrated its oncogenic role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), where elevated expression correlates with poorer prognosis, enhanced tumor growth, migration, invasion, and promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) . Understanding ZNF687's molecular function is critical as it may be involved in chromatin-modifying complexes essential for embryonic development and stem cell renewal through its interaction with the Ring1/Rnf2 RING finger protein member of the Polycomb group .
According to current research, at least three isoforms of ZNF687 are known to exist. Most commercially available antibodies, including those from Rockland, Abnova, and Boster Bio, will detect the two largest isoforms . This specificity is important for experimental design, particularly when investigating isoform-specific functions. Researchers should verify which isoforms their selected antibody targets before proceeding with experiments to ensure accurate interpretation of results.
ZNF687 antibodies have been validated for multiple research applications including:
| Application | Dilution Recommendations | Expected Results |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA | Optimization required by end user | Specific detection of ZNF687 |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | ~5 μg/mL for paraffin sections | Positive staining in human tissues expressing ZNF687 |
| Western Blot | Varies by antibody | Band at approximately 130 kDa in specific cell lysates and tissues |
Most ZNF687 antibodies are human-specific, and researchers should optimize conditions for their specific experimental setup . When planning experiments, consider that ZNF687 expression is elevated in certain cancer cell lines, including A549, HCC827, H1975, and H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cells, which may serve as positive controls .
For immunohistochemistry applications with ZNF687 antibodies, begin with the manufacturer's recommended dilution (typically around 5 μg/mL for paraffin-embedded sections) . To determine optimal dilution:
Perform a titration experiment using serial dilutions (e.g., 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL)
Include positive control tissues known to express ZNF687 (e.g., human tonsil tissue or LUAD tissue samples)
Include negative controls (primary antibody omission and tissues with low ZNF687 expression like PC9, BEAS-2B, or HBE cell lines)
Evaluate signal-to-noise ratio, specific staining patterns, and background
Select the dilution that provides the highest signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining specificity
For paraffin sections, ensure proper antigen retrieval methods are employed as ZNF687 may require specific conditions for optimal epitope exposure .
To maintain optimal stability and performance of ZNF687 antibodies, follow these storage protocols:
| Storage Phase | Recommended Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened vial | -20°C | Most manufacturers recommend long-term storage at -20°C |
| After opening | 4°C for up to 3 months or -20°C for long-term | Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles |
| Working solution | 4°C for short periods (typically up to 1 week) | Dilute only prior to immediate use |
| Alexa Fluor conjugated antibodies | 4°C in the dark | Light sensitivity requires protection from light exposure |
For optimal results, aliquot the antibody solution into smaller volumes before freezing to minimize freeze-thaw cycles . Centrifuge the product if it is not completely clear after standing at room temperature. Most ZNF687 antibodies maintain stability for several weeks at 4°C as undiluted liquid but should be diluted only immediately before use .
When validating ZNF687 antibody specificity, appropriate controls are essential:
Recommended Positive Controls:
Recommended Negative Controls:
Primary antibody omission control
Blocking peptide competition assay using the immunogen peptide
Tissues from control subjects without disease (e.g., paracarcinoma tissues for cancer studies)
For advanced validation, consider using ZNF687 knockdown cells alongside overexpression models to confirm antibody specificity through differential signal intensity .
ZNF687 antibodies can be employed in multiple sophisticated approaches to investigate its role in cancer progression:
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays:
Use ZNF687 antibodies to identify genomic binding sites and target genes
Combine with sequencing (ChIP-seq) to create genome-wide binding profiles
Correlate binding patterns with transcriptional changes
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) studies:
Signaling pathway analysis:
EMT marker correlation:
These approaches can help elucidate the mechanistic role of ZNF687 in cancer progression and potentially identify novel therapeutic targets.
When encountering conflicting ZNF687 antibody results across different experimental systems, implement these troubleshooting strategies:
Antibody validation with multiple technical approaches:
Cell line and tissue verification:
Consider cell line authentication to eliminate potential misidentification
Sequence the ZNF687 gene in your experimental system to check for mutations or variants
Evaluate tissue-specific post-translational modifications that might affect antibody binding
Protocol optimization for specific experimental systems:
Adjust fixation methods, as over-fixation can mask epitopes
Test different antigen retrieval methods for IHC applications
Optimize blocking and permeabilization conditions for different cell types
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Use tissues/cells from ZNF687 knockout models as negative controls
Test antibody specificity in systems with known ZNF687 expression profiles
Evaluate potential cross-reactivity with other zinc finger proteins with similar domains
These methodological approaches can help resolve discrepancies and ensure reliable, reproducible results across different experimental systems.
