ZFP36 antibodies are pivotal for studying ZFP36’s role in immune regulation and inflammation. While FITC-conjugated variants are less frequently reported than unconjugated forms, their utility in fluorescence-based assays is well-established.
ZFP36 binds AU-rich elements (AREs) in mRNA 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs), promoting transcript degradation. This activity suppresses proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IFN-γ) and regulates T-cell activation kinetics .
Flow Cytometry: Quantifying ZFP36 expression in T-cells or macrophages during immune responses .
Immunofluorescence: Localizing ZFP36 in cellular compartments (e.g., cytoplasm vs. nucleus) during activation or quiescence .
FITC-conjugated ZFP36 antibodies enable multiplex assays (e.g., co-staining with other fluorescent markers). For instance:
T-cell activation studies: Co-labeling ZFP36 with CD4/CD8 markers to assess its expression during viral infection or autoimmunity .
Inflammation models: Tracking ZFP36 levels in lung epithelial cells during ischemia-reperfusion injury .
HITS-CLIP Studies: ZFP36 binds mRNAs encoding TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CD69 in T-cells, suppressing their translation .
Zfp36 KO Models: ZFP36-deficient mice exhibit accelerated T-cell expansion and enhanced antiviral responses but develop spontaneous autoimmunity .
Lung Injury: ZFP36 knockdown exacerbates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by upregulating CREBBP and promoting apoptosis/inflammation .
Fibrosis: ZFP36 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by targeting fibrosis-related mRNAs (e.g., TGF-β1, COL1A1) .
Cross-reactivity: Pan-ZFP36 antibodies may detect ZFP36L1/L2 due to sequence homology . Use paralog-specific antibodies when required.
Optimization: FITC-conjugated antibodies require careful titration to avoid background fluorescence. Validate with isotype controls .
FITC-conjugated ZFP36 antibodies could enable:
Live-Cell Imaging: Tracking ZFP36 dynamics in real-time during immune cell activation.
Therapeutic Monitoring: Assessing ZFP36 levels in response to drugs targeting RNA-binding proteins .
ZFP36 (zinc finger protein 36) functions as an RNA binding protein that promotes the degradation of transcripts containing AU-rich elements. This protein plays a critical role in regulating mRNA stability, particularly for transcripts involved in inflammatory responses. In T cells, the ZFP36 family (including ZFP36, ZFP36L1, and ZFP36L2) has a redundant and essential function in maintaining T cell quiescence during homeostasis . Beyond immune regulation, ZFP36 also participates in vascular smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure maintenance through modulation of G protein-coupled receptor signaling . The protein primarily localizes in the cytoplasm and nucleus, with distribution patterns that may vary depending on cellular activation state .
ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated is specifically validated for flow cytometry and immunofluorescence applications. For flow cytometry, the recommended dilution is 1:100, allowing for direct detection of ZFP36 protein expression across various cell populations without requiring secondary antibody incubation . For immunofluorescence, the same 1:100 dilution is recommended for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. While this FITC-conjugated antibody is primarily designed for these fluorescence-based applications, related unconjugated ZFP36 antibodies may be used for Western blot (WB) and ELISA with appropriate dilutions (typically 1:500-1:1000 for WB) .
For optimal preservation of antibody activity, store ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated at -20°C or -80°C immediately upon receipt. The antibody is provided in a stabilizing buffer containing 50% glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), and 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative . It is crucial to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as these can lead to protein denaturation and loss of binding activity. For short-term use, aliquoting the antibody into smaller volumes is strongly recommended to minimize freeze-thaw events. When handling the antibody, maintain cold chain protocols and protect from prolonged exposure to light, as FITC conjugates are photosensitive and can experience fluorophore degradation under extended light exposure .
A robust flow cytometry experiment with ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated requires several critical controls:
Isotype Control: Include a FITC-conjugated rabbit IgG isotype control at the same concentration as the ZFP36 antibody to assess non-specific binding.
