We are interested in detecting aggrecan (250 KDa) by WB. No luck so far, are there any recommendations, such as running buffer, sample loading buffer? Thank you in advance!
Detecting aggrecan in Western blotting of mouse brain homogenates can be challenging due to its large molecular weight (~250 kDa). However, with careful optimization of experimental conditions and antibody selection, it is feasible. Here are key points:
Sample Preparation: Ensure effective homogenization of mouse brain tissue and use a suitable lysis buffer to extract proteins.
Gel Electrophoresis: Utilize agarose or gradient polyacrylamide gels for resolving high molecular weight proteins. Run the gel long enough to allow sufficient migration of large proteins.
Transfer: Optimize transfer conditions, considering longer transfer times or semi-dry transfer systems for efficient transfer of high molecular weight proteins.
Blocking: Block the membrane effectively to minimize non-specific binding, using blocking buffers containing BSA or non-fat dry milk.
Antibody Selection: Choose a specific and sensitive antibody validated for Western blotting with a demonstrated ability to detect aggrecan in brain tissue samples.
Positive Control: Include a positive control sample with known aggrecan content to validate experimental procedures.
Detection: Utilize sensitive detection methods such as chemiluminescence or fluorescence, ensuring appropriate exposure times to avoid signal saturation.
Quantification: Analyze Western blot bands using suitable software for accurate quantification of aggrecan expression levels.
By meticulously optimizing each step and addressing specific challenges associated with detecting large proteins like aggrecan, successful detection of the 250 kDa band in mouse brain homogenates can be achieved.
Dear Kais, I truly appreciate your pointed out the key points. My concern is that we are detecting lower molecular weight bands about ~75 kDa in WT mouse brain lysates. A friend mentioned the importance of glycosylation state... Thank you
Along the lines of what Kaisers suggested, some key considerations include:
Sample: Do the samples need to be prepared on a specific way to release the protein monomers? Do boiling affects aggrecan's multimerization?
Gel: Choose a pretty low percentage gel to allow the migration of the large size protein. It might be necessary let let SDS-PAGE to run a bit longer than usual. Are you able to see the high-size molecular weight markers after transfer to the membrane?
Please take a look at:
Arthritis Res Ther. 2009; 11(3): R92. PMID: 19545413