HRP-conjugated ZEB1 antibodies are optimized for direct detection without secondary antibodies.
Example: Santa Cruz’s sc-515797 HRP detects ZEB1 in human, mouse, and rat lysates, with a predicted molecular weight of ~130 kDa .
Protocol:
Used to localize ZEB1 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.
Example: Thermo Fisher’s 14-9741-82 detects nuclear ZEB1 in breast and cervical carcinomas, confirming its role in EMT .
Protocol:
Enables quantitative analysis of ZEB1 levels in lysates or sera.
ZEB1 promotes DNA repair via interactions with USP7 and CHK1, enhancing radioresistance in cancers .
Mechanism:
ZEB1 represses E-cadherin and activates mesenchymal genes, driving metastasis.
Example:
ZEB1 antibodies validate direct DNA binding to target promoters (e.g., LAMC2).
Protocol:
ZEB1 (also known as AREB6, BZP, DELTAEF1, FECD6, NIL2A, PPCD3, TCF8, ZFHEP, and ZFHX1A) is a pivotal non-receptor transcription factor that regulates gene expression during embryonic development, particularly within mesodermal tissues, and in the maturation of various tissues. Structurally, ZEB1 contains two zinc finger domains essential for DNA binding and transcriptional repression, a homeodomain involved in protein-protein interactions, and three repression domains that facilitate modulating gene expression through mechanisms such as site competition and enhancer silencing . ZEB1 functions primarily as a transcriptional repressor, inhibiting interleukin-2 gene expression and repressing E-cadherin promoter activity, which induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) . In neuronal development, ZEB1 controls differentiation by transcriptionally repressing polarity genes in neuronal progenitors, inhibiting polarization and retaining progenitors in their germinal zone .
ZEB1 Antibody, HRP conjugated combines the specificity of anti-ZEB1 antibody with the signal amplification capabilities of horseradish peroxidase enzyme, making it suitable for multiple applications, including:
Western blotting (WB): Direct detection without secondary antibody requirements
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Enhanced sensitivity for tissue section analysis
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): Direct detection with chromogenic substrates
Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Cellular localization studies with chromogenic or chemiluminescent detection
The antibody is designed to detect human ZEB1 with exceptional sensitivity and reliability across these applications . When using this conjugate, researchers can simplify their detection protocols by eliminating secondary antibody incubation steps while maintaining high specificity for their target protein.
When designing experiments with ZEB1 Antibody, HRP conjugated, the following controls should be implemented:
Positive Controls:
Cell lines with known ZEB1 expression (e.g., mesenchymal cancer cell lines)
Tissues with documented ZEB1 expression (e.g., developing mesoderm)
Recombinant ZEB1 protein standards for quantification
Negative Controls:
Isotype-matched HRP-conjugated control antibody
Samples pre-treated with ZEB1 blocking peptide
Cell lines with ZEB1 knockdown via siRNA or CRISPR
Epithelial cell lines with minimal ZEB1 expression
Additionally, when studying ZEB1 in the context of neuronal differentiation, cerebellum samples can serve as excellent developmental controls, as ZEB1 expression is high in granule neuron progenitors but decreases during differentiation .
Optimal sample preparation depends on the application:
For Western Blotting:
Use RIPA or NP-40 lysis buffers supplemented with protease inhibitors
Include phosphatase inhibitors if studying ZEB1 phosphorylation status
Use fresh samples when possible; ZEB1 may degrade in long-term storage
Heat samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in reducing sample buffer
Load 20-50 μg total protein per lane for adequate detection
For Immunohistochemistry:
Fix tissues in 4% paraformaldehyde
For paraffin sections, include antigen retrieval steps (citrate buffer pH 6.0)
Block endogenous peroxidase with 3% hydrogen peroxide
Include permeabilization steps with 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100
Use protein blocking solutions containing 5-10% serum
Proper sample preparation ensures preservation of ZEB1 epitopes and minimizes background signal during detection procedures.
