ZNF177 belongs to the krueppel C2H2-type zinc finger protein family, characterized by:
KRAB domain: Mediates transcriptional repression.
7 C2H2 zinc fingers: Enable sequence-specific DNA binding.
Molecular weight: 36 kDa.
Gene ID: 7730; UniProt ID: Q13360.
The protein is implicated in transcriptional regulation, with repetitive elements in its 5' untranslated region influencing transcriptional and translational efficiency .
Buffer: PBS with 0.09% sodium azide and 2% sucrose (liquid form) .
Precautions: Sodium azide poses toxicity risks; handle with caution .
Transcriptional Regulation: ZNF177’s 5' untranslated region contains Alu and L1 elements that enhance transcription but suppress translation efficiency .
Subcellular Localization: Predominantly nuclear, as inferred from zinc finger domain functionality .
Note: Bovine reactivity is predicted at 95% based on sequence homology .
ZNF177 (Zinc Finger Protein 177) is a member of the krueppel C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family. It contains one KRAB (Krüppel-associated box) domain and seven C2H2-type zinc fingers . The protein is primarily localized in the nucleus and enables sequence-specific double-stranded DNA binding activity . ZNF177 is predicted to be involved in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II . Additionally, it may play roles in various biological functions including cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, and has been implicated in cancer development and progression . An alternative name for ZNF177 is PIGX, and it has been found to interact with proteins such as ARHGAP21 and SLC37A3 .
ZNF177 antibodies have been validated for several key research applications:
Western Blotting (WB): This is the most commonly validated application across various antibody products . WB allows researchers to determine protein expression levels and molecular weight confirmation of ZNF177.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Some ZNF177 antibodies have been tested for ELISA applications, enabling quantitative measurement of ZNF177 in samples .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Certain antibodies are suitable for IHC, allowing visualization of ZNF177 expression patterns in tissue sections .
Immunofluorescence (IF): Some antibody products have been validated for immunofluorescence studies to examine subcellular localization of ZNF177 .
When selecting an antibody for your specific research application, it's important to verify that the antibody has been validated for that particular application with the species of interest.
The calculated molecular weight of ZNF177 is 36 kDa according to some sources , while others report a calculated and observed molecular weight of approximately 55 kDa . This discrepancy could be due to post-translational modifications, splice variants, or differences in electrophoresis conditions. When performing Western blot with ZNF177 antibodies, researchers should expect to see a primary band between 36-55 kDa, with the most commonly reported observed molecular weight being 55 kDa . Always include appropriate positive controls (such as mouse testis lysate, which has been reported as a positive sample ) to verify band specificity.
Available ZNF177 antibodies show varied species reactivity profiles:
When selecting an antibody for cross-species studies, pay attention to the predicted reactivity percentages (when provided) which indicate the degree of sequence homology and likely cross-reactivity. For example, one antibody reports predicted reactivity as: Dog: 92%, Horse: 100%, Human: 100%, Mouse: 92%, Rat: 100% .
Optimization of ZNF177 antibody dilution for Western blot requires systematic testing to achieve the optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Based on available product information, recommended dilution ranges for Western blot typically fall between 1:500 and 1:2000 . To determine the optimal dilution for your specific experimental conditions:
Perform a dilution series experiment (e.g., 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000) using a positive control sample with known ZNF177 expression (mouse testis has been reported as a reliable positive control ).
Include appropriate negative controls, such as samples from knockout models or cell lines with minimal ZNF177 expression.
Evaluate each dilution for:
Signal intensity of the target band at 36-55 kDa
Background noise levels
Non-specific binding
Optimize blocking conditions and washing steps in parallel, as these can significantly impact antibody performance regardless of dilution.
Consider that the optimal dilution may vary depending on:
Remember that "optimal working dilutions should be determined experimentally by the investigator" , as stated in product documentation.
Validating ZNF177 antibody specificity is crucial for generating reliable research data. A comprehensive validation approach should include:
Positive and negative control samples:
Multiple detection methods:
Peptide competition assay:
Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunogen peptide (when available)
Verify signal disappearance in the competed sample
For ZNF177 antibodies, immunogens may include synthetic peptides directed towards the N-terminal region or recombinant proteins containing specific amino acid sequences (e.g., aa 50-110 )
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Test antibody against recombinant ZNF177 and related zinc finger proteins
Evaluate performance in multiple species if cross-reactivity is claimed
Orthogonal validation:
Compare protein expression with mRNA expression data
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of ZNF177 when possible
A properly validated antibody should produce consistent results across these validation steps, with specific recognition of ZNF177 at the expected molecular weight and cellular location.
