Efficient detection of intermediate filament proteins using a panspecific monoclonal antibody: anti-IFA.

Anti-IFA, a panspecific monoclonal antibody which was raised against human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), recognizes a determinant common to GFAP and all other intermediate filament proteins. This antibody can be used to identify intermediate filament proteins from both vertebrate and invertebrate tissues. Its utility in immunoblot studies of intermediate filament proteins is enhanced by using cytoskeleton extracts and protease treatment to facilitate the transfer of high molecular weight (greater than 70 000) proteins from gels to nitrocellulose membranes.