ATXN7L1 antibodies are monoclonal or polyclonal immunoglobulins designed to detect and bind the ATXN7L1 protein, encoded by the ATXN7L1 gene (also known as ATXN7L4 or KIAA1218). This protein shares homology with Ataxin-7, a component of the SAGA chromatin-remodeling complex, but its specific biological roles remain under investigation .
ATXN7L1 antibodies are primarily used in research settings for:
Western Blot (WB): Detecting ATXN7L1 in human, mouse, and rat tissue lysates .
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Quantifying protein expression levels .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Localizing ATXN7L1 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues .
Immunoassay (EIA): High-throughput screening in diagnostic or experimental workflows .
Specificity: Antibodies like OAAL00963 (Aviva) and A12910-1 (Boster Bio) are validated using full-length recombinant ATXN7L1 proteins with GST tags .
Cross-Reactivity: Most antibodies show no significant cross-reactivity with unrelated proteins, as confirmed by knockout cell line controls .
Current gaps include:
ATXN7L1 (Ataxin-7-like protein 1) is a protein coded by a gene located on chromosome 7q22.2. Its significance stems from its role as a component of the histone acetyl transferase (HAT) and deubiquitinase SAGA complex, which is integral to transcription regulation. Research has confirmed that ATXN7L1 is a bona fide component of the human SAGA complex, suggesting it has a similar functional role to the related protein ATXN7 in transcription regulation via USP22 dependent deubiquitination of histones .
The protein has particular significance in hematological malignancy research, as it has been identified as potentially downregulated due to hypermethylation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, suggesting a possible tumor suppressor function . This makes ATXN7L1 a valuable research target for understanding epigenetic regulation in cancer development and progression.
When selecting an ATXN7L1 antibody for research applications, several critical factors must be considered to ensure experimental success:
Clonality: Determine whether a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody is more suitable for your application. Monoclonal antibodies like the mouse monoclonal (clone 1H2) from Aviva Systems Biology offer high specificity to a single epitope , while polyclonal antibodies such as those from Boster Bio and Novus Biologicals provide broader epitope recognition .
Host Species: Consider potential cross-reactivity issues - rabbit-host antibodies (Boster, Novus) versus mouse-host antibodies (Aviva) may be preferable depending on your experimental system .
Immunogen Region: Evaluate whether the antibody was raised against a specific region relevant to your research. For example, Boster's antibody targets the 441-490 sequence region , while Novus Biologicals' antibody targets the middle region .
Validated Applications: Ensure the antibody has been validated for your specific application. Available ATXN7L1 antibodies have been validated for:
Species Reactivity: Confirm reactivity with your experimental model system. Current antibodies show reactivity primarily with human and mouse samples .
The specific characteristics of ATXN7L1 antibodies significantly influence experimental design considerations:
When designing experiments:
For protein localization in tissues or cells, Boster's antibody has validated IHC and IF applications with established protocols
For precise protein quantification in Western blots, the Novus or Aviva antibodies may be preferable
For detecting different isoforms or fragments, consider the target epitope location relative to potential splice variants or proteolytic processing sites
Optimizing ATXN7L1 antibodies for epigenetic studies in leukemia models requires a multifaceted approach:
Combined Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Strategy:
Since ATXN7L1 is part of the SAGA complex involved in histone modification, design a sequential ChIP approach using the ATXN7L1 antibody followed by antibodies against relevant histone marks (H3K9ac, H2Bub1) to identify genomic regions where ATXN7L1 contributes to specific modifications.
Methylation-Expression Correlation:
Research has identified ATXN7L1 as hypermethylated in AML patients . Design experiments that combine:
Bisulfite sequencing of the ATXN7L1 promoter
ATXN7L1 protein detection using validated antibodies
Expression analysis by RT-qPCR
This approach would establish relationships between methylation status and protein expression in different leukemic cell lines or patient samples.
Optimized Co-Immunoprecipitation Protocol:
To study ATXN7L1's role in SAGA complex:
Use crosslinking optimized for nuclear proteins (1-2% formaldehyde, 10 minutes)
Include nuclear extraction buffers with appropriate salt concentrations (250-300mM NaCl)
Pull down with ATXN7L1 antibody and probe for other SAGA components (GCN5, USP22)
This approach has been validated in HeLa cells using GCN5 antibodies for co-IP followed by mass spectrometry, which successfully identified ATXN7L1 as a component of SAGA .
Cell Line Selection for Maximum Signal:
Based on expression data, select appropriate cell lines where ATXN7L1 is normally expressed (like CD34+ cells) and compare with AML lines to optimize antibody concentrations for detecting biologically relevant differences .
