ASHR3 is expressed in the root stem cell niche (SCN) and contributes to synchronized cell division and DNA replication in the root apical meristem (RAM). Key functions include:
Histone H3K36 Monomethylation: ASHR3 catalyzes H3K36me1, a chromatin modification critical for maintaining coordinated replication and cell division patterns in the root meristematic zone (MZ) .
Cell Cycle Regulation: ASHR3 is transcriptionally regulated by E2Fa/E2Fb transcription factors, which control the G1-to-S-phase transition. Loss of ASHR3 disrupts cell cycle synchronization, leading to aberrant root growth .
Quiescent Center (QC) Maintenance: Mutations in ASHR3 result in increased DNA replication and cell division in the QC, compromising its quiescence .
The ASHR3 antibody has been employed in diverse experimental setups to elucidate its molecular mechanisms:
Coordination of DNA Replication: In wild-type roots, ASHR3 ensures synchronized replication across epidermal, cortical, and endodermal cell files. ashr3-1 mutants exhibit fragmented replication patterns, with overrepresented duplets and reduced quartets .
Mitotic Defects: Mutants show increased metaphase and anaphase cells but fewer cytokinesis events, indicating disrupted cell cycle progression .
H3K36 Methylation: ASHR3 deposits H3K36me1, which facilitates transcription-independent chromatin regulation. Residual H3K36me1 in mutants suggests redundant methyltransferases .
Genome-Wide Impact: ASHR3-mediated H3K36me1/me2 modifications correlate with transcriptional activity, particularly in genes involved in cell cycle control .
E2F-Dependent Expression: ASHR3 is directly regulated by E2Fa/E2Fb transcription factors, linking it to S-phase progression. ChIP confirmed E2Fa binding to the ASHR3 promoter .
ASHR3 is essential for maintaining root meristem integrity. Its dysfunction leads to:
Reduced primary root length due to shortened RAM.
Loss of QC quiescence, resulting in ectopic cell divisions.
Disrupted coordination between cell layers during replication .
Further studies could explore:
Redundant H3K36 methyltransferases compensating for ASHR3.
Cross-talk between ASHR3 and other chromatin modifiers in cell fate determination.
Applications of ASHR3 antibodies in crop improvement strategies targeting root architecture.
ASHR3 is a SET-domain protein that functions as a histone lysine methyltransferase, responsible for mono-, di-, or trimethylation of various lysine residues on N-terminal histone tails. It is particularly expressed in the root stem cell niche and contributes to coordinated divisions of daughter and grand-daughter cells . The importance of ASHR3 in plant research stems from its critical role in the maintenance of meristematic cell divisions and its involvement in epigenetic regulation through histone modification. Studies with the ashr3-1 mutant have revealed distorted patterns of replication and cell division, highlighting ASHR3's significance in proper root development . Current evidence indicates that ASHR3 is the first SET-domain protein identified with histone H3K36 mono-methyltransferase activity, making it a crucial research target for understanding epigenetic regulation in plants .
When validating ASHR3 antibodies, researchers should employ multiple complementary techniques:
Western Blotting: Compare protein expression patterns between wild-type and ashr3 mutant plants. A specific antibody should show reduced or absent signal in the mutant.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Perform parallel staining of wild-type and mutant tissues. Examine signal localization in the root stem cell niche where ASHR3 is known to be expressed .
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP): Validate antibody specificity by conducting ChIP on known ASHR3 targets followed by qPCR. The E2F binding site regions in the ASHR3 promoter can serve as positive controls .
Immunofluorescence (IF): Compare cellular localization patterns between control and experimental samples, ensuring they match the expected nuclear localization of a histone methyltransferase.
Peptide Competition Assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with excess ASHR3 peptide antigen before application. A specific antibody will show diminished signal.
For polyclonal antibodies, similar validation approaches to those used for other research antibodies can be applied, ensuring the most rigorous levels of quality and reproducibility .