Optimizing ZNF177 detection in immunohistochemistry requires careful attention to multiple parameters:
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Test multiple antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
Optimize pH conditions (citrate buffer pH 6.0 vs. EDTA buffer pH 9.0)
Adjust retrieval times based on tissue fixation conditions
Antibody incubation parameters:
Test both room temperature and 4°C incubation
Optimize antibody concentration and incubation time
Consider the use of signal amplification systems for low-abundance targets
Counterstaining considerations:
Select appropriate nuclear counterstains that don't obscure nuclear ZNF177 staining
Optimize counterstain intensity to maintain visibility of ZNF177 nuclear localization
Controls for IHC:
Include tissue with known ZNF177 expression patterns
Perform antibody omission and isotype controls
Use peptide competition controls when possible
Signal development:
Compare chromogenic vs. fluorescent detection methods
For chromogenic detection, optimize development time to prevent oversaturation
For fluorescent detection, select fluorophores that minimize tissue autofluorescence interference
When using polyclonal antibodies (as most available ZNF177 antibodies are ), be particularly vigilant about background staining and optimize blocking steps accordingly to ensure specific detection of ZNF177 in nuclear compartments, consistent with its known cellular localization .
Designing effective Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments with ZNF177 antibodies requires careful consideration of several factors:
Antibody selection:
Choose ZNF177 antibodies validated for immunoprecipitation applications
Consider antibodies targeting the DNA-binding domains (zinc finger regions) as they may more effectively capture DNA-bound ZNF177
Ensure the selected antibody has high specificity and low background
Chromatin preparation:
Optimize crosslinking conditions (formaldehyde concentration and duration)
Adjust sonication parameters to achieve consistent fragment sizes (200-500 bp)
Verify fragment size distribution by gel electrophoresis before proceeding
Immunoprecipitation protocol:
Determine optimal antibody concentration through titration experiments
Include appropriate controls:
Input chromatin (pre-immunoprecipitation)
IgG control (same host species as ZNF177 antibody)
Positive control antibody (e.g., RNA Polymerase II)
Bioinformatic analysis considerations:
Use peak calling algorithms suitable for transcription factors
Perform motif discovery analysis to identify ZNF177 binding sequences
Integrate with transcriptomic data to correlate binding with gene expression
Consider the C2H2-type zinc finger binding preferences in analysis
Validation of ChIP-seq findings:
Confirm selected binding sites using ChIP-qPCR
Perform functional assays (e.g., reporter assays) to validate regulatory effects
Consider employing CUT&RUN or CUT&Tag as complementary approaches for validation
Given ZNF177's predicted role in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II , analysis should particularly focus on correlating binding sites with transcriptional repression in the experimental system.
Investigating ZNF177 protein-protein interactions requires multiple complementary approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use ZNF177 antibodies that have been validated for IP applications
Consider both forward approaches (immunoprecipitate with ZNF177 antibody) and reverse approaches (immunoprecipitate with antibodies against suspected interacting partners like ARHGAP21 or SLC37A3 )
Optimize lysis conditions to preserve protein-protein interactions:
Test different detergents (NP-40, Triton X-100, CHAPS)
Adjust salt concentrations to maintain specific interactions
Include protease and phosphatase inhibitors
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Useful for detecting protein interactions in situ
Requires primary antibodies from different host species
Can provide spatial information about where interactions occur within the cell
Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC):
Generate fusion constructs of ZNF177 and potential interacting partners
Particularly useful for confirming direct interactions
Can visualize interactions in living cells
Yeast two-hybrid screening:
Use ZNF177 domains (especially KRAB domain) as bait
Screen against cDNA libraries from relevant tissues
Verify interactions with methods above
Mass spectrometry approaches:
Perform immunoprecipitation with ZNF177 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry
Consider BioID or APEX proximity labeling approaches
Compare interactome in different cellular contexts or conditions
When studying ZNF177 interactions, consider its nuclear localization and focus on nuclear extraction protocols that effectively isolate nuclear protein complexes while maintaining native interactions. Special attention should be given to interactions that may relate to ZNF177's roles in transcriptional regulation and its association with chromatin.