Unstained Control: Analyze cells without any antibody to establish autofluorescence baseline.
Single-Stain Controls: If performing multicolor flow, include single-stained samples for compensation setup.
Positive Control Samples: Include cells known to express ZFP36, such as activated T cells or HeLa cells, which serve as positive expression controls .
Negative Control Samples: Where possible, include ZFP36-knockout or ZFP36-silenced cells to confirm antibody specificity.
For quantitative studies, consider including a standardized sample across experimental runs to normalize between batches. When analyzing results, gating strategies should account for cellular autofluorescence and potential non-specific binding, with statistical analyses applied to evaluate significant differences in expression levels between experimental groups.
Optimizing immunofluorescence protocols for ZFP36 detection requires tissue-specific considerations:
For Cultured Cells:
Fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature preserves both cytoplasmic and nuclear ZFP36 localization.
Permeabilization: 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 for 5-10 minutes enables antibody access to intracellular ZFP36.
Blocking: 5% normal serum (species distinct from antibody host) with 1% BSA for 1 hour reduces background staining.
Primary Incubation: ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated at 1:100 dilution overnight at 4°C.
Counterstaining: DAPI for nuclear visualization can help determine nuclear versus cytoplasmic localization of ZFP36.
For Tissue Sections:
Antigen Retrieval: Critical step for formalin-fixed tissues; citrate buffer (pH 6.0) heat-mediated retrieval often works well.
Thicker sections (8-10μm) may require longer permeabilization times.
Autofluorescence reduction: Treat with 0.1% sodium borohydride or commercial autofluorescence reducers before blocking, particularly important for tissues like brain or liver.
For both applications, optimization should include a titration series (1:50, 1:100, 1:200) to determine optimal antibody concentration for specific tissue types . ZFP36 shows different expression patterns in different tissues, with particularly strong expression in immune cells and tissues with active inflammation .
When investigating ZFP36 subcellular localization, fixation protocols significantly impact experimental outcomes:
Recommended Fixation Methods:
| Fixative | Concentration | Duration | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paraformaldehyde | 4% | 10-15 min | General localization | Preserves most epitopes |
| Methanol | 100% | 10 min at -20°C | Nuclear localization | Better nuclear penetration |
| PFA/Methanol | 4% PFA followed by 100% methanol | 10 min each | Dual localization | Combines benefits of both |
ZFP36 exhibits dynamic subcellular localization, shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm depending on cellular activation state . For stress granule co-localization studies, paraformaldehyde fixation followed by permeabilization with 0.1% Triton X-100 is optimal. When examining nuclear export, shorter fixation times (5-8 minutes) may better preserve transient localization patterns. For co-localization studies with RNA granules, consider using methods that preserve RNA integrity, such as incorporating RNase inhibitors in buffers .
Investigating ZFP36's role in T cell-mediated autoimmunity using FITC-conjugated antibodies enables several sophisticated experimental approaches:
Multi-parameter Flow Cytometry: Combine ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated with antibodies against T cell activation markers (CD25, CD69) and cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF) to correlate ZFP36 expression with functional T cell phenotypes in autoimmune models. This approach allows identification of specific T cell subsets where ZFP36 regulation may be dysregulated.
Ex Vivo Analysis of Autoimmune Models: In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models, ZFP36 family members show context-specific functions. While triple deletion of all ZFP36 family members causes lethal inflammation, deletion of ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 specifically renders mice resistant to EAE due to failed antigen-specific CD4+ T cell priming . Flow cytometric analysis using ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated can track changes in ZFP36 expression during disease progression.
Intravital Imaging: For advanced applications, ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated can be used for intravital microscopy to visualize ZFP36 expression in T cells within inflamed tissues in real-time, providing spatial and temporal information about ZFP36 regulation during autoimmune responses.
To execute these experiments effectively, researchers should incorporate appropriate controls and consider the redundant yet distinct roles of ZFP36 family members in T cell homeostasis versus autoimmunity contexts .