When studying ATXN7L1 within complex protein assemblies like the SAGA complex, addressing specificity is crucial:
Validation Through Multiple Antibody Approach:
Employ antibodies targeting different epitopes of ATXN7L1, such as the N-terminal region (Aviva, 1-146aa) and middle region (Novus)
Compare immunoprecipitation results to establish consensus interacting partners
Confirm specificity using siRNA/shRNA knockdown of ATXN7L1 followed by antibody detection
Confirmation by Reciprocal Co-Immunoprecipitation:
Peptide Competition Assay Protocol:
Sequential Immunodepletion Methodology:
Perform initial immunoprecipitation with ATXN7L1 antibody
Subject unbound fraction to secondary IP with antibodies against related proteins (ATXN7, ATXN7L4)
Analyze both fractions to determine specific versus overlapping functions
Mass Spectrometry Validation Workflow:
ATXN7L1 antibodies can be strategically employed to investigate epigenetic mechanisms in leukemia development:
Chromatin Landscape Mapping Protocol:
Perform ChIP-seq using ATXN7L1 antibodies in normal CD34+ cells versus AML samples
Integrate with histone modification maps (H3K4me3, H3K27ac, H3K9me3)
This approach can reveal how ATXN7L1 localization changes correlate with altered chromatin states in leukemia
Sequential Epigenetic Profiling Methodology:
Map ATXN7L1 binding sites in relation to hypermethylated regions in AML
Research has identified ATXN7L1 as one of four genes hypermethylated in their promoters in the 7q22 region, showing 5-20% higher methylation in AML compared to healthy controls
Integrate DNA methylation data with ATXN7L1 ChIP data to establish relationships between ATXN7L1 displacement and DNA hypermethylation
Functional Reconstitution Experiments:
Therapeutic Response Monitoring:
Apply ATXN7L1 antibodies to track protein re-expression after treatment with demethylating agents (5-azacytidine, decitabine)
Correlate with changes in SAGA complex activity and global histone modification patterns
This approach addresses the hypothesis that ATXN7L1 downregulation upon hypermethylation contributes to leukemogenesis
Optimizing immunohistochemistry with ATXN7L1 antibodies requires attention to several critical parameters:
Antigen Retrieval Optimization:
Test multiple methods, particularly heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER)
For formalin-fixed tissue, citrate buffer (pH 6.0) and EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) should be compared
Optimization is especially important as ATXN7L1 is a nuclear protein involved in chromatin-associated complexes
Antibody Dilution Titration:
Signal Amplification Selection:
Standard DAB detection systems work well for initial testing
For low-expression scenarios, consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA)
When optimizing, compare results between polymer-based and avidin-biotin complex (ABC) detection systems
Blocking Protocol Optimization:
Test whether additional blocking is needed beyond standard protocols
Consider 5% BSA or 10% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody
For tissues with high background, include an avidin-biotin blocking step
Incubation Parameters:
The inclusion of appropriate controls is essential:
Positive control (tissue with known ATXN7L1 expression)
Negative control (omitting primary antibody)
Peptide competition control (particularly useful as Boster offers blocking peptide)
Western blot detection of ATXN7L1 presents several unique challenges that require protocol modifications:
Molecular Weight Discrepancy Resolution:
A significant consideration is the discrepancy between observed (72 kDa) and calculated (91.5 kDa) molecular weights for ATXN7L1 . This may be due to:
Post-translational modifications
Alternative splicing
Proteolytic processing
Protocol recommendations:
Use gradient gels (4-15% or 4-20%) to capture all potential isoforms
Include molecular weight markers spanning 50-100 kDa
When analyzing results, document all observed bands for comprehensive interpretation
Protein Extraction Optimization:
As a nuclear protein involved in chromatin regulation, ATXN7L1 requires effective nuclear extraction:
Include detergent-based lysis (0.5-1% NP-40 or Triton X-100)
Supplement with DNase treatment
Consider sonication (3-5 pulses of 10 seconds) to ensure dissociation from chromatin
Maintain phosphatase and protease inhibitors throughout extraction
Antibody Selection Strategy:
Transfer and Detection Optimization:
For proteins >70 kDa, extend transfer time or use semidry transfer with PVDF membranes
Extend blocking time to minimize background (2 hours at room temperature)
Consider overnight primary antibody incubation at 4°C
For Novus and Aviva antibodies validated for Western blot, follow manufacturer-recommended dilutions
Loading Control Selection:
Use nuclear protein loading controls (Lamin B1, Histone H3)
Avoid cytoplasmic controls like GAPDH or β-actin
Consider using total protein normalization methods (Ponceau S, REVERT)
Multiplex immunofluorescence studies involving ATXN7L1 require careful technical considerations:
Antibody Compatibility Assessment:
For co-localization with other SAGA components, consider antibody host species compatibility