When encountering weak or absent signals in Western blots with ZNF177 antibodies, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
Sample preparation optimization:
Antibody-specific considerations:
Transfer and detection optimization:
Adjust transfer conditions for high molecular weight proteins
Extend transfer time or reduce voltage for more efficient transfer
Use PVDF membranes instead of nitrocellulose for potentially better protein retention
Employ enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrates with higher sensitivity
Increase exposure time during imaging
Buffer and blocking optimization:
Test different blocking agents (milk vs. BSA)
Consider using specialized blocking buffers for phospho-epitopes if relevant
Adjust washing stringency (buffer composition, duration)
Sample-specific issues:
Remember that the calculated molecular weight of ZNF177 varies between sources (36 kDa vs. 55 kDa ), so ensure you're examining the appropriate molecular weight range.
High background in immunostaining with ZNF177 antibodies can significantly impair data interpretation. Here are strategies to reduce background and improve signal-to-noise ratio:
Antibody optimization:
Blocking optimization:
Extend blocking time (1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C)
Test alternative blocking agents (normal serum from the same species as secondary antibody, BSA, casein, commercial blocking buffers)
Add 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to blocking buffer to reduce non-specific hydrophobic interactions
Washing procedures:
Increase number and duration of washes
Use buffers with higher detergent concentration (0.1-0.3% Tween-20 or Triton X-100)
Perform washes at room temperature with gentle agitation
Fixation and antigen retrieval adjustments:
Compare different fixation methods (paraformaldehyde, methanol, acetone)
Optimize antigen retrieval methods for better epitope accessibility
Consider gentler permeabilization methods
Secondary antibody considerations:
Ensure secondary antibody is raised against the host species of the primary antibody
Use highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies
Include controls without primary antibody to assess secondary antibody background
Tissue-specific treatments:
For tissues with high autofluorescence, include an autofluorescence quenching step
For tissues with endogenous biotin, use streptavidin/biotin blocking kits
Consider Sudan Black B treatment to reduce lipofuscin autofluorescence in aged tissues
Remember that polyclonal antibodies (which all the ZNF177 antibodies in the search results are ) may inherently produce more background than monoclonal antibodies, requiring more rigorous optimization.
Cross-reactivity with other zinc finger proteins is a potential concern when working with ZNF177 antibodies, particularly given the structural similarities within the C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family. Here are strategies to address cross-reactivity issues:
Antibody selection based on epitope:
Choose antibodies targeting unique regions of ZNF177 outside of conserved zinc finger domains
Consider antibodies raised against N-terminal regions or specific amino acid sequences (aa 50-110 ) that may offer better specificity
Review sequence information provided with antibodies to assess potential for cross-reactivity
Validation with positive and negative controls:
Include samples with ZNF177 knockdown/knockout
Test in cell lines with known expression profiles of related zinc finger proteins
Compare results with multiple ZNF177 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Peptide competition assays:
Use the immunizing peptide to compete for antibody binding
Include peptides from related zinc finger proteins to assess cross-reactivity
A specific antibody should show signal reduction only with the ZNF177 peptide
Western blot analysis:
Specificity enhancement techniques:
Increase antibody dilution to favor high-affinity binding
Optimize blocking to reduce non-specific interactions
Consider pre-adsorption with related proteins or peptides
Alternative detection methods:
Verify findings with orthogonal approaches (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data
Consider using tagged ZNF177 constructs in overexpression systems
When interpreting results, be aware of the predicted reactivity percentages provided by manufacturers , which may indicate potential cross-reactivity with ZNF177 homologs in different species.
ZNF177 has been implicated in cancer development and progression , making it an important target for cancer research. ZNF177 antibodies can be utilized in the following ways to investigate its role in cancer:
Expression profiling across cancer types:
Use immunohistochemistry with ZNF177 antibodies on tissue microarrays containing multiple cancer types
Quantify expression levels and correlate with clinical parameters and patient outcomes
Compare expression between tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissue
Functional studies in cancer cell lines:
Combine ZNF177 knockdown/overexpression with immunoblotting to verify protein levels
Investigate changes in proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis markers
Use chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify cancer-specific ZNF177 target genes
Post-translational modification analysis:
Use phospho-specific antibodies (if available) to assess ZNF177 activation status
Investigate how post-translational modifications change during cancer progression
Determine how modifications affect ZNF177's transcriptional regulatory functions
Protein-protein interaction networks in cancer:
Perform co-immunoprecipitation with ZNF177 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry
Compare interactomes between normal and cancer cells
Focus on interactions with known oncogenes or tumor suppressors
Response to therapy:
Monitor ZNF177 expression changes in response to various cancer therapies
Determine if ZNF177 expression correlates with drug resistance mechanisms
Investigate whether targeting ZNF177-regulated pathways sensitizes cells to therapy
When conducting these studies, consider that ZNF177's predicted role in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II suggests it may function as a transcriptional repressor, potentially suppressing tumor suppressor genes in cancer contexts.
