The identification of high-performing antibodies for TDP-43 for use in Western Blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence

• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.131852.1
• Publication Date: 2023-03-14T10:45:20Z
• Authors: Donovan Worrall; Riham Ayoubi; Maryam Fotouhi; Kathleen Southern; Peter S. McPherson; Carl Laflamme
• Keywords: DNA-Binding Proteins; Blotting, Western; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Immunoprecipitation; Data Note; Cell Line

TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a DNA/RNA binding protein playing a critical role in the regulation of transcription, splicing and RNA stability. Mutations in TARDBP leading to aggregation, are suspected to be a characteristic feature of various neurogenerative diseases. The lack of well-characterized anti- TDP-43 antibodies acts as a barrier to establish reproducible TDP-43 research. In this study, we characterized eighteen TDP-43 commercial antibodies for Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. We identified many well-performing antibodies and encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.