To achieve optimal signal-to-noise ratio:
Optimize antibody concentration through titration experiments (typically 1:100-1:1000 dilution range)
Extend blocking time to reduce non-specific binding (1-2 hours at room temperature)
Include 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 in wash buffers to reduce background
For Western blots, use 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBS-T for blocking
For IHC/ICC, minimize endogenous peroxidase activity with hydrogen peroxide pre-treatment
Use fresh substrate solutions for optimal signal development
Optimize substrate incubation time to prevent overdevelopment
For chemiluminescent detection, incorporate graduated exposure times to identify the optimal signal window before saturation occurs.
ZEB1 serves as a master regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis by promoting EMT—a process that enables epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal traits, enhancing their migratory capabilities . When investigating EMT using ZEB1 Antibody, HRP conjugated:
Multiplex protein analysis approach:
Co-stain for ZEB1 along with epithelial markers (E-cadherin, cytokeratins) and mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin)
Use serial sections with HRP-conjugated antibodies against each marker
Quantify inverse correlation between ZEB1 and epithelial markers
Time-course analysis methodology:
Treat epithelial cancer cells with EMT inducers (TGF-β, hypoxia)
Collect samples at regular intervals (0, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours)
Track ZEB1 upregulation in relation to E-cadherin downregulation
Correlate these changes with altered cell morphology and invasion capacity
ZEB1 target gene analysis:
Monitor ZEB1 binding to E-box elements in the promoters of epithelial genes
Use ChIP assays with anti-ZEB1 followed by qPCR for specific promoters
Correlate ZEB1 binding with transcriptional repression of target genes
This multi-dimensional approach leverages the specificity and convenience of HRP-conjugated ZEB1 antibody to comprehensively characterize EMT transitions in cancer models.
Researchers occasionally encounter conflicting data when comparing ZEB1 expression across different detection platforms. To resolve such discrepancies:
Epitope mapping validation:
Isoform-specific detection strategy:
ZEB1 has multiple isoforms and splice variants
Design PCR primers to quantify specific isoform expression at mRNA level
Compare protein detection patterns with predicted molecular weights of known isoforms
Use multiple antibodies targeting different ZEB1 domains to confirm expression patterns
Cross-validation protocol:
Implement at least three independent detection methods:
Western blot with HRP-conjugated antibody
Immunofluorescence with different antibody clone
qRT-PCR for ZEB1 mRNA
Confirm specificity using ZEB1 knockdown or knockout samples
Standardization of quantification:
Establish a standard curve using recombinant ZEB1 protein
Normalize ZEB1 signals to appropriate loading controls
Use digital image analysis with consistent thresholding parameters
This systematic approach helps identify the source of discrepancies and establishes reliable ZEB1 expression data across different experimental platforms.
ZEB1 plays a critical role in neuronal differentiation by controlling polarity gene expression in neuronal progenitors. For neurodevelopmental studies:
Cerebellar development analysis protocol:
Ex vivo cerebellar slice methodology:
Polarity complex analysis:
Examine correlation between ZEB1 and polarity complex proteins (PARD6A, PARD3A, DLG2, LIN7A)
Implement co-detection methods to visualize mutual exclusivity of expression
Quantify inverse correlation between ZEB1 and polarity genes during development
Sonic Hedgehog pathway interaction assessment:
These approaches utilize the specificity of HRP-conjugated ZEB1 antibody to explore the molecular mechanisms governing neuronal differentiation and germinal zone exit during brain development.
While HRP-conjugated antibodies are not typically used for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), researchers interested in ZEB1 binding sites may adapt the following protocol:
Modified ChIP workflow:
Use unconjugated ZEB1 primary antibody for the immunoprecipitation step
Follow standard ChIP protocols for crosslinking, sonication, and IP
Reserve HRP-conjugated ZEB1 antibody for validation experiments:
Western blot analysis of ChIP input and IP fractions
Dot blot verification of enriched chromatin fragments
ZEB1 binding site validation strategy:
Data analysis approach:
Normalize ChIP-qPCR data to input and IgG controls
Compare enrichment at target sites versus non-specific genomic regions
Correlate binding with transcriptional repression of target genes
This integrated approach leverages both unconjugated and HRP-conjugated ZEB1 antibodies for comprehensive characterization of ZEB1's transcriptional regulatory network.
ZEB1 expression is significantly elevated in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma subgroup, which originates from granule neuron progenitors with persistent SHH activation . When studying medulloblastoma:
Subgroup classification methodology:
Implement ZEB1 immunohistochemistry as part of a marker panel for medulloblastoma subgrouping
Quantify ZEB1 expression levels using digital pathology techniques
Correlate with other SHH pathway markers (GLI1, PTCH1)
Note that ZEB1 RNA is approximately four times higher in SHH medulloblastoma compared to WNT, Group3, and Group4 subtypes
Differentiation therapy investigation approach:
Study ZEB1 target genes as potential differentiation therapy targets
Monitor polarity gene expression (PARD6A, PARD3A) in response to differentiation agents
Assess germinal zone exit capability after target restoration
Quantify differentiation markers (TUJ1) in relation to ZEB1 expression
Medulloblastoma mouse model analysis protocol:
Examine ZEB1 expression in Ptch1+/-, Cdkn2c-/- SHH medulloblastoma mouse models
Implement tissue microarray technology for high-throughput analysis
Compare expression patterns with normal cerebellar development
Note the complementary expression pattern between ZEB1 and neuronal differentiation marker TUJ1
Therapeutic response assessment:
Monitor ZEB1 expression changes in response to SHH pathway inhibitors
Correlate decreased ZEB1 levels with increased polarity gene expression
Assess differentiation status and proliferation markers
Evaluate tumor invasiveness in relation to ZEB1 activity
These approaches utilize ZEB1 Antibody, HRP conjugated as a valuable tool for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying medulloblastoma development and for evaluating potential differentiation-based therapeutic strategies.
When encountering high background with ZEB1 Antibody, HRP conjugated:
Optimization protocol:
Increase blocking time and concentration (5-10% normal serum or BSA for 1-2 hours)
Add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to permeabilize cells before antibody incubation
Implement more stringent washing (5-6 washes of 5-10 minutes each)
Pre-absorb antibody with tissue powder from ZEB1-negative samples
Reduce primary antibody concentration (perform titration series)
Endogenous peroxidase management:
For tissues or cells with high endogenous peroxidase activity:
Incubate with 0.3-3% hydrogen peroxide for 10-30 minutes before blocking
Consider using peroxidase inhibitors like phenylhydrazine for red blood cells
For plant samples or chlorophyll-containing tissues, include sodium azide treatment
Alternative detection strategies:
Switch to biotin-free detection systems if streptavidin-binding proteins cause background
Consider fluorescent secondary antibodies if autofluorescence is not a concern
Implement Sudan Black B treatment to reduce autofluorescence in tissues
Systematic optimization of these parameters will significantly reduce non-specific background while preserving specific ZEB1 signals.
When ZEB1 signal is weak or undetectable:
Epitope retrieval enhancement:
For formalin-fixed tissues, extend heat-induced epitope retrieval time
Test multiple retrieval buffers (citrate pH 6.0, EDTA pH 8.0, Tris-EDTA pH 9.0)
Implement pressure cooker or microwave-based retrieval methods
For frozen sections, test different fixation protocols that preserve epitope accessibility
Signal amplification approaches:
Implement tyramide signal amplification (TSA) technology
Use polymer-HRP detection systems for enhanced sensitivity
Consider avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method for additional amplification
Extend substrate development time with careful monitoring
Sample preparation modifications:
For Western blots, increase protein loading (50-100 μg per lane)
Reduce detergent concentration in lysis buffers
Avoid freeze-thaw cycles that may degrade ZEB1 protein
For low-abundance samples, implement immunoprecipitation before Western blotting
These approaches systematically address potential causes of weak signal and implement appropriate enhancements to achieve robust ZEB1 detection.