As a member of the krueppel C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family with predicted roles in transcriptional regulation , ZNF177 likely functions as a sequence-specific DNA binding protein. The following approaches can help elucidate its transcriptional regulatory functions:
Genome-wide binding site identification:
Transcriptome analysis after ZNF177 modulation:
Combine ZNF177 knockdown/overexpression with RNA-seq
Identify differentially expressed genes
Perform pathway analysis to determine biological processes regulated by ZNF177
Integrate with ChIP-seq data to distinguish direct from indirect targets
Mechanistic studies of transcriptional repression:
Investigate ZNF177 interactions with co-repressors using co-immunoprecipitation
Assess recruitment of histone modifying enzymes to ZNF177 binding sites
Perform chromatin accessibility assays (ATAC-seq) after ZNF177 modulation
Study the role of the KRAB domain in recruiting transcriptional silencing machinery
Reporter assays to validate direct regulation:
Clone putative ZNF177 binding sites into reporter constructs
Measure reporter activity after ZNF177 modulation
Perform site-directed mutagenesis of binding motifs to confirm specificity
Test the effect of different ZNF177 domains on repression activity
Single-cell approaches to assess cell-type specificity:
Perform single-cell RNA-seq with ZNF177 immunostaining
Identify cell populations with high ZNF177 expression
Determine cell-type-specific transcriptional programs regulated by ZNF177
When studying ZNF177's transcriptional functions, consider the role of repetitive elements, as research has shown that "repetitive elements in the 5' untranslated region of a human zinc-finger gene modulate transcription and translation efficiency" , which may be relevant to ZNF177's regulatory mechanisms.
Multiplex imaging allows simultaneous detection of multiple proteins in a single sample, providing valuable spatial context for protein expression and interactions. Here's how ZNF177 antibodies can be effectively incorporated into multiplex imaging approaches:
Sequential immunofluorescence:
Use ZNF177 antibodies in combination with antibodies against potential interacting partners or co-expressed proteins
Employ antibodies from different host species to enable simultaneous detection
Consider spectral unmixing approaches for fluorophores with overlapping emission spectra
Validate ZNF177 detection is consistent in multiplex conditions compared to single staining
Mass cytometry imaging (IMC):
Conjugate ZNF177 antibodies with rare earth metals
Combine with multiple other metal-labeled antibodies
Analyze spatial distribution in relation to cell types and tissue structures
Particularly useful for examining ZNF177 expression across heterogeneous tumor samples
Cyclic immunofluorescence:
Include ZNF177 antibodies in one cycle of staining
Use fluorophore inactivation or antibody stripping between cycles
Build comprehensive spatial maps of ZNF177 in relation to multiple cell markers
Analyze co-expression patterns across different cell types
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) in multiplex context:
Combine ZNF177 PLA with standard immunofluorescence for other markers
Visualize specific protein-protein interactions while maintaining tissue context
Use different fluorophores for distinct interaction pairs
Optimization considerations for multiplex approaches:
Test antibody compatibility in multiplexed formats
Optimize signal amplification methods for low-abundance targets
Carefully select antibody pairs to avoid cross-reactivity
Include appropriate controls for each antibody in the multiplex panel
For multiplex approaches, consider that ZNF177 is primarily localized to the nucleus , so nuclear segmentation and analysis will be particularly important for accurate quantification and co-localization studies.