For optimal results with ASHR3 antibodies in plant tissue, follow these sample preparation guidelines:
For Western Blotting:
Harvest fresh root tissue and immediately flash-freeze in liquid nitrogen
Grind tissue in extraction buffer containing protease inhibitors, phosphatase inhibitors, and deacetylase inhibitors
Include 20mM N-ethylmaleimide to preserve protein methylation status
Use a moderate detergent concentration (0.1-0.5% NP-40 or Triton X-100) to extract nuclear proteins
Carefully control protein loading (20-40 μg total protein) for consistent results
For Immunohistochemistry/Immunofluorescence:
Fix tissues in 4% paraformaldehyde for 1-2 hours at room temperature
Perform antigen retrieval (10mM sodium citrate buffer, pH 6.0) to expose histone epitopes
Use extended blocking (2-3 hours) with 3-5% BSA to reduce background
Incubate with primary antibody at 4°C overnight
Include appropriate negative controls (secondary antibody only, pre-immune serum)
For ChIP applications:
Cross-link fresh tissue with 1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes
Quench with 0.125M glycine
Isolate and sonicate chromatin to 200-500bp fragments
Pre-clear chromatin with protein A/G beads before antibody incubation
Use 3-5 μg antibody per immunoprecipitation reaction
These protocols should be optimized based on specific plant tissues and experimental conditions.
When conducting experiments with ASHR3 antibodies, the following controls are essential:
Positive Controls:
Wild-type plant tissue known to express ASHR3, particularly from root meristematic zones
Recombinant ASHR3 protein (if available)
Tissues with E2Fa overexpression, as E2Fa regulates ASHR3 expression
Negative Controls:
ashr3-1 mutant tissue samples (ideally the complete knockout)
Secondary antibody-only control
Isotype control antibody (same species and isotype as the ASHR3 antibody)
Pre-immune serum control
e2fa-2 e2fb-1 double mutant tissue (showing reduced ASHR3 expression)
Internal Controls:
Antibody against housekeeping proteins (e.g., actin, tubulin) for loading controls in Western blots
DAPI staining for nuclear localization in immunofluorescence
Antibodies against other histone marks with known patterns for comparative ChIP experiments
For measuring ASHR3 enzymatic activity, parallel H3K36me1 and H3K36me2 assessments should be conducted, as ASHR3 has been associated with both mono-methylation and potential di-methylation activities .
ASHR3 antibodies can be powerful tools for studying cell cycle-dependent histone modifications, particularly given ASHR3's role as a direct target of E2F transcription factors that control S-phase dependent gene expression . Consider the following methodological approach:
Experimental Design:
Cell Synchronization: Synchronize plant cells using hydroxyurea or aphidicolin treatment to arrest cells at specific cell cycle phases
Time-course Analysis: Release cells from synchronization and collect samples at defined intervals
Dual Immunostaining: Combine ASHR3 antibodies with cell cycle markers (e.g., CYCB1;1-GUS for G2/M phase)
ChIP-seq Analysis: Perform ChIP-seq using both ASHR3 antibodies and H3K36me1/me2-specific antibodies across cell cycle stages
Data Collection and Analysis:
Quantify ASHR3 protein levels throughout cell cycle progression
Map genome-wide H3K36me1 and H3K36me2 distribution changes during cell cycle
Correlate ASHR3 localization with replication timing domains
Compare results between wild-type and ashr3-1 mutant lines
This approach can reveal how ASHR3-mediated histone methylation changes during the cell cycle and how it correlates with the coordinated cell division patterns observed in the root meristematic zone . The data may be presented as follows:
| Cell Cycle Phase | ASHR3 Expression | H3K36me1 Levels | H3K36me2 Levels | Cell Division Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] |
| S | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] |
| G2 | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] |
| M | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] | [Data] |
When faced with contradictory results regarding ASHR3's impact on histone methylation, a systematic troubleshooting approach is essential:
Source Verification:
Verify antibody specificity using multiple validation methods (Western blot, ChIP-qPCR)
Confirm genetic identity of plant lines using genotyping
Validate ashr3-1 mutant phenotype through established markers (e.g., root growth, EdU incorporation patterns)
Methodological Refinement:
Cross-methodology Validation: Compare results using different techniques:
ChIP-seq vs. CUT&RUN for genome-wide methylation profiles
Mass spectrometry for direct measurement of histone modifications
Immunofluorescence for spatial distribution within tissues
Genetic Complementation: Reintroduce wild-type ASHR3 into ashr3-1 mutants to confirm phenotype rescue
Enzyme Activity Assay: Develop in vitro histone methyltransferase assays using:
Recombinant ASHR3 protein
Synthetic histone H3 peptides as substrates
Mass spectrometry to quantify methylation products
Data Reconciliation:
Distinguish between direct and indirect effects through:
Inducible ASHR3 expression systems
Time-course studies following ASHR3 induction
Targeted mutations in the SET domain to separate enzymatic and structural roles
Explore context-dependent activity by examining:
Different tissue types
Developmental stages
Environmental conditions
Cell cycle phases
The residual H3K36me1 present in ashr3-1 mutants suggests redundancy with other methyltransferases . Identify and characterize these enzymes (potentially other ASHH and ASHR proteins) to develop a comprehensive model of H3K36 methylation regulation.