Boster's rabbit polyclonal can be paired with mouse antibodies against other targets
Aviva's mouse monoclonal can be paired with rabbit antibodies against other targets
Create a compatibility matrix:
Sequential Staining Protocol Development:
For complex multiplex panels:
Begin with validated ATXN7L1 antibody conditions (dilution 1:50-200 for IF as recommended for Boster's antibody)
Implement tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for sequential detection
Include microwave treatment (95°C, 10 minutes in citrate buffer) between antibody rounds to strip previous antibodies
Cross-Reactivity Elimination Strategy:
Perform single-color controls for each antibody
Include absorption controls with relevant blocking peptides
Validate specificity through siRNA knockdown of ATXN7L1 followed by staining
Subcellular Localization Enhancement:
Since ATXN7L1 functions within the SAGA complex in the nucleus:
Include nuclear counterstain (DAPI)
Consider super-resolution microscopy (SIM, STED) for co-localization studies
Implement image analysis workflows that quantify nuclear vs. cytoplasmic signal
Spectral Overlap Mitigation:
Design panels accounting for emission/excitation spectra
Implement linear unmixing algorithms for closely spaced fluorophores
Consider spectral imaging systems for complex multiplex panels
Controls and Validation:
Include single antibody controls
Implement fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls
Cross-validate findings with proximity ligation assay (PLA) for protein-protein interactions
Reconciling contradictory ATXN7L1 expression patterns requires a systematic analytical approach:
Isoform-Specific Analysis Protocol:
ATXN7L1 has multiple aliases including ATXN7L4 , which may reflect different isoforms or related family members:
Design primers/probes targeting unique regions of each potential isoform
Use antibodies recognizing different epitopes (N-terminal vs. middle region)
Compare expression patterns using both protein (Western blot) and transcript (RT-qPCR) analysis
Create a cross-reference table documenting which detection method identifies which isoform
Tissue-Specific Expression Assessment:
Research indicates ATXN7L1 is expressed in CD34+ cells and granulocytes but downregulated in certain AML contexts :
Implement tissue microarray analysis using validated antibodies
Compare expression across hematopoietic lineages at different differentiation stages
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data from public databases
Epigenetic Regulation Analysis Framework:
Given the documented hypermethylation of ATXN7L1 in AML :
Correlate ATXN7L1 protein levels with promoter methylation status
Assess expression changes after treatment with epigenetic modifiers
Compare methylation patterns across different cell types that show variable expression
Post-Translational Modification Assessment:
The discrepancy between observed (72 kDa) and calculated (91.5 kDa) molecular weights suggests potential processing:
Implement phosphatase/deglycosylase treatments before Western blot
Use domain-specific antibodies to detect potential proteolytic fragments
Consider mass spectrometry to identify modifications and processing events
Experimental Conditions Standardization:
Document culture conditions, fixation protocols, and antibody lots
Implement standard operating procedures for sample processing
Use common reference standards across experiments
Differentiating ATXN7L1's normal versus pathological functions requires sophisticated analytical approaches:
Temporal Expression Profiling Methodology:
Track ATXN7L1 expression during normal hematopoietic differentiation
Compare with expression patterns during leukemic transformation
Implement time-course experiments with synchronized cell populations
This approach builds on findings that ATXN7L1 is expressed in normal CD34+ cells but downregulated in certain AML contexts
Functional Domain Mapping Strategy:
Interactome Comparative Analysis:
Perform immunoprecipitation with ATXN7L1 antibodies in normal versus malignant cells
Identify differential protein interactions by mass spectrometry
Create protein interaction networks to visualize altered complexes
Quantify changes in associations with key SAGA components
Chromatin Occupancy Differential Analysis:
Loss-of-Function/Gain-of-Function Experimental Design:
The observed discrepancy between calculated (91.5 kDa) and detected (72 kDa) molecular weights of ATXN7L1 requires careful interpretation:
Alternative Splicing Analysis Protocol:
Design RT-PCR assays targeting all potential exon junctions
Sequence identified splice variants and predict resulting protein sizes
Create expression constructs of major variants for functional testing
Compare variant expression across tissue types and disease states
Post-Translational Modification Mapping Strategy:
Implement immunoprecipitation with ATXN7L1 antibodies followed by:
Phosphorylation analysis (phospho-specific antibodies, phosphatase treatment)
Ubiquitination analysis (particularly relevant given ATXN7L1's association with deubiquitinase complex)
Sumoylation assessment
Use mass spectrometry to identify and map modifications
Create modification-specific mutants to assess functional impact
Proteolytic Processing Assessment Framework:
