ARL6IP1 (UniProt ID: Q15067) is a 23.4 kDa tetraspan membrane protein with two reticulon homology domains (RHDs) that facilitate ER tubule formation. It localizes to mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) and interacts with proteins like FAM134B and LC3B to regulate ER-phagy and mitochondrial dynamics . Genetic variants in ARL6IP1 are linked to hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and neurodevelopmental disorders .
Alzheimer’s Disease: ARL6IP1 mediates conophylline-induced inhibition of BACE1 translation, reducing Aβ plaques in APP/PS1 mice. Antibodies confirmed ARL6IP1-FXR1 interactions via co-immunoprecipitation .
Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: ARL6IP1 knockout mice exhibit neuroinflammation and demyelination. AAV9-ARL6IP1 gene therapy restored mitochondrial function and reduced paraplegia .
ER-Phagy: ARL6IP1 forms ubiquitinated clusters with FAM134B to drive ER remodeling. Knockout models validated via WB showed disrupted autophagy .
Therapeutic Targeting: ARL6IP1 antibodies identified its role in small-molecule inhibition of BACE1, a promising Alzheimer’s therapeutic avenue .
Gene Therapy: AAV9-delivered ARL6IP1 rescued motor deficits in HSP models, confirmed via IHC and behavioral assays .
Structural Insights: Cryo-EM and AlphaFold models revealed ARL6IP1’s RHD topology, guiding antibody design for specific epitopes .
ARL6IP1 (ADP-Ribosylation Factor-Like 6 Interacting Protein 1) is a transmembrane protein with a distinctive structural arrangement. Research has revealed that ARL6IP1 is a three-spanning transmembrane protein with both the amino and C-termini facing the cytoplasm . Its structure includes two long hydrophobic regions (transmembrane helical hairpins TM1+2 and TM3+4) separated by an accessible linker segment . Advanced structural modeling using AlphaFold predicts two membrane-embedded helical hairpins with two amphipathic helices . This RHD-like (reticulon homology domain-like) structural arrangement is critical for its function in membrane shaping and cellular homeostasis.
ARL6IP1 contains several distinct regions that can be targeted by specific antibodies:
C-terminal region: Critical for protein-protein interactions and often targeted by antibodies like ABIN6990462
Middle region: Contains the sequence "GVSCFVMFLC LADYLVPILA PRIFGSNKWT TEQQQRFHEI CSNLVKTRRR" which is highly conserved across species and targeted by antibodies like ABIN2788828
N-terminal region: Contains putative LC3-interacting regions (LIRs)
Cytoplasmic loop between RHDs: Contains recognition sites for some antibodies
Understanding these domains helps in selecting antibodies that target specific functional regions for various experimental applications.
When selecting an ARL6IP1 antibody, researchers should consider cross-species reactivity based on experimental models. ARL6IP1 is highly conserved across species, with many antibodies demonstrating multi-species reactivity. The antibody ABIN2788828, for example, shows predicted reactivity with: Human (100%), Mouse (100%), Rat (100%), Cow (100%), Dog (100%), Goat (93%), Guinea Pig (100%), Horse (100%), Rabbit (100%), Sheep (100%), and Zebrafish (100%) . For studies involving less common model organisms, it's advisable to verify sequence homology in the targeted epitope region. For human-specific research, several antibodies like USBI123534 are available with specific human reactivity .
For cellular localization studies of ARL6IP1, immunofluorescence (IF) techniques using antibodies like ABIN6990462 are particularly effective . When designing these experiments:
Use antibodies validated for IF applications that target accessible epitopes (C-terminal or middle regions)
Implement dual labeling with organelle markers, particularly for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) where ARL6IP1 localizes
Consider fluorescence protease protection assays to confirm the topology of ARL6IP1 within membranes
For co-localization studies with interacting partners like FXR1, use antibodies that don't interfere with protein-protein interaction sites
These approaches can verify ARL6IP1's subcellular distribution and clarify its role in maintaining ER-mitochondrial homeostasis.
ARL6IP1 antibodies are valuable tools for investigating protein-protein interactions through several methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP): Use ARL6IP1 antibodies like ABIN6990462 to pull down ARL6IP1 and its interacting partners such as FXR1/FXR2 . Western blotting with antibodies against potential binding partners can then confirm interactions.
Proximity ligation assays: Combine ARL6IP1 antibodies with antibodies against suspected interacting proteins to visualize protein complexes in situ.
FRET/BRET analysis: Use ARL6IP1 antibodies for validation of energy transfer experiments examining dynamic protein interactions.
