Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody

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Description

Definition and Target

The Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody is a polyclonal rabbit-derived immunoglobulin designed to specifically detect the acetylated form of RELA (p65), a core component of the NF-κB transcription factor complex, at lysine residue 221 (K221). This modification is critical for regulating NF-κB’s transcriptional activity, DNA binding, and interaction with inhibitory proteins like IκBα .

Mechanism of Action

Acetylation at K221 enhances NF-κB’s DNA binding affinity and disrupts its interaction with IκBα, prolonging nuclear retention and transcriptional activity . The antibody selectively binds to acetylated K221, enabling researchers to study this modification’s role in immune regulation, inflammation, and cancer .

Research Findings

StudyKey Observations
K221 Acetylation- Enhances DNA binding and transcriptional activity of NF-κB .
- Impairs IκBα binding, delaying NF-κB nuclear export .
Mutagenesis Studies- K221R mutation reduces DNA binding activity (T1/2: ~22 min vs. ~64 min for wild-type) .
- Co-transfection with p300 HAT increases acetylation levels .
Pathological RelevanceLinked to chronic inflammation and oncogenesis via sustained NF-κB activation .

Applications in Research

  • Western Blot: Detects acetylated RELA in denatured lysates (1:500–1:2000 dilution) .

  • ELISA: Quantifies acetylation levels in cell lysates (1:10,000 dilution) .

  • In Vivo Studies: Monitors stimulus-induced acetylation (e.g., TNF-α activation) .

Comparison with Other Acetylation Sites

While K310 acetylation is critical for transcriptional activation , K221 modifications uniquely regulate DNA binding and IκBα interactions. This site-specificity underscores the antibody’s utility in dissecting NF-κB’s multifaceted regulation .

Product Specs

Buffer
Liquid in PBS containing 50% glycerol, 0.5% BSA and 0.02% sodium azide.
Form
Liquid
Lead Time
Generally, we can ship products within 1-3 business days after receiving your orders. Delivery times may vary depending on the purchasing method or location. For specific delivery times, please consult your local distributors.
Synonyms
Avian reticuloendotheliosis viral (v rel) oncogene homolog A antibody; MGC131774 antibody; NF kappa B p65delta3 antibody; nfkappabp65 antibody; NFkB p65 antibody; NFKB3 antibody; Nuclear factor kappaB antibody; Nuclear Factor NF Kappa B p65 Subunit antibody; Nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit antibody; Nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells 3 antibody; Nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 3 antibody; OTTHUMP00000233473 antibody; OTTHUMP00000233474 antibody; OTTHUMP00000233475 antibody; OTTHUMP00000233476 antibody; OTTHUMP00000233900 antibody; p65 antibody; p65 NF kappaB antibody; p65 NFkB antibody; relA antibody; TF65_HUMAN antibody; Transcription factor NFKB3 antibody; Transcription factor p65 antibody; v rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells 3 (p65)) antibody; V rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A antibody; v rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (avian) antibody; V rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A, nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells 3, p65 antibody
Target Names
Uniprot No.