Test whether ATXN7L1 undergoes specific cleavage during activation
Implement protease inhibitor panels to identify responsible proteases
Use N-terminal and C-terminal tagged constructs to track fragment localization
Compare processing patterns between normal and malignant cells
Functional Correlation Analysis:
Structural Prediction and Validation:
Use bioinformatic tools to predict compact structural domains
Assess whether structural features could explain aberrant migration
Design truncation constructs to test migration patterns
Implement circular dichroism or limited proteolysis to assess domain folding
Optimizing ChIP-seq for ATXN7L1 requires specialized approaches given its role in chromatin modification:
Crosslinking Optimization Protocol:
Compare formaldehyde concentrations (1-2%) and times (10-20 minutes)
Consider dual crosslinking with DSG (disuccinimidyl glutarate) followed by formaldehyde
Optimize sonication conditions for chromatin shearing (200-500bp fragments)
These parameters are crucial for capturing transient interactions of ATXN7L1 within the SAGA complex
Antibody Selection and Validation Strategy:
Test multiple ATXN7L1 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Validate ChIP efficiency by qPCR at known SAGA-regulated genes
Include ChIP for other SAGA components (GCN5, USP22) as positive controls
This multi-antibody approach helps address potential epitope masking in the chromatin context
Sequential ChIP Methodology:
Implement sequential ChIP (Re-ChIP) protocol:
Primary IP with ATXN7L1 antibody
Secondary IP with antibodies against histone marks (H3K9ac, H2Bub1)
This approach identifies genomic regions where ATXN7L1 and specific histone modifications co-occur
Bioinformatic Analysis Framework:
Compare ATXN7L1 binding with:
Transcription start sites
Enhancer regions
Other SAGA component binding sites
Implement motif analysis to identify potential DNA sequence preferences
Correlate binding sites with gene expression changes in ATXN7L1-deficient cells
Reference Dataset Integration:
Incorporate publicly available datasets for:
Histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K27ac, H2Bub1)
Transcription factors associated with SAGA complex
DNase hypersensitivity
This integration provides context for ATXN7L1 function in chromatin regulation
Mass spectrometry approaches for ATXN7L1 require specialized protocols:
Sample Preparation Optimization for Low-Abundance Proteins:
Post-Translational Modification Mapping Protocol:
Crosslinking Mass Spectrometry Methodology:
Interaction Proteomics Workflow:
Compare ATXN7L1 interactome between:
Normal hematopoietic cells versus AML
ATXN7L1 wild-type versus mutants
Different cellular compartments
Implement SILAC or TMT labeling for quantitative comparisons
Construct interaction networks based on quantitative data
Targeted Mass Spectrometry Strategy:
Develop multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assays for:
ATXN7L1 isoforms
Key phosphorylation sites
Ubiquitination
Create heavy-labeled internal standards for absolute quantification
Monitor changes during hematopoietic differentiation and leukemic transformation
Current evidence suggests broader implications for ATXN7L1 in hematological regulation:
Comparative Hematological Disorder Analysis Framework:
Extend methylation analysis from AML to other myeloid disorders (MDS, CMML)
Compare ATXN7L1 expression patterns across lymphoid malignancies
Evaluate correlation with specific cytogenetic abnormalities beyond 7q deletions
This builds upon research identifying ATXN7L1 hypermethylation in AML patients
Lineage-Specific Function Assessment:
Therapeutic Response Prediction Strategy:
SAGA Complex Dysfunction Comparative Analysis:
Single-Cell Heterogeneity Assessment:
Implement single-cell approaches to analyze ATXN7L1 expression
Identify potential rare subpopulations with altered ATXN7L1 function
Correlate with differentiation state and leukemia stem cell markers
This addresses potential heterogeneity in ATXN7L1's role in disease development
Advanced functional genomics approaches can reveal ATXN7L1's regulatory mechanisms:
CRISPR-Based Functional Screening Protocol:
Design CRISPR libraries targeting:
ATXN7L1 binding sites identified by ChIP-seq
ATXN7L1 protein domains
Putative regulatory elements
Implement pooled screens with various cellular readouts
This approach systematically maps functional regions relevant to ATXN7L1 activity
Transcriptome-Wide Binding Profile Analysis:
Enhancer Function Mapping Strategy:
Identify enhancers regulated by ATXN7L1 using:
STARR-seq (Self-Transcribing Active Regulatory Region Sequencing)
CRISPRa/CRISPRi at ATXN7L1 binding sites
Correlate enhancer activity with gene expression changes
This extends understanding of ATXN7L1's role in transcriptional regulation
Chromatin Accessibility Dynamics Assessment:
Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis Framework:
Integrate datasets from:
ChIP-seq (ATXN7L1 binding)
RNA-seq (transcriptional output)
ATAC-seq (chromatin accessibility)
Hi-C (chromatin conformation)
Develop computational models of ATXN7L1's impact on 3D genome organization
This comprehensive approach provides a systems-level view of ATXN7L1 function