Immunofluorescence co-localization: Employ ARL6IP1 antibodies alongside antibodies for proteins like FAM134B or AMFR to examine spatial relationships .
When performing these studies, it's critical to select antibodies targeting epitopes that don't interfere with the interaction domains being studied.
When employing ARL6IP1 antibodies for Western blotting, several critical controls and validation steps should be implemented:
Positive controls: Include lysates from tissues/cells known to express ARL6IP1 (e.g., neuronal cells for endogenous expression or ARL6IP1-transfected cells for overexpression)
Negative controls: Utilize ARL6IP1 knockout samples when available, or lysates from cells with ARL6IP1 knockdown by siRNA/shRNA
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
Cross-validation: Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of ARL6IP1 to confirm findings
Molecular weight verification: ARL6IP1 should appear at the expected size; variant forms (like the K193Ffs variant) may show slightly higher molecular weight
Loading controls: Include appropriate housekeeping proteins while avoiding those that might be affected by experimental conditions
These validation steps ensure reliable and reproducible results when studying ARL6IP1 expression and modifications.
ARL6IP1 antibodies can be strategically employed to investigate neuroinflammatory processes in various disease models through multiple approaches:
Immunohistochemical analysis of brain tissue sections using antibodies like ABIN6990462 to evaluate ARL6IP1 expression patterns in relation to neuroinflammatory markers (IBA1, GFAP)
Western blotting to quantify ARL6IP1 protein levels in neuroinflammatory conditions, particularly in models of hereditary spastic paraplegia where Arl6ip1 knockout mice show significant neuroinflammation
Dual immunofluorescence staining to examine co-localization of ARL6IP1 with microglial polarization markers (M1 markers: Cxcr3-1, Cd40, and Cd80; M2 markers: Arg-1, Cd163, and Igf-1)
Correlation analysis between ARL6IP1 expression and levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in brain tissue samples
Research has demonstrated that Arl6ip1 knockout mice exhibit increased neuroinflammation with significant changes in microglial M1/M2 polarization, making antibody-based detection of ARL6IP1 valuable for monitoring therapeutic interventions targeting this pathway .
When investigating ARL6IP1's role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, several methodological considerations are essential:
Combined detection approaches: Use ARL6IP1 antibodies alongside BACE1 and amyloid-β antibodies to establish correlations between ARL6IP1 expression and AD pathological markers
Translational regulation analysis: Implement ARL6IP1 antibodies in RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays to study its interaction with FXR1 and the 5'UTR of BACE1 mRNA
Intervention validation: When testing compounds like conophylline (CNP) that target ARL6IP1, use antibodies to verify target engagement through co-immunoprecipitation with interacting partners
Microscopy techniques: Employ high-resolution microscopy with ARL6IP1 antibodies to visualize its colocalization with RNA-protein complexes using RNA tracking systems like MS2-MCP
In vivo validation: Utilize ARL6IP1 antibodies to confirm the efficacy of AAV-mediated ARL6IP1 knockdown in APP/PS1 mice and subsequent effects on amyloidogenesis
These methodological approaches can reveal how ARL6IP1 mediates BACE1 translation through FXR1-dependent mechanisms, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for AD.
ARL6IP1 antibodies play a crucial role in developing and validating gene therapy approaches for hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) through several methodological applications:
Target validation: Use antibodies to confirm the absence or mutation of ARL6IP1 in patient samples, such as in cases with the c.577–580delAAAC variant that represents a knockout allele
Therapeutic delivery confirmation: Employ antibodies to verify successful AAV9-ARL6IP1 delivery in animal models, demonstrating restored protein expression in target tissues
Phenotype correlation: Use immunohistochemistry with ARL6IP1 antibodies to correlate protein expression with improvements in limb paraplegia and gait abnormalities in mouse models
Mechanistic studies: Apply antibodies to investigate how restored ARL6IP1 expression alleviates demyelination of axons and neuroinflammation in the white matter, including the corticospinal tract
Cellular response monitoring: Use antibodies to track how ARL6IP1 restoration affects mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated autophagy in neuronal cells
These approaches contribute to establishing ARL6IP1 as a viable target for HSP gene therapy, with antibodies serving as critical tools for validation and mechanism elucidation.
