Antibodies and methods for immunohistochemistry of extracellular matrix proteins.

The diversity of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins encoded in mammalian genomes and detected by proteomic analyses generates a need for well validated antibodies against these proteins. We present characterization of a large number of antibodies against ECM proteins, from both commercial and academic sources, together with discussion of methods and strategies for their effective use in immunohistochemistry and illustrations of their efficacy. These data should be of value to investigators seeking well validated antibodies to ECM proteins of interest and save significant time and money tracking down effective reagents.