For comprehensive analysis of ZEB1 in relation to other markers:
Sequential multiplexing protocol:
Implement tyramide signal amplification (TSA) with different fluorophores
Perform sequential antibody staining-stripping cycles
Use spectral unmixing to resolve overlapping signals
Quantify co-localization or mutual exclusivity patterns
Compare ZEB1 with EMT markers or polarity proteins in the same sample
Chromogenic multiplexing approach:
Use orthogonal detection systems (HRP, alkaline phosphatase)
Implement distinct substrate chromogens (DAB, FastRed, Vector Blue)
Optimize deposition sequence from lightest to darkest chromogen
Counterstain with hematoxylin for nuclear visualization
Utilize digital separation algorithms for quantitative analysis
Mass cytometry application:
Conjugate ZEB1 antibody with rare earth metals
Implement CyTOF technology for highly multiplexed analyses
Simultaneously detect up to 40 markers in single cells
Apply dimensionality reduction algorithms for data visualization
These multiplexing approaches enable comprehensive characterization of ZEB1's relationships with interacting proteins and signaling pathways in complex biological systems.
Emerging research suggests potential applications for ZEB1 detection in liquid biopsies:
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis methodology:
Capture CTCs using epithelial markers (EpCAM, cytokeratins)
Implement ZEB1 immunocytochemistry to identify EMT-undergoing CTCs
Quantify ZEB1-positive CTCs as a marker of aggressive disease
Correlate ZEB1 expression with treatment resistance or metastatic potential
Exosome characterization approach:
Isolate tumor-derived exosomes from patient plasma
Analyze ZEB1 protein or mRNA content
Implement nanoparticle flow cytometry for exosome characterization
Correlate exosomal ZEB1 with disease progression
Cell-free DNA methylation analysis:
Examine methylation status of ZEB1 promoter in cfDNA
Correlate with ZEB1 expression levels in primary tumors
Monitor changes during treatment as a resistance biomarker
While these applications remain largely experimental, they represent promising directions for translating ZEB1 antibody technologies into clinical applications for cancer monitoring and management.
| Target Gene | Function | Expression in GNPs | Expression in Differentiated CGNs | Regulation by ZEB1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PARD6A | Polarity complex | Low | High | Repressed |
| PARD3A | Polarity complex | Low | High | Repressed |
| DLG2 | Polarity complex | Low | High | Repressed |
| LIN7A | Polarity complex | Low | High | Repressed |
| CDH1 | Adhesion molecule | Low | High | Repressed |
| CHL1 | Adhesion molecule | Low | High | Repressed |
| BHLHE40 | Transcription factor | Low | High | Repressed |
| NFIB | Transcription factor | Low | High | Repressed |
| SORL1 | Sorting receptor | Low | High | Repressed |
| FLT1 | VEGF receptor | Low | High | Repressed |
| CDK5R1 | Kinase regulator | Low | High | Repressed |
Data derived from experimental findings showing ZEB1's role in repressing polarization and differentiation genes in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors .
| Experimental Condition | Migration Distance (μm) | EdU Incorporation (%) | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control shRNA | 34 ± 10 | 22.6 ± 1.0 | Cells remain in germinal zone |
| ZEB1 shRNA | 68 ± 18 | 7.6 ± 1.8 | Increased migration, reduced proliferation |
| Control overexpression | 75 ± 3 | 3.3 ± 0.4 | Normal differentiation and migration |
| ZEB1 overexpression | 40 ± 6 | 10.9 ± 0.1 | Restricted to germinal zone, continued proliferation |
Data demonstrates ZEB1's role in inhibiting differentiation and germinal zone exit of cerebellar granule neuron progenitors .
| Medulloblastoma Subgroup | Relative ZEB1 RNA Expression | Associated Pathway | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHH Subgroup | 4.0 (normalized) | Sonic Hedgehog | Intermediate |
| WNT Subgroup | 1.0 (normalized) | Wingless | Favorable |
| Group 3 | 1.0 (normalized) | MYC amplification | Poor |
| Group 4 | 1.0 (normalized) | Various | Intermediate |
Data shows approximately four-fold higher ZEB1 expression in SHH medulloblastoma compared to other subgroups, supporting the link between SHH pathway activation and ZEB1 expression .