To investigate ARL6IP1's role in mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) function, researchers can employ several antibody-based methodological approaches:
Subcellular fractionation with immunoblotting: Use ARL6IP1 antibodies to detect its presence in isolated MAM fractions compared to pure ER or mitochondrial fractions
Proximity-based labeling: Combine ARL6IP1 antibodies with BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling to identify proteins in close spatial proximity at MAMs
Super-resolution microscopy: Employ ARL6IP1 antibodies with structured illumination or STORM microscopy to visualize its precise localization at ER-mitochondria contact sites
Co-immunoprecipitation studies: Use ARL6IP1 antibodies to identify interactions with known MAM proteins like LC3B and BCl2L13
Functional assays: After manipulating ARL6IP1 levels, use antibodies to correlate its expression with calcium transfer, lipid exchange, or autophagosome formation at MAMs
Research has established that ARL6IP1 plays a crucial role in connecting the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria as a member of MAMs, maintaining organelle homeostasis through direct interactions with autophagy-related proteins .
To investigate ARL6IP1 ubiquitination patterns, researchers can implement several specialized techniques:
Immunoprecipitation with ubiquitin analysis:
Site-specific ubiquitination mapping:
Co-expression studies:
Stress-induced ubiquitination:
In vitro ubiquitination assays:
These methodologies can reveal how ubiquitination regulates ARL6IP1 function and interactions with other proteins, particularly in ER-stress responses.
To investigate ARL6IP1's interaction with RNA-binding proteins in translational control, researchers can implement several advanced methodological approaches:
RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) combined with RT-qPCR:
Co-immunoprecipitation with RNA-binding proteins:
Visualization of protein-RNA interactions:
RNA pulldown with mass spectrometry:
Functional translation assays:
These approaches can reveal how ARL6IP1 mediates the effect of small molecules like CNP on BACE1 translation through dynamic interactions with FXR1 and the 5'UTR.
When selecting ARL6IP1 antibodies for specific research applications, researchers should consider these methodological criteria:
Epitope specificity and accessibility:
For Western blotting: Antibodies targeting the C-terminus (ABIN6990462) or middle region (ABIN2788828) perform well
For immunoprecipitation: Choose antibodies recognizing accessible epitopes in the native protein conformation
For immunohistochemistry: Select antibodies validated for IHC(p) applications like ABIN6990462
Host species compatibility:
Application-specific validation:
Verify that the antibody has been validated for your specific application (WB, ELISA, IF, IHC)
Review literature where the antibody has been used successfully
Species cross-reactivity:
Clonality considerations:
Polyclonal antibodies offer higher sensitivity by recognizing multiple epitopes
Monoclonal antibodies provide greater specificity for a single epitope
These selection criteria ensure optimal antibody performance for the specific experimental context and research objectives.
When encountering non-specific binding with ARL6IP1 antibodies, researchers can implement these methodological troubleshooting steps:
Optimization of blocking conditions:
Test alternative blocking agents (BSA, casein, non-fat dry milk)
Increase blocking time and concentration
Add detergents like Tween-20 to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Antibody dilution optimization:
Perform titration experiments to determine optimal antibody concentration
Generally start with manufacturer recommendations and adjust as needed
Higher dilutions typically reduce non-specific binding
Validation with negative controls:
Use ARL6IP1 knockout or knockdown samples as negative controls
Implement peptide competition assays with the immunizing peptide
Include secondary antibody-only controls to identify non-specific secondary binding
Sample preparation modifications:
For membrane proteins like ARL6IP1, optimize lysis conditions to maintain protein conformation
Consider native vs. denaturing conditions based on the antibody's epitope recognition properties
Adjust fixation protocols for immunohistochemistry to preserve epitope accessibility
Cross-validation strategies:
Use multiple ARL6IP1 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Compare results with antibodies from different manufacturers
Confirm findings with alternative detection methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
These systematic troubleshooting approaches can significantly improve signal specificity when working with ARL6IP1 antibodies across various experimental applications.
When preparing samples for immunohistochemical detection of ARL6IP1, researchers should implement these methodological best practices to preserve epitopes:
Fixation protocol optimization:
For ARL6IP1 as a transmembrane protein, use mild fixation with 2-4% paraformaldehyde
Limit fixation time to 12-24 hours to prevent over-fixation and epitope masking
Consider dual fixation with low concentrations of glutaraldehyde (0.1-0.2%) for membrane structure preservation
Antigen retrieval techniques:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) is effective for antibodies targeting the C-terminal region
For middle region epitopes, test both citrate and EDTA (pH 9.0) buffers to determine optimal conditions
Carefully control retrieval times to prevent tissue damage while ensuring adequate epitope exposure
Permeabilization considerations:
As ARL6IP1 spans the membrane with cytoplasmic domains, include adequate permeabilization
Use mild detergents like 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 or 0.05-0.1% saponin
Adjust permeabilization based on the antibody's target epitope location
Section thickness and tissue processing:
For paraffin embedding, use standardized processing protocols to minimize protein denaturation
Prepare thin sections (4-6 μm) to improve antibody penetration
For cryosections, use optimal cutting temperature and rapid freezing to preserve membrane structure
Blocking strategies:
Implement dual blocking with serum matching the secondary antibody host species
Add protein blockers like BSA (1-3%) to reduce background
Consider specific blockers for endogenous peroxidase, biotin, or Fc receptors when applicable
These optimized sample preparation practices enhance ARL6IP1 epitope preservation and accessibility, resulting in more specific and reproducible immunohistochemical detection.