Target Background

Function
NF-κB is a pleiotropic transcription factor found in nearly all cell types. It serves as the endpoint of a series of signal transduction events initiated by a wide range of stimuli related to various biological processes, including inflammation, immunity, differentiation, cell growth, tumorigenesis, and apoptosis. NF-κB is a homo- or heterodimeric complex composed of Rel-like domain-containing proteins RELA/p65, RELB, NFKB1/p105, NFKB1/p50, REL, and NFKB2/p52. The heterodimeric RELA-NFKB1 complex is generally the most abundant. These dimers bind to κB sites within the DNA of their target genes. Each dimer exhibits distinct preferences for different κB sites, binding with varying affinity and specificity. Different dimer combinations can act as transcriptional activators or repressors. For example, the NF-κB heterodimeric RELA-NFKB1 and RELA-REL complexes function as transcriptional activators. NF-κB is regulated by various mechanisms involving post-translational modification, subcellular compartmentalization, and interactions with other cofactors or corepressors. NF-κB complexes are held inactive in the cytoplasm, bound to members of the NF-κB inhibitor (IκB) family. In a typical activation pathway, IκB is phosphorylated by IκB kinases (IKKs) in response to diverse activators. Subsequently, IκB undergoes degradation, liberating the active NF-κB complex which then translocates to the nucleus. The inhibitory effect of IκB on NF-κB, through cytoplasmic retention, is primarily exerted through interaction with RELA. RELA possesses a weak DNA-binding site, potentially contributing directly to DNA binding within the NF-κB complex. Beyond its role as a direct transcriptional activator, RELA can modulate promoter accessibility to transcription factors, indirectly regulating gene expression. RELA associates with chromatin at the NF-κB promoter region by interacting with DDX1. It is crucial for cytokine gene expression in T cells. The NF-κB homodimeric RELA-RELA complex appears to be involved in invasin-mediated activation of IL-8 expression. RELA is a key transcription factor regulating the IFN response during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Gene References Into Functions
  1. These findings suggest that resveratrol induces chondrosarcoma cell apoptosis through SIRT1-activated NF-κB (p65 subunit of NF-κB complex) deacetylation, exhibiting anti-chondrosarcoma activity in vivo. PMID: 28600541
  2. The increased IL-1β production by the v65Stop mutant is partially attributed to the induction of DNA binding and transcriptional activity of NF-κB. PMID: 30332797
  3. A study employing integrative analysis of transcriptomic, metabolomic, and clinical data proposes a model for GOT2 transcriptional regulation, where cooperative phosphorylation of STAT3 and direct joint binding of STAT3 and p65/NF-κB to the proximal GOT2 promoter are significant. PMID: 29666362
  4. These results elucidate a novel role of MKRN2 in negatively regulating NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses, cooperating with PDLIM2. PMID: 28378844
  5. Compared to patients with NF-κB-94 ins/del ATTG ins/ins and ins/del, multiple myeloma patients with del/del exhibited the highest myeloma cell ratio. PMID: 30211233
  6. The riboflavin transporter-3 (SLC52A3) 5'-flanking regions contain NF-κB p65/Rel-B-binding sites, crucial for mediating SLC52A3 transcriptional activity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. PMID: 29428966
  7. Akirin-2 could be a novel biomarker for imatinib resistance. Targeting Akirin-2, NFκB, and β-catenin genes may offer a strategy to overcome imatinib resistance in CML. PMID: 29945498
  8. The NF-κB-94ins/del ATTG genotype might serve as a novel biomarker and potential target for immune thrombocytopenia. PMID: 30140708
  9. Our findings suggest that melatonin may exert anti-tumor activities against thyroid carcinoma by inhibiting p65 phosphorylation and inducing reactive oxygen species. Radio-sensitization by melatonin may have clinical benefits in thyroid cancer. PMID: 29525603
  10. The antiproliferative effect of lutein was mediated by activation of the NrF2/ARE pathway and blocking of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Lutein treatment reduced NF-κB signaling pathway-related NF-κB p65 protein expression. PMID: 29336610
  11. Furthermore, the present study indicated that SNHG15 might be involved in the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway, inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and promoting renal cell carcinoma invasion and migration. PMID: 29750422
  12. This revealed that the overexpression of p65 partially reversed SOX4 downregulation-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that inhibition of SOX4 markedly induced melanoma cell apoptosis through downregulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, potentially representing a novel approach for treating melanoma. PMID: 29767266
  13. Downregulation of HAGLROS might alleviate lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury in WI-38 cells by modulating the miR-100/NF-κB axis. PMID: 29673591
  14. Our observations suggest that the RelA activation domain and multiple cofactor proteins function cooperatively to prime the RelA-DNA binding domain and stabilize the RelA:DNA complex in cells. PMID: 29708732
  15. Results show that MKL1 influences the chromatin structure of pro-inflammatory genes. Specifically, MKL1 defines the histone H3K4 trimethylation landscape for NF-κB dependent transcription. PMID: 28298643
  16. The study investigated the association of SIRT2 and p53/NF-κB p65 signaling pathways in preventing high glucose-induced vascular endothelial cell injury. Results demonstrated that SIRT2 overexpression is associated with deacetylation of p53 and NF-κB p65, inhibiting the high glucose-induced apoptosis and vascular endothelial cell inflammation response. PMID: 29189925
  17. In conclusion, the spindle cell morphology should be induced by RelA activation (p-RelA S468) through IKKε upregulation in human herpesvirus 8 vFLIP-expressing EA hy926 cells. PMID: 30029010
  18. High P65 expression is associated with doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer. PMID: 29181822
  19. Reduced miR-138 expression enhanced the destruction of cartilage tissues among osteoarthritis patients, primarily by targeting p65. PMID: 28537665
  20. The present results indicated that vascular smooth proliferation is regulated by activation of the NF-κB p65/miR17/RB pathway. As NF-κB p65 signaling is activated in and is a master regulator of the inflammatory response, the present findings may provide a mechanism for the excessive proliferation of VSMCs under inflammation during vascular disorders and may identify novel targets for the treatment of vascular ... PMID: 29115381
  21. The results of real-time PCR and western blotting revealed that Huaier extract decreased p65 and c-Met expression and increased IκBα expression, while paclitaxel increased p65 expression and reduced IκBα and c-Met expression. The molecular mechanisms might be involved in the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and c-Met expression. PMID: 29039556
  22. Ghrelin effectively suppressed TNF-α-induced inflammatory factors' (including ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MCP-1, and IL-1β) expression by inhibiting AMPK phosphorylation and p65 expression in both HUVEC and THP-1. PMID: 28653238
  23. These data indicated that the MALAT1/miR146a/NF-κB pathway exerted key functions in LPS-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and provided novel insights into the mechanisms of this therapeutic candidate for the treatment of the disease. PMID: 29115409
  24. Cytosolic AGR2 contributed to cell metastasis attributed to its stabilizing effect on p65 protein, which subsequently activated the NF-κB and facilitated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). PMID: 29410027
  25. We provide evidence that S100A7 also inhibits YAP expression and activity through p65/NFκB-mediated repression of ΔNp63, and S100A7 represses drug-induced apoptosis through inhibition of YAP. PMID: 28923839
  26. This study shows the age-related reductions in serum IL-12 in healthy nonobese subjects. PMID: 28762199
  27. NF-κB p65 potentiated tumor growth by suppressing a novel target LPTS. PMID: 29017500
  28. p65 siRNA retroviruses could suppress the activation of the NFκB signaling pathway. PMID: 28990087
  29. miR-215 facilitated HCV replication through inactivation of the NF-κB pathway by inhibiting TRIM22, providing a novel potential target for HCV infection. PMID: 29749134
  30. Acute inflammation after injury initiates important regenerative signals in part through NF-κB-mediated signaling that activates neural stem cells to reconstitute the olfactory epithelium; loss of RelA in the regenerating neuroepithelium perturbs the homeostasis between proliferation and apoptosis. PMID: 28696292
  31. PAK5-mediated phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65 promote breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. PMID: 29041983
  32. While 3-methyladenine rescues cell damage. Our data thus suggest that I/R promotes NF-κB p65 activity mediated Beclin 1-mediated autophagic flux, thereby exacerbating myocardial injury. PMID: 27857190
  33. Taken together, these data indicate that up-regulation of ANXA4 leads to activation of the NF-κB pathway and its target genes in a feedback regulatory mechanism via the p65 subunit, resulting in tumor growth in GBC. PMID: 27491820
  34. p65 is significantly upregulated in BBN-induced high invasive BCs and human BC cell lines. Our studies have also uncovered a new PTEN/FBW7/RhoGDIα axis, which is responsible for the oncogenic role of RelA p65 in promoting human BC cell migration. PMID: 28772241
  35. p65 O-GlcNAcylation promotes lung metastasis of cervical cancer cells by activating CXCR4 expression. PMID: 28681591
  36. We showed that pristimerin suppressed tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced IκBα phosphorylation, translocation of p65, and expression of NFκB-dependent genes. Moreover, pristimerin decreased cell viability and clonogenic ability of Uveal melanoma (UM) cells. A synergistic effect was observed in the treatment of pristimerin combined with vinblastine, a frontline therapeutic agent, in UM. PMID: 28766683
  37. This study establishes p65 as a novel target of IMP3 in increasing glioma cell migration and underscores the significance of the IMP3-p65 feedback loop for therapeutic targeting in GBM. PMID: 28465487
  38. High NF-κB p65 expression is associated with resistance to doxorubicin in breast cancer. PMID: 27878697
  39. In colon cancer cell migration, activin utilizes NFkB to induce MDM2 activity leading to the degradation of p21 in a PI3K-dependent mechanism. PMID: 28418896
  40. The study examined melatonin's role in cell senescence, autophagy, sirtuin 1 expression, and acetylation of RelA in hydrogen peroxide-treated SH-SY5Y cells. PMID: 28295567
  41. The data demonstrate that miR-125b regulates nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting the A20/NF-κB signaling pathway. miR-125b acts as an oncogene, whereas A20 functions as a tumor suppressor. PMID: 28569771
  42. NF-κB physically interacts with FOXM1 and promotes transcription of the FOXM1 gene. NF-κB directly binds to the FOXM1 gene promoter. Silencing p65 attenuates FOXM1 and β-catenin expression. NF-κB activation is required for nuclear translocation of FOXM1 and β-catenin. FOXM1 and β-catenin positively regulate NF-κB. Knockdown of β-catenin and FOXM1 downregulates p65 protein and NF-κB-dependent reporter... PMID: 27492973
  43. PTX treatment of THP-1 macrophages for 1 hour induced marked intranuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Low-dose PTX inhibited the M2 phenotype and induced the M1 phenotype via TLR4 signaling, suggesting that low-dose PTX can alter the macrophage phenotype, whereas clinical doses can kill cancer cells. These results suggest that the anticancer effects of PTX are due to both its cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activities. PMID: 28440494
  44. Sphk1 induced NF-κB-p65 activation, increased expression of cyclin D1, shortened the cell division cycle, and thus promoted proliferation of breast epithelial cells. PMID: 27811358
  45. Expression of NF-κB/p65 has prognostic value in high-risk non-germinal center B-cell-like subtype diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. PMID: 28039454
  46. NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism associated with decreased risks for lung cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and oral squamous cell carcinoma. PMID: 28039461
  47. PU.1 supports TRAIL-induced cell death by inhibiting RelA-mediated cell survival and inducing DR5 expression. PMID: 28362429
  48. EGF and TNFα cooperatively promoted the motility of HCC cells mainly through NF-κB/p65 mediated synergistic induction of FN in vitro. These findings highlight the crosstalk between EGF and TNFα in promoting HCC and provide potential targets for HCC prevention and treatment. PMID: 28844984
  49. The Brd4 acetyllysine-binding protein of RelA is involved in the activation of polyomavirus JC. PMID: 27007123
  50. MUC1-C activates the NF-κB p65 pathway, promotes occupancy of the MUC1-C/NF-κB complex on the DNMT1 promoter and drives DNMT1 transcription. PMID: 27259275

