Product Description
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is a highly conserved nuclear protein with an approximate molecular weight of 36 kDa that functions as a sliding clamp for DNA polymerase δ during DNA replication and repair. PCNA plays a central role in coordinating DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and genome maintenance.
PCNA expression is tightly regulated throughout the cell cycle and is most prominent during the S phase, where it localizes to replication foci within the nucleus. Immunostaining produces a characteristic nuclear punctate or diffuse pattern, enabling sensitive detection of actively replicating cells and quantitative assessment of proliferative status.
The BioDeviceLab PCNA Antibody is supplied as a purified monoclonal antibody to support flexible assay design. It can be used with secondary antibodies for indirect detection, adapted for custom labeling strategies, or integrated into biosensor, biodevice, and high-content analytical workflows. The antibody is compatible with conventional culture systems as well as microfluidic, organ-on-chip, and advanced in vitro platforms.
Intended Use
This product is intended for research applications including
• Detection and quantification of DNA-replicating cells
• Cell cycle and S-phase analysis
• Immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry imaging
• Organoid, spheroid, and 3D culture studies
• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research
• Cancer and translational biology studies
• Biosensor, biodevice, and assay biological validation
• Multiplex proliferation and cell-state profiling
Principle of Operation
PCNA is localized to the nucleus of cells engaged in DNA replication. Binding of the antibody following permeabilization enables
• Identification of cells undergoing active DNA synthesis
• Visualization of replication foci by immunofluorescence
• Quantitative analysis of proliferative fractions
• Integration of replication metrics with structural or functional markers
Technical Information
Target antigen: Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA)
Alternative names: Cyclin, DNA clamp
Protein type: Nuclear DNA replication and repair protein
Approximate molecular weight: ~36 kDa
Cellular localization: Nucleus (replication-associated foci)
Clonality: Monoclonal
Host species: Mouse
Isotype: IgG (clone dependent)
Commonly used commercial clones: PC10, F-2, 5E11
Validated applications (clone dependent): IF/ICC, IHC, western blot, flow cytometry
Typical stock concentration (industry reference): approximately 0.5 mg/mL
Reactivity: Human (other species dependent on clone validation)
Sample Volume and Typical Usage
Recommended sample volumes depend on assay format and platform and should be optimized experimentally. Common working ranges are summarized below.
Immunofluorescence / Immunocytochemistry
• Typical staining volume: 50–200 µL per sample
• Applicable to coverslips, chamber slides, well plates, tissue sections, and on-chip chambers
• Nuclear permeabilization is required for antibody access
Flow Cytometry
• Typical staining volume: 50–100 µL per test
• Typical cell input: approximately 1 × 10⁵ to 1 × 10⁶ cells per test
• Fixation and permeabilization are required prior to staining
Organoid and 3D Culture Staining
• Typical staining volume: 100–500 µL per sample
• Volume depends on matrix density and construct size
• Extended incubation times may be required for nuclear penetration
Microfluidic and Biodevice Platforms
• Typical staining volume: 10–100 µL per device
• Volume depends on channel geometry and surface area
• Permeabilization conditions should be optimized for confined systems
General notes
• Antibody concentration is more critical than absolute volume
• Maintain consistent antibody-to-cell ratios
• Optimization is recommended for each assay format and platform
Selectivity and Compatibility
PCNA expression is associated with DNA replication and repair activity, enabling discrimination of actively replicating cells from non-cycling populations. The antibody is compatible with standard fixation and permeabilization protocols and performs reliably across conventional culture systems, 3D models, and microengineered platforms.
Package Contents
Each unit contains
• Purified BioDeviceLab PCNA monoclonal antibody
• Lot-specific quality control documentation
Required Materials
• Fluorescent secondary antibody for unconjugated formats
• Fixation and permeabilization reagents
• Blocking and wash buffers
• Fluorescence microscope and/or flow cytometer
• Optional isotype and negative controls
Sample Handling and Use
• Store according to label instructions
• Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles
• Optimize staining conditions for each assay format
• Include appropriate controls for quantitative analyses
Quality Control
Each lot is evaluated for binding specificity and signal-to-background performance. The antibody is designed to support reproducible DNA replication and proliferation analysis across diverse experimental systems and longitudinal studies.
Storage and Stability
• Store at 2–8 °C
• Do not freeze under standard storage conditions
• Protect from contamination and prolonged light exposure
• Proper storage preserves antibody stability and performance
Applications
• Cell cycle and DNA replication studies
• Cancer and translational research
• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Organoid and 3D culture systems
• Immunofluorescence-based nuclear analysis
• Biosensor and biodevice validation
• Proliferation and cell-state phenotyping