Advanced microscopy techniques can significantly expand our understanding of ASHR3 function in root development, particularly given its role in coordinating cell divisions in the root meristematic zone . Consider these methodological approaches:
Live Cell Imaging:
4D Confocal Imaging: Generate ASHR3-fluorescent protein fusions and image living roots over time to track:
Protein localization during cell cycle
Dynamic association with chromatin
Co-localization with replication machinery
FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching): Assess ASHR3 mobility and chromatin binding dynamics in different cell types of the root
Light-Sheet Microscopy: For whole-organ imaging with minimal phototoxicity, allowing extended time-lapse experiments of root development
Super-Resolution Microscopy:
STED or STORM Microscopy: Achieve sub-diffraction resolution to visualize:
Precise nuclear distribution of ASHR3
Association with specific chromatin domains
Co-localization with H3K36me1/me2 marks
Expansion Microscopy: Physically expand the specimen to improve resolution of dense chromatin structures
Correlative Approaches:
CLEM (Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy): Combine fluorescence imaging of ASHR3 with ultrastructural information about chromatin organization
Multi-modal Imaging: Integrate:
Quantitative Analysis:
Develop computational pipelines to quantify:
Cell division patterns and synchrony
Nuclear ASHR3 distribution
Correlation between ASHR3 levels and cell cycle progression
3D chromatin organization changes in ashr3-1 mutants
These advanced imaging approaches can provide spatiotemporal information about ASHR3 function that complements molecular and genetic analyses, offering insights into how this histone methyltransferase coordinates cell division patterns in root development.
Recent advances in AI-based technologies offer promising computational approaches for designing antibodies against targets like ASHR3:
AI-Based Antibody Generation:
Language Model Approaches: Large language models like IgLM can be applied to generate de novo antibody sequences, treating protein sequences as a language with patterns that can be learned and generated .
Structure-Based Design: Computational tools can model the structure of both the target antigen (ASHR3) and potential antibody candidates, predicting their interaction:
Template-Based Generation: Using germline-based templates to generate antigen-specific antibody sequences:
Validation and Selection Pipeline:
Generate large pools (1000+) of candidate antibody sequences using AI tools
Assess sequence diversity and structural properties computationally
Filter candidates based on:
Predicted structural similarity to known antibody templates
Sequence uniqueness compared to existing antibodies
Predicted binding affinity and specificity
Select a manageable subset (10-20) for experimental validation
The success rate of such computational approaches has shown promise, with studies reporting ~15% hit rates for antigen-specific antibodies . This represents a significant improvement over traditional discovery methods and could accelerate the development of specific antibodies against targets like ASHR3.
These computational approaches offer efficient alternatives to traditional antibody discovery methods, which typically require complex experimental protocols and access to source samples with previous exposure to the target .
