ATP6AP1L (ATPase H+ transporting accessory protein 1 like) is a human protein also known as V-type proton ATPase subunit S1-like protein. It has a molecular weight of approximately 25.3 kilodaltons . This protein is structurally related to ATP6AP1, which functions as an accessory subunit of the proton-transporting vacuolar (V)-ATPase protein pump. While ATP6AP1 has been well-characterized in the regulation of luminal acidification of secretory vesicles, the specific functions of ATP6AP1L are still being elucidated, making it an important target for research into cellular pH regulation and membrane trafficking mechanisms.
ATP6AP1L antibodies are primarily used for Western Blot (WB), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunofluorescence (IF), and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) . The application distribution varies by supplier and antibody clone. For instance, some antibodies are specifically optimized for Western Blotting, while others may be better suited for immunohistochemical applications. Researchers should carefully evaluate manufacturer specifications to select the appropriate antibody for their specific application needs.
Most commercially available ATP6AP1L antibodies demonstrate reactivity with human ATP6AP1L, with some showing cross-reactivity with orthologs from various species including dog (93% predicted reactivity), horse (92%), and pig (79%) . When working with non-human models, it's essential to verify the cross-reactivity through alignment of the immunogen sequence with the target species' protein sequence.
While both proteins share structural similarities, ATP6AP1 has been identified as the functional ortholog of yeast V-ATPase assembly factor Voa1 and plays a crucial role in V-ATPase assembly and regulation . ATP6AP1 deficiency has been linked to immunodeficiency with hepatopathy and neurocognitive abnormalities .
In contrast, the specific functions of ATP6AP1L remain less characterized. When selecting antibodies, researchers should ensure specificity for either ATP6AP1L or ATP6AP1 by examining the epitope recognition site. Antibodies targeting the C-terminal region of ATP6AP1L, such as those recognizing amino acids 190-209 , can help ensure specificity. Cross-reactivity testing is strongly recommended when studying these proteins in parallel.
Based on the knowledge of ATP6AP1, which exists in different isoforms across tissues (62-kDa intact protein in liver, 40-kDa processed form in brain, and 50-kDa isoform in B-cells) , it's reasonable to hypothesize that ATP6AP1L might also exhibit tissue-specific processing.
When designing experiments to detect potential ATP6AP1L isoforms:
Use antibodies targeting different epitopes (N-terminal, C-terminal, and middle regions)
Include positive controls from different tissue types
Optimize protein extraction methods to preserve potential post-translational modifications
Consider using both reducing and non-reducing conditions for Western blotting
Validate findings with mass spectrometry to confirm isoform identity
For Western blotting applications with ATP6AP1L antibodies:
Sample preparation:
Use RIPA or NP-40 buffer with protease inhibitors
Heat samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in reducing sample buffer
Gel electrophoresis:
10-12% SDS-PAGE gels are typically suitable for the 25.3 kDa ATP6AP1L protein
Transfer to PVDF membranes (preferred over nitrocellulose for this protein)
Antibody incubation:
Detection:
Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) is suitable for most applications
Expected band size: ~25.3 kDa, but verify potential tissue-specific isoforms
For rigorous IHC experiments with ATP6AP1L antibodies:
Positive controls:
Human tissues with known ATP6AP1L expression
Cell lines with confirmed ATP6AP1L expression
Negative controls:
Primary antibody omission
Isotype control antibody
Pre-absorption of the antibody with the immunizing peptide
Specificity controls:
Tissues from knockout models (if available)
Samples with ATP6AP1L knockdown by siRNA
Comparative staining with multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Protocol optimization:
Test multiple antigen retrieval methods (citrate buffer pH 6.0, EDTA buffer pH 9.0)
Titrate antibody concentration (starting from manufacturer's recommendation)
Optimize incubation time and temperature
Distinguishing between these related proteins requires careful experimental design:
Antibody selection:
Use antibodies targeting unique epitopes specific to either protein
Verify specificity through sequence alignment of the immunogen
Molecular weight differentiation:
Expression pattern analysis:
Functional validation:
Double immunostaining:
Co-staining with verified antibodies against both proteins can reveal distinct or overlapping localization patterns
When studying ATP6AP1L in disease contexts, researchers should be aware of:
Cross-reactivity concerns:
Expression level interpretation:
Changes in ATP6AP1L expression might reflect altered V-ATPase activity rather than direct disease causation
Validate functional significance through mechanistic studies
Isoform-specific effects:
Different tissues may express different isoforms with distinct functions
Disease-related changes might affect specific isoforms only
Context-dependent functions:
The role of ATP6AP1L might vary based on cell type, tissue, or disease state
Control experiments should match the specific context being studied
To explore functional relationships between these proteins:
| Experimental Approach | Key Considerations | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Co-immunoprecipitation | Use specific antibodies against each protein | Determine if they exist in the same protein complexes |
| Double knockdown/knockout | Design specific siRNAs or CRISPR guides | Assess synergistic or redundant phenotypes |
| Subcellular localization | Immunofluorescence with specific antibodies | Identify overlapping or distinct compartmentalization |
| V-ATPase activity assays | Lysosomal pH measurement after individual/combined knockdown | Determine contribution to V-ATPase function |
| Rescue experiments | Express one protein in cells lacking the other | Test functional complementation |
Given that ATP6AP1 deficiency causes immunodeficiency , exploring ATP6AP1L's role in immune function requires:
Cell type-specific expression analysis:
Characterize ATP6AP1L expression across immune cell subsets using flow cytometry
Compare with known ATP6AP1 expression patterns
Functional immune assays:
B cell activation and antibody production
T cell activation and cytokine secretion
Antigen presentation by dendritic cells
Phagocytosis by macrophages
V-ATPase-dependent processes:
Lysosomal acidification in immune cells
MHC class II antigen processing
Toll-like receptor signaling
In vivo models:
Conditional knockout in specific immune cell populations
Challenge with pathogens or immunization protocols
Monitor humoral and cellular immune responses
Based on ATP6AP1's role in colorectal cancer and breast cancer , potential roles for ATP6AP1L in cancer warrant investigation:
Expression analysis:
Comprehensive screening across cancer types using tissue microarrays
Correlation with clinical outcomes and tumor characteristics
Functional cancer hallmarks assessment:
Proliferation after ATP6AP1L knockdown/overexpression
Migration and invasion assays
Anchorage-independent growth
Drug resistance phenotypes
Mechanism exploration:
Therapeutic implications:
To develop improved ATP6AP1L antibodies:
Epitope selection:
Target unique regions with minimal homology to ATP6AP1
Consider both linear and conformational epitopes
Utilize structural biology data if available
Production strategies:
Recombinant antibody technology for reproducibility
Phage display for high-affinity selection
Monoclonal approaches for specificity
Validation requirements:
Testing in multiple sample types (cell lines, tissues, recombinant proteins)
Knockout/knockdown controls
Cross-reactivity assessment against ATP6AP1
Application-specific validation (WB, IF, IHC, IP)
Emerging technologies:
Nanobodies for improved tissue penetration
Bispecific antibodies for co-localization studies
Proximity labeling applications