While ZFP36's calculated molecular weight is 34kDa, it typically appears at 40-48kDa in Western blots, creating potential confusion in data interpretation . This discrepancy can be systematically addressed through multiple experimental approaches:
Post-translational Modification Analysis:
Treat cell lysates with phosphatase before Western blotting to determine if phosphorylation contributes to the higher observed weight
Use specific inhibitors of kinases known to target ZFP36 (e.g., p38 MAPK, MK2) in cultured cells before protein extraction
Apply specific proteasome inhibitors to determine if ubiquitination contributes to the size shift
Expression System Verification:
Compare recombinant ZFP36 (without post-translational modifications) to endogenous protein
Express tagged versions (His, FLAG) of ZFP36 with known molecular weights as size references
Antibody Validation:
Perform siRNA or CRISPR knockout controls to confirm band specificity
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of ZFP36 to confirm consistency
Technical Considerations:
Run gradient gels (4-20%) to improve resolution in the 30-50kDa range
Include molecular weight markers specifically designed for the 30-50kDa range
Optimize SDS-PAGE conditions (reducing agents, denaturation temperature)
These approaches not only address the technical aspects of the molecular weight discrepancy but can also yield valuable biological insights into ZFP36 regulation through post-translational modifications .
Recent research has revealed that ZFP36 plays a critical role in vascular smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure maintenance, offering new avenues for investigation using ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated :
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs):
Isolate VSMCs from normotensive and hypertensive models
Use ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated to quantify expression levels and correlate with blood pressure measurements
Co-stain with smooth muscle markers (α-SMA, SM22α) to ensure cell type specificity
Analyze changes in ZFP36 expression following angiotensin II treatment, which has been shown to stimulate ZFP36 expression through PARP1 activation
Immunofluorescence Visualization of ZFP36 in Vessel Wall:
Ex Vivo Vessel Studies:
Measure vessel contractility using wire myography in vessels from ZFP36-deficient and wildtype mice
Correlate ZFP36 expression levels (quantified by flow cytometry) with functional contractile responses
Examine calcium flux in isolated VSMCs while monitoring ZFP36 expression
These methodological approaches provide comprehensive investigation of ZFP36's role in vascular function, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for hypertension management .
When confronting weak or absent signals with ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated in flow cytometry, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Antibody-Related Factors:
Check antibody storage conditions; improper storage can diminish FITC fluorescence
Verify expiration date and minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Titrate antibody concentration (try 1:50 instead of recommended 1:100)
Consider alternative clones or formats if signal remains problematic
Sample Preparation:
Optimize fixation protocol; overfixation can mask epitopes
Ensure adequate permeabilization for intracellular detection
Use freshly prepared cells; viability below 90% can impact results
For primary cells, confirm appropriate stimulation conditions as ZFP36 expression is often activation-dependent
Instrument Settings:
Verify cytometer PMT voltages are appropriately set for FITC detection
Check for compensation issues if using multiple fluorophores
Ensure laser alignment and fluidics are functioning correctly
Biological Considerations:
Protocol Modification:
Extend incubation time to overnight at 4°C
Increase permeabilization time for difficult samples
Use signal amplification systems for low abundance detection
Document all optimization steps methodically to establish a reliable protocol for future experiments .