ARL6IP1 antibodies can be strategically incorporated into high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms through several methodological approaches:
Cell-based assay development:
Create reporter cell lines expressing ARL6IP1 fused to fluorescent proteins
Use ARL6IP1 antibodies to validate proper localization and expression levels
Develop immunofluorescence-based assays to screen compounds that alter ARL6IP1 localization or levels
Target engagement verification:
Implement cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) with ARL6IP1 antibodies to detect compound binding
Validate hits from primary screens through co-immunoprecipitation to assess changes in ARL6IP1 interactions with partners like FXR1
Use antibodies in Western blotting to quantify downstream effects on proteins like BACE1
Functional consequence screening:
Develop assays measuring ARL6IP1-dependent functions (ER shaping, MAM integrity)
Use antibodies to correlate functional changes with ARL6IP1 expression/modification
Screen for compounds that rescue defects in ARL6IP1 knockout or mutant models
Mechanistic pathway analysis:
This methodological framework can identify compounds like conophylline (CNP) that target ARL6IP1-dependent pathways, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and hereditary spastic paraplegia .
Several cutting-edge technologies can significantly enhance ARL6IP1 detection specificity and sensitivity in complex biological samples:
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) advancements:
Combine ARL6IP1 antibodies with antibodies against interacting partners
Generate fluorescent signals only when proteins are in close proximity (<40 nm)
This approach provides superior signal-to-noise ratio in tissue samples with high specificity for protein interactions
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) applications:
Label ARL6IP1 antibodies with rare earth metals
Achieve highly multiplexed detection without fluorescence spectral overlap issues
Enable simultaneous analysis of ARL6IP1 with dozens of other proteins in single cells
Single-molecule detection methods:
Implement stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) with ARL6IP1 antibodies
Achieve 10-20 nm resolution to precisely localize ARL6IP1 at subcellular structures
Visualize individual ARL6IP1 molecules within membrane domains
Antibody-based proximity biotinylation:
Fuse biotin ligase to anti-ARL6IP1 antibody fragments
Identify neighboring proteins in living cells without overexpression artifacts
Map the ARL6IP1 proximal proteome in different cellular compartments
Spectral flow cytometry:
Utilize unmixing algorithms to separate overlapping fluorophore signals
Achieve higher dimensional analysis of ARL6IP1 with multiple markers
Quantify subtle changes in ARL6IP1 expression across heterogeneous cell populations
These emerging technologies overcome traditional limitations in antibody-based detection, providing unprecedented insights into ARL6IP1's spatial organization, interactions, and dynamics in complex biological systems.
Researchers can implement integrative strategies combining ARL6IP1 antibody-based techniques with multi-omics approaches through these methodological frameworks:
Antibody-based proteomics integration:
Use ARL6IP1 antibodies for immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Identify post-translational modifications and interacting partners
Correlate findings with global proteomics data to place ARL6IP1 in broader pathway contexts
Spatial transcriptomics correlation:
Perform immunofluorescence with ARL6IP1 antibodies on tissue sections
Combine with spatial transcriptomics to correlate protein localization with local gene expression profiles
Identify region-specific relationships between ARL6IP1 and its transcriptional regulators or targets
Single-cell multi-modal analysis:
Implement CITE-seq (Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing)
Use oligonucleotide-tagged ARL6IP1 antibodies to simultaneously measure protein and mRNA
Reveal cell-type-specific relationships between ARL6IP1 protein levels and transcriptome
Functional genomics validation:
Use CRISPR screens to identify genes affecting ARL6IP1 function
Validate hits with ARL6IP1 antibody-based assays measuring protein localization, interaction, or activity
Integrate results with transcriptomic and proteomic datasets to build comprehensive pathway models
RNA-protein interaction mapping: