FLAG Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The FLAG peptide, also known as the FLAG-tag or FLAG epitope, is a short, hydrophilic peptide sequence with the amino acid sequence DYKDDDDK. This sequence is highly charged and is extensively used in molecular biology for the detection and purification of proteins . The FLAG peptide can be added to a protein using recombinant DNA technology, allowing researchers to study proteins with the help of specific antibodies raised against the FLAG sequence .
The concept of epitope tagging was first introduced by Munro and Pelham in 1984. The FLAG-tag was one of the earliest and most successful examples of an epitope tag, designed to be an idealized, artificial sequence to which monoclonal antibodies could be raised . Unlike other tags that were derived from existing proteins, the FLAG-tag was specifically optimized for compatibility with the proteins it is attached to, making it more hydrophilic and less likely to interfere with protein function .
The FLAG peptide is widely used in various assays that require antibody recognition. Some common applications include:
- Protein Purification: FLAG-tagged proteins can be purified using affinity chromatography with anti-FLAG antibodies .
- Protein Detection: The FLAG-tag allows for the detection of proteins in techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation .
- Protein Localization: Researchers can study the cellular localization of FLAG-tagged proteins using immunofluorescence microscopy .
Monoclonal antibodies against the FLAG peptide are typically produced in mice. These antibodies are highly specific and have a high affinity for the FLAG sequence, making them valuable tools in molecular biology research . The most commonly used anti-FLAG antibodies include the M1, M2, and M5 antibodies, each with different binding properties and applications .
One challenge associated with the use of mouse-derived antibodies is the Human Anti-Mouse Antibody (HAMA) response. When mouse antibodies are introduced into humans, the human immune system may recognize them as foreign and produce antibodies against them . This response can range from mild reactions, such as rashes, to severe reactions, such as kidney failure . The HAMA response can also reduce the effectiveness of treatments involving mouse antibodies and complicate laboratory measurements .