High background in immunofluorescence with ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated can significantly compromise data quality. Implement these methodological solutions to enhance signal-to-noise ratio:
Blocking Optimization:
Extend blocking time to 2 hours at room temperature
Use 5-10% normal serum from the species unrelated to the primary antibody host
Add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to blocking solution to reduce non-specific membrane binding
Consider adding 0.1% BSA-c (acetylated BSA) which can significantly reduce background in some tissues
Autofluorescence Reduction:
Pre-treat samples with 0.1% sodium borohydride for 10 minutes
For tissues with high endogenous fluorescence (brain, kidney), incubate with 0.1-1% Sudan Black B in 70% ethanol for 20 minutes
Consider commercial autofluorescence quenchers specific to tissue type
Use spectral unmixing on confocal microscopes to distinguish autofluorescence from specific signal
Washing Protocol Enhancement:
Increase wash duration (5 washes of 5 minutes each)
Add 0.05% Tween-20 to wash buffers
Use PBS with higher salt concentration (300mM NaCl) in wash buffers to reduce ionic interactions
Antibody Dilution and Incubation:
Further dilute antibody to 1:200 if background persists
Filter antibody solution through a 0.22μm filter before use to remove aggregates
Incubate at 4°C overnight instead of room temperature
Consider pre-adsorption of antibody with cell/tissue lysate from non-expressing samples
Mounting Media Considerations:
Use anti-fade mounting media with DAPI to improve signal stability
Ensure complete drying of sections before applying mounting media
Avoid air bubbles which can create imaging artifacts
These methodological refinements should be systematically tested to establish optimal conditions for specific tissue types and experimental settings .
Detecting low-abundance ZFP36 in clinical samples requires specialized methodological approaches to enhance sensitivity while maintaining specificity:
Signal Amplification Strategies:
Implement biotin-streptavidin amplification systems with biotinylated ZFP36 antibodies
Consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA) which can increase sensitivity by 10-100 fold
Use branched DNA amplification technologies for detecting extremely low copy numbers
Sample Processing Optimization:
Minimize time between sample collection and processing (ideally <2 hours)
Use protein transport inhibitors (Brefeldin A or Monensin) during any ex vivo stimulation
Add proteasome inhibitors during processing to prevent ZFP36 degradation
Optimize red blood cell lysis to minimize damage to white blood cells
Flow Cytometry Protocol Enhancements:
Increase acquisition time and cell numbers (collect minimum 100,000 events)
Implement sequential gating strategies focusing on specific cell populations
Use high-sensitivity flow cytometers with spectral analysis capabilities
Consider imaging flow cytometry to visualize ZFP36 localization patterns
Multiplexing Approaches:
Combine ZFP36 detection with lineage markers to identify specific cell populations
Include activation markers to correlate with ZFP36 expression
Consider mass cytometry (CyTOF) for highly multiplexed analysis without fluorescence overlap concerns
Data Analysis Refinements:
Use fluorescence-minus-one (FMO) controls for accurate gating
Implement probability binning or Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics for detecting subtle shifts
Consider dimensionality reduction techniques (tSNE, UMAP) for visualizing complex datasets
These specialized approaches enable reliable detection of even subtle changes in ZFP36 expression, critical for translational studies examining conditions where ZFP36 dysregulation may contribute to pathology .
Recent research has uncovered a novel role for ZFP36 in regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure, providing new therapeutic possibilities for hypertension management :
ZFP36 expression is significantly elevated in arteries of hypertensive patients and rodent models, suggesting pathological relevance. Mechanistically, angiotensin II (AngII) activates poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1), which stimulates ZFP36 expression at the transcriptional level in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This pathological activation creates a cascade effect where ZFP36 regulates G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated intracellular calcium signaling by targeting regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) mRNA for degradation .
Vascular smooth muscle-specific deletion of ZFP36 produces remarkable physiological effects, including reduced vessel contractility and lower blood pressure in mouse models. More significantly, VSMC-specific ZFP36 deficiency attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertension and vascular remodeling. These findings have been further validated through AAV-mediated ZFP36 knockdown, which ameliorates spontaneous hypertension in rat models .
This research reveals ZFP36 as a potential therapeutic target, with several possible intervention strategies:
Pharmacological inhibition of ZFP36 binding to RGS2 mRNA
PARP1 inhibitors to prevent AngII-induced ZFP36 upregulation
RNA-based therapies targeting ZFP36 expression in VSMCs
Developing these therapeutic approaches requires precise understanding of ZFP36's expression patterns and activity in vascular tissues, where ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated can be instrumental for expression analysis .