To investigate ZNF687's role in cell cycle regulation using antibodies:
Flow cytometry with dual staining:
Cell cycle protein interaction studies:
Chromatin association dynamics:
Use chromatin fractionation followed by immunoblotting with ZNF687 antibodies
Analyze ZNF687's chromatin association patterns across cell cycle phases
Combine with synchronization protocols to capture specific cell cycle stages
Transcriptional regulation analysis:
Conduct ChIP-seq with ZNF687 antibodies at different cell cycle phases
Identify cell cycle-dependent binding to promoters of cell cycle genes
Correlate with RNA-seq data to establish functional consequences
Research has shown that ZNF687 knockdown increases the proportion of cancer cells in G1 phase, while overexpression enhances G1-S transition, suggesting a direct involvement in cell cycle progression that can be further explored using these approaches .
Several factors can significantly impact reproducibility when working with ZNF687 antibodies:
Antibody source and lot variation:
Different lots may show varying performance characteristics
Maintain detailed records of antibody lots used
Consider antibody validation with each new lot
Sample preparation variability:
Standardize fixation protocols (duration, temperature, fixative composition)
Control epitope masking through consistent antigen retrieval methods
Ensure consistent cell lysis conditions for protein extraction
Detection system differences:
Standardize secondary antibody selection and dilution
Use consistent visualization methods (fluorescent vs. enzymatic)
Control for autofluorescence in fluorescence-based applications
ZNF687 expression fluctuations:
Post-translational modifications:
Be aware that phosphorylation or other modifications may affect antibody binding
Use phosphatase inhibitors during protein extraction if phosphorylation is suspected
Consider modification-specific antibodies for comprehensive analysis
Implementing rigorous standardization protocols for these factors can significantly improve reproducibility across experiments and between laboratories.
Incorporating ZNF687 antibodies into multiplexed immunoassays requires strategic planning:
Panel design considerations:
Optimization strategies:
Titrate each antibody individually before combining in multiplexed format
Perform sequential staining with intermediate blocking steps if cross-reactivity occurs
Validate multiplex results against single-plex controls
Advanced multiplexing technologies:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) using metal-conjugated ZNF687 antibodies
Multiplex immunohistochemistry with tyramide signal amplification
Proximity ligation assays to study ZNF687 protein-protein interactions
Data analysis approaches:
Employ dimensionality reduction techniques (tSNE, UMAP) for high-parameter data
Utilize hierarchical clustering to identify co-expression patterns
Apply machine learning algorithms to correlate ZNF687 with other cancer markers
A recommended multiplexed panel for studying ZNF687 in cancer contexts might include:
| Target | Relevance | Detection Channel |
|---|---|---|
| ZNF687 | Core target | Channel 1 |
| p-AKT | Downstream signaling | Channel 2 |
| p21/p27 | Cell cycle regulation | Channel 3 |
| E-cadherin/Vimentin | EMT markers | Channel 4 |
| Ki-67 | Proliferation marker | Channel 5 |
This approach enables simultaneous assessment of ZNF687 expression in relation to key signaling and phenotypic markers in cancer research .
When choosing between polyclonal and monoclonal ZNF687 antibodies, consider these application-specific factors:
Polyclonal ZNF687 Antibodies:
Advantages:
Recognize multiple epitopes, providing robust detection even if some epitopes are masked
Higher sensitivity for low-abundance ZNF687 detection
Better performance in applications like immunoprecipitation and ChIP
More tolerance to minor protein denaturation or modifications
Best applications:
Initial characterization studies
Immunoprecipitation of ZNF687 and associated complexes
ChIP experiments to study ZNF687 genomic binding
Detection of denatured ZNF687 in western blotting
Monoclonal ZNF687 Antibodies:
Advantages:
Higher specificity for a single epitope
Reduced background and cross-reactivity
Lower lot-to-lot variability
Better suited for quantitative applications
Best applications:
Flow cytometry analysis of ZNF687
Super-resolution microscopy
Quantitative western blotting
Standardized diagnostic applications
Application-Specific Selection Guidelines:
| Research Application | Recommended Antibody Type | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Initial ZNF687 characterization | Polyclonal | Broader epitope recognition ensures detection |
| Protein localization studies | Either, with validation | Monoclonals reduce background, but verify epitope accessibility |
| Quantitative expression analysis | Monoclonal | Consistent binding for reliable quantification |
| Protein-protein interaction studies | Polyclonal | Better performance in immunoprecipitation |
| Clinical tissue analysis | Well-validated monoclonal | Standardization and reproducibility |