For optimal chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments using ASHR3 antibodies, follow this detailed protocol:
Sample Preparation:
Harvest 1-2 grams of fresh root tissue from 6-7 day-old seedlings
Cross-link proteins to DNA with 1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes under vacuum
Quench with 0.125M glycine for 5 minutes
Rinse thoroughly with cold PBS
Flash-freeze in liquid nitrogen and store at -80°C until use
Chromatin Extraction:
Grind tissue to fine powder in liquid nitrogen
Resuspend in extraction buffer (50mM HEPES pH 7.5, 150mM NaCl, 1mM EDTA, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% deoxycholate, 0.1% SDS, 1mM PMSF, protease inhibitor cocktail)
Filter through two layers of Miracloth
Centrifuge at 3000g for 10 minutes at 4°C
Wash nuclear pellet twice with extraction buffer
Chromatin Shearing:
Resuspend nuclei in sonication buffer
Sonicate to achieve DNA fragments of 200-500bp
Centrifuge at 16,000g for 10 minutes at 4°C
Save 10% of supernatant as input control
Immunoprecipitation:
Pre-clear chromatin with protein A/G beads for 1 hour at 4°C
Add 3-5μg of ASHR3 antibody to pre-cleared chromatin
Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle rotation
Add protein A/G beads and incubate for 3 hours at 4°C
Wash beads sequentially with:
Low salt wash buffer (2x)
High salt wash buffer (2x)
LiCl wash buffer (2x)
TE buffer (2x)
DNA Recovery:
Elute protein-DNA complexes with elution buffer (1% SDS, 0.1M NaHCO₃)
Reverse cross-links (add NaCl to 0.2M, incubate at 65°C overnight)
Treat with RNase A and Proteinase K
Purify DNA using phenol-chloroform extraction or commercial kits
Analysis:
Perform qPCR targeting known ASHR3-associated regions
Include E2F binding sites in the ASHR3 promoter as positive controls
For genome-wide analysis, prepare libraries for ChIP-seq
The protocol should be tailored based on the specific ASHR3 antibody characteristics, with particular attention to optimization of antibody concentration and incubation conditions.
ASHR3 antibodies can be instrumental in investigating chromatin remodeling during plant stress responses, given ASHR3's role in histone methylation. Here's a comprehensive methodological approach:
Experimental Design:
Stress Treatment System:
Expose plants to defined stressors (drought, salt, heat, pathogen)
Include time-course sampling (0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours)
Maintain parallel control plants
Multi-omics Integration:
ChIP-seq with ASHR3 antibodies
H3K36me1/me2 ChIP-seq
RNA-seq for transcriptome analysis
ATAC-seq for chromatin accessibility
Cell-Type Specific Analysis:
Use FACS to isolate specific root cell populations
Analyze cell-type specific chromatin modifications
Compare meristematic vs. differentiated cells
Key Methodological Steps:
Differential ChIP Analysis:
Compare ASHR3 binding profiles between stress and control conditions
Identify stress-responsive genomic regions with altered ASHR3 occupancy
Correlate with changes in H3K36me1/me2 distribution
Combined IF-FISH:
Perform immunofluorescence with ASHR3 antibodies
Combine with fluorescent in situ hybridization for specific genomic loci
Visualize spatiotemporal changes in nuclear organization
Genetic Interaction Analysis:
Compare wild-type vs. ashr3-1 stress responses
Examine other SET-domain mutants in parallel
Generate double mutants with stress-responsive transcription factors
Data Analysis Framework:
Identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in response to stress
Correlate DMRs with transcriptional changes
Analyze gene ontology enrichment in affected regions
Compare patterns across different stresses to identify common and unique responses
Develop predictive models for ASHR3-dependent stress responses
This methodology would reveal how ASHR3-mediated H3K36 methylation contributes to chromatin reorganization during stress adaptation, potentially identifying novel stress response mechanisms operating at the epigenetic level.