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Database Links

HGNC: 9955

OMIM: 164014

KEGG: hsa:5970

STRING: 9606.ENSP00000384273

UniGene: Hs.502875

Involvement In Disease
A chromosomal aberration involving C11orf95 is found in more than two-thirds of supratentorial ependymomas. Translocation with C11orf95 produces a C11orf95-RELA fusion protein. C11orf95-RELA translocations are potent oncogenes that probably transform neural stem cells by driving an aberrant NF-kappa-B transcription program (PubMed:24553141).
Subcellular Location
Nucleus. Cytoplasm.

Q&A

What is Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody and what does it specifically detect?

Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody is a polyclonal antibody typically produced in rabbits that specifically recognizes RELA (p65) protein only when acetylated at lysine 221. RELA is a critical component of the NF-κB complex, which regulates the expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory pathways. This antibody serves as a valuable research tool for studying post-translational modifications of NF-κB signaling .

The antibody is designed to detect endogenous levels of NF-κB p65 protein exclusively when acetylated at the K221 residue, making it useful for investigating specific acetylation-dependent regulatory mechanisms. Structurally, this antibody is generated using synthesized acetyl-peptides derived from the internal region of human NFκB-p65 surrounding the K221 acetylation site .

How does acetylation at K221 affect RELA function compared to unmodified RELA?

Acetylation of RELA at lysine 221 significantly impacts its functional properties in several ways:

  • Enhanced DNA binding: K221 acetylation increases the DNA binding capacity of NF-κB

  • Reduced IκB association: Together with acetylation at K218, K221 acetylation impairs RELA's association with inhibitory IκB proteins, promoting nuclear retention

  • Transcriptional activity: This modification is necessary for the full transcriptional potential of NF-κB and affects the expression of specific target genes involved in immune response and inflammation

This site-specific acetylation represents a key post-translational regulatory mechanism that fine-tunes NF-κB activity in response to various cellular stimuli such as inflammatory cytokines, providing an additional layer of control beyond the classical IκB-regulated pathway .

What is the relationship between K221 acetylation and other post-translational modifications of RELA?

RELA undergoes multiple post-translational modifications that create a complex regulatory network. The relationship between K221 acetylation and other modifications includes:

ModificationRelationship with K221 AcetylationFunctional Impact
K218 AcetylationOften co-occurs with K221 acetylationTogether they impair IκB association
K310 AcetylationIndependent site required for full transcriptional activityK310 acetylation prevents methylation at K314/315
K314/315 AcetylationDistinct from K221 functionAffects specific gene subset expression without altering DNA binding
K218/K221 MethylationCompeting modification at the same residuesNSD1-mediated methylation enhances NF-κB activity

These site-specific modifications create a "modification code" that allows for precise regulation of different aspects of NF-κB function. The interplay between these modifications is critical for determining the duration, strength, and specificity of NF-κB-mediated transcriptional responses .

What are the optimal protocols for detecting acetylated RELA (K221) in cell culture models?

For optimal detection of acetylated RELA (K221) in cell culture models, researchers should follow these methodological approaches:

Direct Western Blotting Protocol:

  • Stimulate cells with appropriate activators (e.g., 10 ng/ml TNFα for 30-40 minutes)

  • Include deacetylase inhibitors (e.g., 1 μM TSA, 5 mM Nicotinamide) during treatment

  • Prepare whole cell extracts using buffers containing deacetylase inhibitors

  • Load 30-40 μg protein for SDS-PAGE analysis

  • Use Acetyl-RELA (K221) antibody at dilutions of 1:500-1:2000

  • Include proper controls (stimulated vs. unstimulated, acetylation-deficient mutants)

Immunoprecipitation-Enhanced Detection:

  • Prepare cell lysates (750 μg protein recommended) in Co-IP buffer containing deacetylase inhibitors

  • Immunoprecipitate with general anti-RELA antibody (1.5 μg antibody per IP)

  • Perform Western blot using Acetyl-RELA (K221) specific antibody

  • This approach concentrates the target protein for enhanced sensitivity

Overexpression System for Validation:

  • Transfect cells with expression vectors for RELA and p300 acetyltransferase (4:1 ratio)

  • Stimulate cells as above

  • Detect acetylated RELA by Western blot

  • This system provides a positive control with higher acetylation levels

These protocols should be optimized for specific cell types and experimental questions, with special attention to preserving acetylation status throughout sample processing .

What controls are essential when using Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody in research applications?

Rigorous experimental design for Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody applications requires the following essential controls:

Positive Controls:

  • Cells overexpressing both RELA and p300 acetyltransferase

  • Samples treated with deacetylase inhibitors (TSA, Nicotinamide)

  • Cells stimulated with TNFα or other NF-κB activators

  • In vitro acetylated recombinant RELA using p300 and acetyl-CoA

Negative Controls:

  • Acetylation-deficient K221R mutant (lysine to arginine mutation)

  • Unstimulated cells (basal acetylation levels are typically low)

  • p300 knockout/knockdown cells

  • Samples without primary antibody to assess secondary antibody specificity

Validation Controls:

  • Peptide competition assays using acetylated and non-acetylated peptides

  • Parallel detection with antibodies against total RELA to normalize signals

  • Comparison with other acetylation site-specific antibodies (K310, K314/315)

  • Treatment with site-specific deacetylases when known

When interpreting results, researchers should consider the relative abundance of acetylated versus total RELA protein, as even under stimulated conditions, only a fraction of the total RELA pool may be acetylated at K221 .

How can Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody be used in chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies?

While the search results don't specifically mention ChIP applications for the Acetyl-RELA (K221) antibody, the following methodological approach can be developed based on principles of acetylation-specific ChIP studies:

ChIP Protocol Development:

  • Crosslinking: Fix cells with 1% formaldehyde (10 minutes at room temperature)

  • Chromatin preparation: Sonicate to generate 200-500bp fragments

  • Pre-clearing: Use protein A/G beads to reduce background

  • Immunoprecipitation:

    • Use 2-5 μg of Acetyl-RELA (K221) antibody per ChIP reaction

    • Include parallel IPs with total RELA antibody and IgG control

    • Consider sequential ChIP (Re-ChIP) with other modification-specific antibodies

  • Washing and elution: Use stringent washing to ensure specificity

  • Analysis: Perform qPCR for known NF-κB target genes or ChIP-seq for genome-wide profiling

Critical Considerations:

  • Pre-treat cells with deacetylase inhibitors to preserve K221 acetylation

  • Include acetylation-deficient RELA mutant (K221R) controls when possible

  • Compare binding profiles of K221-acetylated RELA with total RELA occupancy

  • Validate key findings with multiple primers targeting the same promoter regions

This approach allows researchers to determine the specific genomic targets of K221-acetylated RELA and how this modification affects DNA binding selectivity compared to total RELA binding patterns .

How can Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody be used to study the dynamics of NF-κB activation in inflammatory diseases?

Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody offers powerful approaches for investigating NF-κB activation dynamics in inflammatory disease models:

Temporal Profiling Methodology:

  • Establish time-course experiments in cellular or animal models of inflammation

  • Collect samples at defined intervals following inflammatory stimuli

  • Perform Western blotting with Acetyl-RELA (K221) antibody alongside total RELA detection

  • Correlate acetylation patterns with inflammatory gene expression profiles

  • Compare acetylation kinetics between acute vs. chronic inflammation models

Cell-Type Specific Analysis:

  • Isolate different immune cell populations from inflammatory tissues

  • Compare K221 acetylation patterns across cell types

  • Correlate with cell-specific inflammatory responses

  • Use flow cytometry with permeabilization for intracellular Acetyl-RELA (K221) detection

Pharmacological Intervention Studies:

  • Treat inflammatory models with therapeutic compounds

  • Assess impact on K221 acetylation status

  • Correlate changes in acetylation with therapeutic efficacy

  • Target upstream regulators of K221 acetylation to develop novel anti-inflammatory approaches

Clinical Translation:

  • Compare K221 acetylation in patient samples vs. healthy controls

  • Correlate acetylation levels with disease severity markers

  • Assess acetylation patterns before and after therapeutic intervention

  • Identify patient subsets with distinct acetylation profiles that may predict treatment response

These approaches provide mechanistic insights into how K221 acetylation contributes to inflammatory pathology and may reveal new therapeutic targets for modulating NF-κB activity in inflammatory diseases .

What techniques can determine if K221 acetylation affects interactions between RELA and other proteins?

To investigate how K221 acetylation influences RELA's protein interaction network, researchers can employ the following methodological approaches:

Affinity Purification-Mass Spectrometry (AP-MS):

  • Immunoprecipitate acetylated RELA using Acetyl-RELA (K221) antibody

  • Analyze co-precipitating proteins by mass spectrometry

  • Compare interaction profiles with non-acetylated RELA

  • Validate key interactions through reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation

Proximity-Dependent Labeling:

  • Fuse RELA to BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling enzymes

  • Compare protein labeling patterns between wild-type and K221R/Q mutants

  • Identify proteins that differentially associate based on K221 acetylation status

Co-immunoprecipitation with Acetylation Manipulation:

  • Treat cells with acetyltransferase activators/inhibitors or deacetylase inhibitors

  • Immunoprecipitate with Acetyl-RELA (K221) antibody

  • Blot for specific interaction partners of interest

  • Compare with immunoprecipitation using total RELA antibody

Structural Biology Approaches:

  • Generate recombinant RELA with acetyl-lysine at position 221 using genetic code expansion

  • Perform binding assays with potential interaction partners

  • Determine binding kinetics and affinity changes due to acetylation

  • Consider X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM to visualize structural changes

Based on search results, K221 acetylation (along with K218) impairs RELA's association with IκB proteins, which represents a critical regulatory interaction in the NF-κB pathway . This suggests K221 acetylation may influence multiple protein-protein interactions that control NF-κB activity and nuclear retention.

How can researchers distinguish between the effects of K221 acetylation versus other RELA acetylation sites?

Distinguishing the specific contribution of K221 acetylation from other RELA acetylation sites requires strategic experimental approaches:

Site-Specific Mutational Analysis:

  • Generate single and combined lysine-to-arginine (K→R) mutants:

    • K221R (prevents K221 acetylation)

    • K310R, K314/315R (prevents acetylation at other sites)

    • Combinatorial mutants (K221R+K310R, etc.)

  • Compare functional outcomes (DNA binding, transcriptional activity, protein interactions)

  • Assess site interdependence through epistasis analysis

Domain-Specific Effects Analysis:

  • Map the impact of each acetylation site on specific RELA domains:

    • K221 acetylation may primarily affect DNA binding and IκB association

    • K310 acetylation impacts transcriptional activation

    • K314/315 affects specific target gene subsets

  • Use domain-specific functional assays to isolate effects

Temporal Dynamics Comparison:

  • Perform precise time-course experiments following NF-κB activation

  • Use site-specific acetylation antibodies in parallel

  • Determine if different sites follow distinct kinetic patterns

  • Correlate with functional outcomes at each time point

Site-Specific Enzymatic Regulation:

  • Identify acetyltransferases and deacetylases that specifically target K221

  • Compare with enzymes regulating other sites (e.g., SIRT1 deacetylates K310)

  • Use enzyme inhibitors/activators to selectively modulate specific sites

Acetylation-Mimetic Approach:

  • Generate lysine-to-glutamine (K→Q) mutants to mimic constitutive acetylation

  • Compare phenotypes of different acetylation-mimetic mutants

  • Assess functional redundancy or antagonism between sites

These approaches help delineate the specific contribution of K221 acetylation to NF-κB regulation and distinguish it from the effects of other acetylation sites .

What are common problems encountered when using Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody and how can they be resolved?

When working with Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody, researchers may encounter several technical challenges that can be addressed through systematic troubleshooting:

Problem 1: Weak or Absent Signal
Potential Solutions:

  • Enhance acetylation levels by treating cells with deacetylase inhibitors (TSA, Nicotinamide)

  • Optimize antibody concentration (try 1:500 dilution instead of 1:2000)

  • Increase protein loading (50-75 μg instead of standard 30-40 μg)

  • Consider immunoprecipitation to concentrate target protein before Western blotting

  • Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)

  • Use more sensitive detection systems (enhanced chemiluminescence substrates)

Problem 2: High Background or Non-specific Bands
Potential Solutions:

  • Optimize blocking conditions (5% BSA may be preferable to milk for acetyl-lysine detection)

  • Increase washing stringency and duration

  • Pre-absorb antibody with non-acetylated peptide

  • Titrate antibody to lower concentration (1:2000-1:5000) if concentration is too high

  • Use freshly prepared buffers and reagents

Problem 3: Inconsistent Results Across Experiments
Potential Solutions:

  • Standardize cell stimulation protocols (timing, concentration of activators)

  • Include internal controls in each experiment (unstimulated vs. stimulated samples)

  • Maintain consistent sample preparation and storage conditions

  • Consider antibody lot-to-lot variability and validate new lots against previous standards

  • Document exact experimental conditions for reproducibility

Problem 4: Poor Specificity for K221 Acetylation
Potential Solutions:

  • Validate with acetylation-deficient K221R mutant as negative control

  • Perform peptide competition assays with acetylated and non-acetylated peptides

  • Compare with other K221 acetylation antibodies from different manufacturers

  • Consider sequence similarities with other acetylation sites when interpreting results

Implementing these solutions should help researchers optimize experiments using Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody and obtain more reliable, reproducible results .

How should samples be prepared and stored to preserve RELA K221 acetylation for optimal antibody detection?

Proper sample preparation and storage are critical for preserving RELA K221 acetylation and achieving optimal antibody detection:

Cell/Tissue Lysis Protocol:

  • Harvest cells quickly to minimize changes in acetylation status

  • Prepare lysis buffer containing:

    • Deacetylase inhibitors: 1 μM TSA and 5 mM Nicotinamide

    • Protease inhibitors: 1 μg/ml each of pepstatin, bestatin, leupeptin, 1 mM PMSF

    • Phosphatase inhibitors: NaF, beta-glycerophosphate

    • Buffer composition: 20 mM HEPES pH 7.9, 100 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM MgCl₂, 0.05% NP-40

  • Maintain samples on ice throughout processing

  • Sonicate briefly if nuclear proteins are of interest

Protein Quantification and Storage:

  • Determine protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay

  • Prepare aliquots to avoid freeze-thaw cycles

  • Add SDS sample buffer with reducing agent

  • Store samples at -80°C for long-term storage

Immunoprecipitation Considerations:

  • Use 750 μg of extract with 1.5 μg of antibody for optimal results

  • Maintain deacetylase inhibitors in all buffers throughout the procedure

  • Keep incubation times as short as possible while ensuring efficient pull-down

  • Consider using magnetic beads for gentler handling during wash steps

Pre-analytical Variables to Control:

  • Standardize cell confluence and passage number

  • Control stimulation conditions precisely (concentration, timing, temperature)

  • Process all comparative samples simultaneously

  • Document all variables that might affect acetylation status

Following these detailed protocols helps preserve the labile acetylation modification at K221 and ensures more consistent and reliable antibody detection across experiments .

What techniques can validate the specificity of Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody for research applications?

