The basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family comprises transcription factors involved in diverse biological processes, including plant development, stress responses, and circadian rhythms . These proteins dimerize (homodimers or heterodimers) and bind to E-box DNA motifs (e.g., CACGTG) . For example:
bHLH25 in rice enhances disease resistance by modulating lignin biosynthesis .
IBH1/IBL1 in Arabidopsis form regulatory networks controlling cell elongation .
The numbering of bHLH proteins varies by species and study. In Arabidopsis, bHLH genes are systematically annotated (e.g., bHLH164/PRE5 , bHLH158/IBH1 ), but no "bHLH167" is documented in the provided sources. Potential reasons for the absence of "BHLH167 Antibody" include:
Typographical error: The identifier may refer to a different bHLH protein (e.g., bHLH164 or bHLH158).
Species specificity: The antibody might target a bHLH protein in a non-model organism not covered in the literature.
Commercial availability: The antibody could be newly developed or proprietary, with data not yet published.
While no direct data exists for BHLH167, insights from related antibodies illustrate common practices:
To address the lack of data on "BHLH167 Antibody":
BHLH167 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana, encoded by the gene AT1G10585 (also known as T10O24.22). It belongs to the bHLH family of transcription factors that typically dimerize and bind to E-box DNA motifs (such as CACGTG) to regulate gene expression .
While specific research on BHLH167's precise function is still emerging, bHLH transcription factors in Arabidopsis generally participate in:
Vascular tissue formation and differentiation
Plant development and morphogenesis
Stress response pathways
Auxin signaling and hormone crosstalk
Cell elongation control
Database identifiers associated with BHLH167 include:
Validation of BHLH167 antibody specificity is critical for reliable experimental results. According to established guidelines , researchers should implement the following validation steps:
| Validation Method | Procedure | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic controls | Compare wild-type vs. AT1G10585 knockout/mutant Arabidopsis | Signal present in wild-type, absent in knockout |
| Primary antibody omission | Process samples without adding BHLH167 antibody | No specific signal detected |
| Pre-immune serum controls | Test serum collected before immunization | Minimal background reactivity |
| Blocking peptide validation | Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide | Progressive signal reduction with increasing peptide |
| Western blot analysis | Detect BHLH167 in plant extracts | Single band at predicted molecular weight |
For plant-specific applications, inclusion of cross-reactivity tests with other closely related bHLH family members is also recommended to ensure the antibody doesn't recognize other plant bHLH proteins .
The BHLH167 antibody can be employed in multiple experimental techniques to study this transcription factor:
For optimal results with plant samples, additional optimization of extraction buffers and sample preparation methods may be necessary compared to standard animal tissue protocols.
Because bHLH transcription factors typically function through protein-protein interactions, particularly dimerization, multiple complementary approaches should be used:
| Method | Application for BHLH167 | Technical Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Co-immunoprecipitation | Identify native interacting partners | Use mild, non-denaturing conditions; consider crosslinking |
| Yeast two-hybrid | Screen for potential interactors | Use bait constructs with and without the DNA-binding domain |
| BiFC (Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation) | Visualize interactions in planta | Account for plant autofluorescence; include appropriate controls |
| Pull-down assays | Validate direct interactions | Express recombinant BHLH167 with affinity tags |
| Mass spectrometry | Identify complex components | Optimize protein extraction from plant tissues |
Based on knowledge of related bHLH proteins, focus on:
Other bHLH family members as potential dimerization partners
Components of auxin signaling pathways
Transcriptional co-regulators and chromatin remodeling factors
Researchers should pay particular attention to interactions in vascular tissues, where many bHLH proteins play regulatory roles in development , and consider tissue-specific or developmental stage-specific interactions.
Comparative analysis of BHLH167 within the larger bHLH family provides context for understanding its specific functions:
Structural comparison:
The Arabidopsis bHLH family comprises over 160 members divided into multiple subfamilies. When analyzing BHLH167:
The conserved bHLH domain typically includes:
Basic region: DNA binding (typically 15 amino acids)
Helix 1-Loop-Helix 2: dimerization interface
Modern structural prediction tools (like AlphaFold3 mentioned in search result ) can generate reliable models for comparative analysis
Functional classification:
Based on information about related bHLH proteins:
Determining which subfamily BHLH167 belongs to would provide significant functional insights. Based on search result , investigating potential roles in vascular development and auxin signaling would be particularly relevant.
Based on information about related bHLH proteins , BHLH167 may participate in auxin signaling. To investigate this:
Genetic approaches:
Generate BHLH167 knockout/knockdown lines using CRISPR or T-DNA insertion
Create BHLH167 overexpression lines
Analyze phenotypes related to auxin responses:
Vascular patterning
Lateral root formation
Apical dominance
Tropic responses
Molecular approaches:
Perform ChIP-seq to identify BHLH167 binding to auxin-responsive promoters
RNA-seq analysis comparing wild-type and BHLH167 mutant plants with and without auxin treatment
Analyze expression of canonical auxin-responsive genes in BHLH167 mutants
Biochemical approaches:
Co-IP to detect interactions with known auxin signaling components
Yeast two-hybrid screening for interactions with auxin signaling proteins
In vitro binding assays with auxin response elements
Search result mentions "Negative Feedback Regulation of Auxin Signaling by ATHB8/ACL5–BUD2 Transcription Module" - investigating whether BHLH167 interacts with or functions in parallel to this module would be particularly informative.