For comprehensive characterization of ASHR3 and associated histone modifications, multiplexed detection approaches offer significant advantages. Here are optimized strategies:
Multi-parameter Flow Cytometry:
Sample Preparation:
Isolate nuclei from root tissues
Fix with 1% formaldehyde
Permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100
Antibody Combinations:
ASHR3 antibody (conjugated to a distinct fluorophore)
Anti-H3K36me1 antibody (different fluorophore)
Anti-H3K36me2 antibody (different fluorophore)
Anti-H3 (total) as normalization control
DNA content stain (DAPI/PI) for cell cycle analysis
Analysis Pipeline:
Gate on intact nuclei
Create biaxial plots of ASHR3 vs. each histone modification
Correlate with cell cycle phases
Multiplexed Immunofluorescence:
Sequential Antibody Labeling:
Use tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for sequential detection
Apply ASHR3 antibody, followed by HRP-conjugated secondary
Develop with TSA-fluorophore 1
Quench HRP activity
Repeat with antibodies against H3K36me1, H3K36me2, etc.
Spectral Imaging:
Capture full emission spectra at each pixel
Unmix overlapping fluorophore signals
Generate quantitative colocalization maps
Mass Cytometry (CyTOF):
Metal-Conjugated Antibodies:
Label ASHR3 antibody with one metal isotope
Label modification-specific antibodies with distinct metals
Include markers for cell identity and cell cycle
Single-Cell Analysis:
Measure dozens of parameters simultaneously
Create high-dimensional data visualization (tSNE/UMAP)
Identify cell subpopulations with distinct modification patterns
Sequential ChIP (Re-ChIP):
Perform initial ChIP with ASHR3 antibody
Elute under mild conditions
Perform second ChIP on eluate using H3K36me1 antibody
Analyze genomic regions bound by both ASHR3 and containing H3K36me1
These multiplexed approaches allow researchers to determine the spatiotemporal relationship between ASHR3 localization and its enzymatic products (H3K36me1/me2), providing insights into the dynamics of ASHR3 function in different cellular contexts.
Single-cell technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to understand ASHR3 function at cellular resolution, particularly important given its role in coordinating cell divisions in root development . Here's how these approaches can be applied:
Single-Cell Epigenomics:
Single-Cell ATAC-seq:
Isolate nuclei from root tissues
Generate cell-specific chromatin accessibility maps
Compare accessibility patterns between wild-type and ashr3-1 mutants
Identify cell type-specific regulatory elements affected by ASHR3
Single-Cell CUT&Tag:
Use ASHR3 antibodies for direct profiling in single cells
Map H3K36me1/me2 distributions in individual cells
Correlate modifications with cell identity and cell cycle phase
Single-Nucleus RNA-seq:
Profile transcriptomes of individual root cells
Identify gene expression changes in ashr3-1 mutant cells
Perform trajectory analysis to map developmental progressions
Integration and Analysis:
Multi-modal Single-Cell Analysis:
Perform simultaneous protein (ASHR3) and RNA detection
Integrate with histone modification data
Create comprehensive cell atlases of root development
Computational Trajectory Reconstruction:
Infer developmental trajectories from single-cell data
Map chromatin state changes along differentiation paths
Identify ASHR3-dependent decision points
Spatial Single-Cell Mapping:
The application of these technologies could reveal how ASHR3-mediated H3K36 methylation contributes to cell fate decisions, how it varies between cell types, and how it changes during development. This would significantly enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the coordinated cell division patterns observed in wild-type roots and their disruption in ashr3-1 mutants .
Developing next-generation ASHR3 antibodies using AI-based design approaches requires careful consideration of several factors:
Target Selection and Antigen Design:
Epitope Identification:
Analyze ASHR3 protein sequence for unique, accessible regions
Prioritize conserved functional domains (SET domain)
Use structural prediction to identify surface-exposed peptides
Consider post-translational modifications that may affect recognition
Antigen Preparation:
Design recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides representing ASHR3
Express in bacterial/mammalian systems or synthesize chemically
Validate correct folding of recombinant proteins
AI-Based Antibody Generation:
Model Selection:
Sequence Generation Strategy:
Computational Screening:
Experimental Validation Pipeline:
Expression and Purification:
Express candidate antibodies in appropriate systems
Purify using standardized protocols
Verify structural integrity
Binding Assays:
ELISA against recombinant ASHR3
Surface plasmon resonance for affinity measurement
Competitive binding assays
Functional Validation:
Western blotting against plant extracts
Immunoprecipitation efficiency
ChIP performance
Compare against existing antibodies
The integration of AI-based design with rigorous experimental validation could yield antibodies with improved specificity, affinity, and application performance compared to traditionally generated antibodies . Expected success rates of ~15% for antigen-specific antibodies from computationally designed candidates are promising , suggesting this approach could efficiently produce valuable new tools for ASHR3 research.