Recent comprehensive investigation of the ZFP36 family (ZFP36, ZFP36L1, ZFP36L2) has uncovered a fascinating dichotomy between redundant homeostatic functions and context-specific roles in autoimmunity :
T cell-specific deletion of all three ZFP36 family members results in a lethal inflammatory syndrome characterized by multi-organ inflammation, immune cell activation, and excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF, GM-CSF). Mechanistically, this occurs through increased mRNA stability of these cytokine transcripts when ZFP36 proteins are absent. Remarkably, mice with T cell-specific deletion of any two ZFP36 genes are protected from this spontaneous inflammatory syndrome, demonstrating significant functional redundancy among family members during homeostasis .
In striking contrast, the research revealed context-specific functions during autoimmunity. T cell-specific deletion of both ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 unexpectedly rendered mice resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This protection stemmed from failed priming of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, as ZFP36L1/L2-deficient CD4+ T cells exhibited poor proliferation during T helper cell polarization .
These findings reveal a complex regulatory landscape:
During homeostasis: ZFP36 family members redundantly control T cell quiescence and prevent spontaneous inflammation
During autoimmune challenges: ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 specifically regulate antigen-specific T cell clonal expansion
This research highlights the importance of studying individual ZFP36 family members in different immunological contexts, where differential antibody-based detection can reveal distinct expression patterns and functional roles .
ZFP36 undergoes extensive post-translational modifications (PTMs) that significantly alter its RNA-binding activity, subcellular localization, and protein stability. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence with ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated can provide unique insights into these regulatory mechanisms:
Phosphorylation Analysis:
ZFP36 contains multiple phosphorylation sites targeted by p38 MAPK, MK2, ERK, and other kinases
Dual-parameter flow cytometry combining ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated with phospho-specific antibodies can correlate total ZFP36 levels with phosphorylation status
Time-course experiments following cellular stimulation can reveal the dynamics of phosphorylation-induced changes in protein stability
Phosphorylation typically inhibits ZFP36's RNA-destabilizing activity while increasing protein stability
Subcellular Localization Studies:
Immunofluorescence analysis can track how PTMs affect ZFP36's nucleocytoplasmic shuttling
Co-localization with RNA processing bodies (P-bodies) or stress granules changes following various modifications
Proximity ligation assays combining ZFP36 Antibody with antibodies against modifying enzymes can reveal sites of modification
Proteomic Integration:
Flow sorting ZFP36-high and ZFP36-low populations followed by proteomic analysis can identify associated regulatory proteins
Immunoprecipitation using ZFP36 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry can identify novel PTMs
Correlating ZFP36 expression levels with target mRNA stability using RNA-seq approaches
The differential molecular weight observed for ZFP36 (calculated 34kDa versus observed 40-48kDa) likely reflects these extensive PTMs . Understanding these modifications is critical for developing therapeutic strategies targeting ZFP36, as specific modifications could be targeted to modulate its activity in disease contexts like inflammation or hypertension .
