In our lab, we purchased the primers and primary antibodies for the bovine fibroblasts, but now want to conduct the experiment in buffalo fibroblasts. Can we use the same primes and antibodies?
Well of course you can use them! But I think the question you are really wanting answered is will they behave in the way you would wish i.e. in identifying the homologous sequences and antigens?
That's a tricky one. Generally when you use a product outside of its specification as given in the product data sheet, or as used by others in published experiments, you need to exercise some degree of caution. If two species are closely related by genetics then there is perhaps a higher probability that the reagents will still work, but you would still need to validate the result in some way to confirm it wasn't an off-target cross reaction. So include some extra controls if you can and also try to characterise the results in some way. You could look to see how the reagents were originally characterised and conduct similar tests. For antigens you might be able to look at tissue expression, or you could immunoprecipitate the antigen and characterise it on a gel for example.
The important thing is not to simply believe that you can use a reagent outside of its specified uses without checking the results with proper controls.
I believe we must consider that agents / antibodies in diagnosing using these primers. Some agents that affect cattle do not behave the same way in buffaloes. And certain diseases with similar symptoms can separate agents, which produce antibodies will be specific for each species.
Rinaldo Viana
buffaloes health
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