When facing non-specific binding issues with ASHR3 antibodies, a systematic troubleshooting approach is essential:
Problem Identification:
Characterize the Issue:
Multiple unexpected bands in Western blots
Non-nuclear staining in immunofluorescence
High background in immunohistochemistry
Enrichment of non-target regions in ChIP
Control Analysis:
Compare signal in wild-type vs. ashr3-1 mutant tissues
Evaluate pre-immune serum results
Check secondary antibody-only controls
Optimization Strategies:
For Western Blotting:
Buffer Optimization:
Increase blocking agent concentration (5% BSA or milk)
Add 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 to washing steps
Try different blocking agents (BSA, milk, commercial blockers)
Antibody Conditions:
Titrate antibody concentration (try 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000)
Reduce incubation time or temperature
Add competing proteins (1% BSA during antibody incubation)
Sample Preparation:
Include additional protease inhibitors
Pre-clear lysates with Protein A/G beads
Use freshly prepared samples
For Immunohistochemistry/Immunofluorescence:
Fixation Optimization:
Try different fixatives (paraformaldehyde, methanol, acetone)
Optimize fixation time
Test different antigen retrieval methods
Blocking Enhancements:
Add normal serum from secondary antibody species
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in blocking buffer
Extend blocking time to 2-3 hours
Antibody Application:
Prepare antibody in fresh buffer immediately before use
Pre-absorb with plant tissue powder from ashr3-1 mutants
Reduce primary antibody concentration
For ChIP Applications:
Chromatin Preparation:
Optimize sonication conditions
Pre-clear chromatin extensively
Use higher stringency wash buffers
IP Conditions:
Reduce antibody amount
Shorten incubation time
Increase salt concentration in wash buffers
By systematically implementing these strategies and carefully documenting the results, researchers can identify optimal conditions for specific and reproducible detection of ASHR3 protein in their experimental systems.
For rigorous quantitative analysis of ASHR3 expression and activity, researchers should implement these methodological approaches:
Quantitative Protein Analysis:
Quantitative Western Blotting:
Use fluorescently-labeled secondary antibodies for wider linear range
Include recombinant ASHR3 standards at known concentrations
Normalize to multiple housekeeping proteins
Employ image analysis software with advanced quantification algorithms
ELISA Development:
Design sandwich ELISA using purified ASHR3 antibodies
Generate standard curves with recombinant protein
Validate using wild-type and ashr3-1 mutant samples
Measure protein levels across tissues and developmental stages
Mass Spectrometry:
Develop selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assays for ASHR3
Include isotopically labeled peptide standards
Measure absolute protein quantities
Simultaneously quantify H3K36me1/me2 levels
Activity Measurements:
In Vitro Methyltransferase Assays:
Immunoprecipitate ASHR3 from plant tissues
Incubate with recombinant histone H3 and S-adenosyl methionine
Quantify methylation by:
Antibody detection of methylated products
Mass spectrometry of modified peptides
Incorporation of ³H-labeled methyl groups
ChIP-qPCR for Target Occupancy:
Design primers for known ASHR3 binding regions
Calculate percent input or fold enrichment
Use spike-in controls for normalization
Compare enrichment patterns between conditions
H3K36me1/me2 Global Levels:
Extract histones using acid extraction
Quantify modification levels by Western blotting
Normalize to total H3 levels
Compare wild-type and ashr3-1 mutants
Data Integration Framework:
Correlate ASHR3 protein levels with H3K36me1/me2 abundance
Develop mathematical models relating enzyme concentration to activity
Integrate transcriptomic data to correlate histone modifications with gene expression
Apply statistical methods to account for biological and technical variability
These approaches provide complementary data on ASHR3 expression and function, allowing researchers to build comprehensive quantitative models of ASHR3 activity in different biological contexts.