Several cutting-edge technologies are poised to revolutionize ZFP36 research at the single-cell level:
Spectral Flow Cytometry with Protein Epitope Detection:
Next-generation spectral cytometers can simultaneously detect 40+ parameters
Combining ZFP36 Antibody, FITC conjugated with RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can correlate protein expression with target mRNA levels in individual cells
Single-cell index sorting followed by transcriptomic or proteomic analysis enables correlation of ZFP36 levels with global gene expression patterns
Advanced Microscopy Approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy (STORM, PALM) can visualize ZFP36 within RNA granules at nanometer resolution
Lattice light-sheet microscopy enables long-term live-cell imaging of ZFP36 dynamics with minimal phototoxicity
Expansion microscopy physically enlarges cellular structures to reveal previously undetectable co-localization patterns
CRISPR-Based Functional Genomics:
CRISPR activation/inhibition systems targeting ZFP36 can be combined with antibody detection to correlate expression modulation with functional outcomes
CRISPR base editing or prime editing to introduce specific mutations can assess the impact of different ZFP36 domains or modification sites
Optical genetic control systems allow temporal regulation of ZFP36 expression during live imaging
Protein-RNA Interaction Technologies:
CLIP-seq (crosslinking immunoprecipitation) with ZFP36 antibodies can identify RNA targets in specific cell populations
Spatial transcriptomics combined with immunofluorescence can map ZFP36 protein distribution alongside its target mRNAs within tissues
Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) systems can monitor ZFP36-RNA interactions in living cells
These emerging technologies will provide unprecedented insights into ZFP36's role in diverse physiological and pathological processes, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for conditions ranging from autoimmunity to hypertension .
The application landscape for ZFP36 antibodies is rapidly evolving to address complex questions about RNA-binding proteins in disease:
Multimodal Single-Cell Analysis:
Integration of ZFP36 protein detection with transcriptomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics at single-cell resolution
Development of antibodies recognizing specific ZFP36 conformational states or modification patterns
Implementation in spatial proteomics platforms to map ZFP36 distribution within tissue microenvironments
Clinical Translation Applications:
Development of companion diagnostics using ZFP36 antibodies to stratify patients for RNA-targeting therapeutics
Liquid biopsy applications detecting ZFP36 in extracellular vesicles as disease biomarkers
Immunomonitoring during clinical trials targeting post-transcriptional regulatory pathways
Advanced Therapeutic Development:
Antibody-drug conjugates targeting cells with aberrant ZFP36 expression
Intrabodies directed against specific functional domains of ZFP36
Antibody-based proximity-inducing systems to direct ZFP36 to specific cellular compartments
System Biology Integration:
Large-scale antibody-based screens examining ZFP36 interactome under various pathological conditions
Quantitative analysis of RNA regulons controlled by ZFP36 across disease states
Network pharmacology approaches targeting ZFP36-dependent post-transcriptional regulation
These evolving applications will help address fundamental questions about how post-transcriptional regulation contributes to disease pathogenesis, with particular relevance to inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer where ZFP36 dysregulation has been implicated .
Investigating ZFP36 in challenging primary cells or limited patient samples requires specialized methodological approaches:
Microfluidic Single-Cell Analysis:
Droplet-based systems requiring minimal cell input (1,000-10,000 cells)
Integrated platforms combining antibody detection with transcriptomics from the same cell
Microfluidic tissue processors that can extract and analyze cells from minimal biopsy material
Ultrasensitive Detection Methods:
Cyclical immunofluorescence allowing sequential staining of multiple targets on the same sample
Single-molecule imaging approaches detecting individual ZFP36 proteins
Proximity ligation assays amplifying detection sensitivity by 100-1000 fold
Digital ELISA platforms (e.g., Simoa) for detecting ZFP36 in body fluids at femtomolar concentrations
Ex Vivo Culture Optimization:
Organoid or spheroid cultures maintaining primary cell phenotypes during extended analysis
Tissue slice cultures preserving microenvironmental signals influencing ZFP36 expression
Patient-derived xenograft models expanding limited patient material for longitudinal studies
Non-destructive Analysis Approaches:
Live-cell imaging with minimally perturbative labeling strategies
Real-time reporters of ZFP36 activity using fluorescent RNA probes
Non-invasive sampling techniques to monitor ZFP36 in accessible body fluids
Computational Integration:
Machine learning algorithms to extract maximal information from limited datasets
Transfer learning approaches applying insights from abundant cell types to rare populations
Data integration frameworks combining sparse multiomics data into coherent models
These methodological advances would particularly benefit research into rare autoimmune conditions, tissue-specific vascular pathologies, and cancer specimens where ZFP36 dysregulation may contribute to disease mechanisms but material for analysis is severely limited .