Validating the specificity of Acetyl-RELA (K221) Antibody is essential for reliable research outcomes. The following methodological approaches provide comprehensive validation:

Genetic Validation Methods:

  • Mutation Analysis:

    • Compare signals between wild-type RELA and K221R mutant

    • The antibody should not detect the K221R variant

    • Include other acetylation site mutants (K310R, K314/315R) as controls

  • Gene Silencing:

    • Analyze samples from RELA knockdown/knockout cells

    • Signal should be absent or significantly reduced

    • Reconstitution with wild-type RELA should restore signal

Biochemical Validation Methods:

  • In Vitro Acetylation Assay:

    • Incubate recombinant RELA with p300 and acetyl-CoA

    • Compare reactions with and without acetyl-CoA

    • The antibody should only detect RELA in the complete reaction

  • Peptide Competition:

    • Pre-incubate antibody with acetylated K221 peptide before Western blotting

    • Signal should be blocked by the specific peptide

    • Non-acetylated peptide should have minimal effect

  • Deacetylase Treatment:

    • Treat immunoprecipitated RELA with purified deacetylases

    • The antibody signal should decrease after enzymatic deacetylation

Analytical Validation Methods:

  • Mass Spectrometry Correlation:

    • Immunoprecipitate with the antibody and analyze by mass spectrometry

    • Confirm K221 acetylation in the immunoprecipitated material

    • Quantify the proportion of K221-acetylated peptides

  • Antibody Cross-reactivity Panel:

    • Test reactivity against a panel of acetylated and non-acetylated proteins

    • Evaluate cross-reactivity with other acetylated lysines in similar sequence contexts

These validation approaches, used in combination, provide robust evidence for antibody specificity and reliability in various experimental applications .

How does RELA K221 acetylation impact gene expression patterns differently from other acetylation sites?

RELA K221 acetylation influences gene expression through distinct mechanisms compared to other acetylation sites:

Differential Genomic Targeting:
K221 acetylation enhances the DNA binding capacity of RELA , potentially altering its affinity for specific κB sites in the genome. This contrasts with K122/K123 acetylation, which reduces RelA binding to κB enhancers , and K314/K315 acetylation, which affects specific gene subsets without altering general DNA binding .

Nuclear Retention Mechanisms:
K221 acetylation (together with K218) impairs RELA's association with IκB proteins , promoting nuclear retention and prolonged transcriptional activity. This mechanism is distinct from K310 acetylation, which primarily enhances transcriptional activation without affecting IκB binding .

Co-regulator Recruitment Patterns:
Different acetylation sites likely recruit distinct transcriptional co-regulators:

  • K221 acetylation may create binding surfaces for specific co-activators

  • K310 acetylation is required for full transcriptional activity through different co-factor interactions

  • K314/K315 acetylation differentially regulates specific gene subsets through unique protein-protein interactions

Temporal Dynamics of Gene Regulation:
Acetylation sites may operate with different kinetics:

  • K221 acetylation might be important for early NF-κB target gene activation

  • K314/K315 are implicated in late NF-κB dependent gene expression

  • These temporal differences create a sequential gene activation program

Integration with Other Modifications:
K221 acetylation exists within a complex modification network:

  • K221 can also be methylated by NSD1, which enhances NF-κB activity

  • This creates potential competition between acetylation and methylation at the same residue

  • K310 acetylation prevents methylation at K314/315, demonstrating cross-regulation between sites

Understanding these distinct mechanisms helps explain how different acetylation patterns create diverse gene expression outcomes despite occurring on the same transcription factor .

How might targeting enzymes that regulate RELA K221 acetylation affect inflammatory and immune responses?

Targeting enzymes that regulate RELA K221 acetylation represents a promising strategy for modulating inflammatory and immune responses:

Acetyltransferase Targeting Strategies:

  • p300/CBP Modulation:

    • p300/CBP are primary acetyltransferases for RELA

    • Selective inhibitors could reduce K221 acetylation, potentially dampening NF-κB-mediated inflammation

    • Tissue-specific delivery of inhibitors might limit systemic side effects

    • Considerations must include effects on other p300/CBP substrates

  • Enzyme Substrate Specificity:

    • Development of compounds that specifically block K221 acetylation without affecting other sites

    • Structure-based design of peptidomimetics that compete for K221 binding site

    • This approach may offer more selective anti-inflammatory effects

Deacetylase Targeting Approaches:

  • Specific Deacetylase Activation:

    • Identify and activate deacetylases that preferentially target K221

    • Allosteric activators may enhance substrate specificity

    • This could reduce NF-κB activity in hyperinflammatory conditions

  • Temporal Control of Deacetylation:

    • Develop strategies to modulate deacetylase activity at specific time points

    • This could help resolve inflammation without compromising initial immune responses

    • Inducible systems could provide controlled inflammatory resolution

Expected Immunological Outcomes:

  • Acute Inflammation:

    • Reducing K221 acetylation might attenuate early inflammatory cytokine production

    • This could benefit conditions like sepsis or acute respiratory distress

  • Chronic Inflammatory Diseases:

    • Modulating K221 acetylation might help reset dysregulated NF-κB signaling

    • Potential applications in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis

  • Cancer Immunotherapy:

    • Selective enhancement of K221 acetylation might boost anti-tumor immune responses

    • Inhibiting deacetylation could promote sustained NF-κB activity in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

These approaches require careful consideration of:

  • Cell-type specific effects on immune function

  • Potential for compensatory mechanisms

  • Timing of intervention in inflammatory cascades

  • Integration with existing anti-inflammatory therapies

Targeting the enzymatic regulation of K221 acetylation offers a nuanced approach to modulating NF-κB signaling in immune and inflammatory disorders .

What are the current methodological challenges in studying the kinetics of RELA K221 acetylation in real-time cellular systems?