While the search results don't specifically mention flow cytometry applications for ZNF177 antibodies, researchers may want to adapt available antibodies for this purpose. When considering using ZNF177 antibodies for flow cytometry, the following points should be addressed:
Nuclear protein detection challenges:
ZNF177 is primarily a nuclear protein , requiring effective permeabilization protocols
Compare different permeabilization methods (e.g., saponin, Triton X-100, methanol)
Optimize fixation to maintain epitope accessibility while preserving cellular structure
Consider specialized nuclear flow cytometry protocols
Antibody validation for flow cytometry:
Verify antibody performance in flow cytometry even if not explicitly validated
Test with positive control samples (e.g., cell lines with known ZNF177 expression)
Compare staining index between samples with high and low ZNF177 expression
Perform blocking experiments with immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
Signal optimization:
Test different antibody concentrations to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Consider signal amplification methods for low-abundance nuclear proteins
Optimize fluorophore selection based on instrument configuration and other markers in panel
For indirect detection, select secondary antibodies with bright fluorophores
Controls for flow cytometry:
Multiparameter considerations:
Design panels that include markers for relevant cell populations
Consider including markers for cell cycle phases, as transcription factor expression may vary
For cancer studies, combine with markers of cancer stem cells or differentiation
Data analysis approaches:
Use appropriate gating strategies for nuclear proteins
Consider median fluorescence intensity rather than percent positive cells
For heterogeneous expression, analyze distribution patterns rather than simple positive/negative categorization
When selecting ZNF177 antibodies for flow cytometry, prioritize those that recognize epitopes likely to remain accessible after fixation and permeabilization procedures.
Several emerging technologies hold promise for expanding and enhancing ZNF177 antibody applications in research:
Single-cell spatial transcriptomics integration:
Combine ZNF177 immunostaining with spatial transcriptomics
Correlate protein expression with transcriptional programs at single-cell resolution
Map ZNF177 protein localization to specific cellular microenvironments
Super-resolution microscopy techniques:
Apply STORM, PALM, or STED microscopy with ZNF177 antibodies
Resolve subnuclear localization patterns at nanometer resolution
Investigate co-localization with chromatin marks and transcriptional machinery
CRISPR-based tagging for live-cell imaging:
Use CRISPR to insert fluorescent or epitope tags into endogenous ZNF177
Compare antibody detection with tag-based detection for validation
Perform live-cell imaging to track ZNF177 dynamics during cellular processes
Protein-protein interaction mapping technologies:
Implement BioID or APEX proximity labeling with ZNF177
Combine with mass spectrometry for comprehensive interactome analysis
Validate interactions using traditional antibody-based co-immunoprecipitation
Antibody engineering approaches:
Develop recombinant antibodies with improved specificity for ZNF177
Engineer antibody fragments (Fab, scFv) for improved tissue penetration
Create bispecific antibodies for simultaneous detection of ZNF177 and interacting partners
Advanced ChIP technologies:
Implement CUT&RUN or CUT&Tag for improved signal-to-noise in chromatin binding studies
Combine with long-read sequencing for better resolution of binding sites in repetitive regions
Perform ChIP-SICAP to identify proteins associated with ZNF177 on chromatin
These technologies can potentially overcome current limitations in studying ZNF177's functions, particularly in understanding its dynamic regulation and precise mechanisms of transcriptional control as a member of the krueppel C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family .
Research on ZNF177 using antibody-based approaches may contribute to therapeutic developments in several ways:
Cancer therapeutics:
Given ZNF177's implication in cancer development and progression , antibody-based studies can identify its role in specific cancer types
Characterize ZNF177 as a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis or treatment response
Identify downstream targets of ZNF177 that may be more druggable
Determine if ZNF177 expression correlates with resistance to existing therapies
Transcriptional regulation modulation:
ZNF177's role in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II suggests it may repress important genes
Identify context-specific transcriptional programs controlled by ZNF177
Develop strategies to modulate ZNF177 activity to restore normal gene expression patterns
Explore the potential of targeting ZNF177 with small molecules or degraders
Developmental disorders:
As a transcription factor, ZNF177 may regulate genes involved in development
Investigate ZNF177 expression and function during different developmental stages
Determine if ZNF177 mutations or dysregulation contribute to developmental disorders
Develop potential interventions based on ZNF177 target genes
Diagnostic applications:
Evaluate ZNF177 antibodies for diagnostic immunohistochemistry applications
Assess whether ZNF177 expression patterns can distinguish between disease subtypes
Develop standardized scoring systems for ZNF177 expression in pathology samples
Incorporate ZNF177 into multiplexed diagnostic panels
Precision medicine approaches:
Correlate ZNF177 expression or mutations with patient outcomes
Identify patient subgroups that might benefit from therapies targeting ZNF177-regulated pathways
Develop companion diagnostics using ZNF177 antibodies
Create patient-derived models to test ZNF177-targeted interventions
To advance these potential therapeutic applications, researchers should focus on establishing the fundamental biology of ZNF177 using well-validated antibodies, while also exploring its tissue-specific functions and regulation in disease states.