“Fit-for-Purpose” Approach to Antibody Validation

Why is it critical for researchers to take the time to validate their antibodies and protocols used in specific applications? Associate Editor Crystal Ripplinger (University of California Davis) interviews lead author Rebekah Gundry (University of Nebraska Medical Center) and Deputy Editor Merry Lindsey (University of Nebraska Medical Center) about this unique Perspective by Matthew Waas and Rebekah Gundry that proposes an approach for antibody validation for flow cytometry assessment of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes used in cardiovascular physiology and translational research. We address the rigor and reproducibility hurdles researchers face when standardizing immunophenotyping protocols, as well as the challenges of including sufficient experimental details in manuscripts when faced with publisher-mandated manuscript word counts. Waas and Gundry call for moving away from the term “validation” and instead adopting “fit-for-purpose.” How does this fit with the concept of “trust but verify” and new NIH antibody authentication documents required for grant submissions? Listen now.

 

Matthew Waas and Rebekah L. Gundry A call to adopt a 'fit-for-purpose' approach to antibody validation for flow cytometry analyses of stem cell models and beyond Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, published October 23, 2019. DOI: doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00347.2019