Investigating the real-time kinetics of RELA K221 acetylation presents several methodological challenges that require innovative approaches:

Current Technical Limitations:

  • Antibody-Based Detection Constraints:

    • Traditional methods rely on fixed time-point sampling rather than continuous monitoring

    • Western blotting and immunofluorescence require cell fixation, preventing true real-time observation

    • Antibodies cannot access intracellular targets in living cells without permeabilization

  • Signal-to-Noise Challenges:

    • Endogenous K221 acetylation may represent a small fraction of total RELA

    • Background fluorescence can mask subtle changes in acetylation status

    • Distinguishing specific K221 acetylation from other RELA modifications is technically difficult

  • Temporal Resolution Limitations:

    • Current methods may miss rapid, transient acetylation events

    • Sample processing time introduces delays between stimulation and measurement

    • Cell-to-cell variability complicates population-level measurements

Emerging Methodological Solutions:

  • Genetically Encoded Biosensors:

    • Development of FRET-based sensors specific for K221 acetylation

    • Design principles:

      • Position fluorophores to detect conformational changes upon acetylation

      • Incorporate acetyl-lysine binding domains (e.g., bromodomains)

      • Validate specificity against K221R mutants

  • Live-Cell Acetylation Probes:

    • Cell-permeable chemical probes that selectively bind acetylated K221

    • Must demonstrate specificity over other acetylated lysines

    • Require minimal interference with normal RELA function

  • Single-Cell Analysis Technologies:

    • Microfluidic platforms for sequential sampling from the same cell population

    • Integration with rapid cell fixation techniques

    • Coupling with high-content imaging for spatial information

  • Advanced Mass Spectrometry Approaches:

    • SNAP-MS (Selected Reaction Monitoring of Acetyl Peptides)

    • Rapid sample processing workflows for minimizing post-stimulation changes

    • Targeted approaches to enhance sensitivity for specific acetylated peptides

  • Computational Modeling:

    • Integration of experimental data with mathematical models

    • Prediction of acetylation/deacetylation kinetics under different conditions

    • Accounting for stochastic cell-to-cell variability

Addressing these challenges will require interdisciplinary approaches combining protein engineering, chemical biology, advanced microscopy, and computational methods to fully understand the dynamic regulation of RELA K221 acetylation in physiologically relevant contexts .

How do different cellular microenvironments affect RELA K221 acetylation patterns in disease states?

The influence of cellular microenvironments on RELA K221 acetylation patterns in disease states represents an important frontier in understanding context-specific NF-κB regulation:

Metabolic Microenvironment Factors:

  • Acetyl-CoA Availability:

    • As the acetyl donor for acetyltransferases, fluctuations in acetyl-CoA levels directly impact acetylation capacity

    • Disease-specific metabolic alterations (e.g., cancer glycolysis, obesity) may alter acetyl-CoA pools

    • Acetylation patterns could serve as a sensor of cellular metabolic state

  • NAD⁺ Levels and Sirtuin Activity:

    • NAD⁺-dependent deacetylases (sirtuins) may regulate K221 acetylation

    • Conditions altering NAD⁺/NADH ratio (aging, metabolic disorders) would affect deacetylation rates

    • Caloric restriction or exercise may influence K221 acetylation through NAD⁺ modulation

  • Oxygen Tension:

    • Hypoxic microenvironments (tumors, ischemic tissue) alter acetylation enzyme activity

    • Cross-talk between HIF-1α and NF-κB pathways may involve K221 acetylation

    • Hypoxia-induced metabolic reprogramming affects acetyl-CoA metabolism and availability

Inflammatory Microenvironment Effects:

  • Cytokine Milieu:

    • Different inflammatory cytokine combinations may induce distinct K221 acetylation patterns

    • Chronic vs. acute inflammation likely produces different temporal acetylation dynamics

    • Disease-specific cytokine profiles could create unique K221 acetylation signatures

  • ROS and Oxidative Stress:

    • Oxidative stress modifies activity of acetylation/deacetylation enzymes

    • Redox-sensitive cysteine residues in these enzymes respond to microenvironmental ROS

    • This creates a link between oxidative stress and K221 acetylation regulation

Tissue-Specific Microenvironmental Factors:

  • Extracellular Matrix Composition:

    • ECM-derived signals influence NF-κB activation and potentially K221 acetylation

    • Tissue fibrosis or remodeling alters these signals in disease states

    • Mechanotransduction pathways may converge on acetylation regulation

  • Cell-Cell Interactions:

    • Direct contact with different cell types alters NF-κB signaling dynamics

    • Tumor-immune cell interactions create unique microenvironments affecting acetylation

    • Epithelial-stromal interactions in inflammatory diseases may generate tissue-specific patterns

Research Methodologies for Microenvironmental Studies:

  • 3D Cell Culture Systems:

    • Organoid cultures to recapitulate tissue architecture

    • Co-culture systems with relevant cell types

    • Compare K221 acetylation patterns with 2D conventional cultures

  • In Situ Detection Methods:

    • Multiplex immunohistochemistry with Acetyl-RELA (K221) antibody

    • Spatial transcriptomics to correlate acetylation with gene expression

    • Preservation of microenvironmental context during analysis

Understanding how different microenvironments influence K221 acetylation will provide insights into disease-specific NF-κB regulation and may suggest novel therapeutic approaches targeted to specific tissue contexts .

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