CDC42SE1 (SPEC1) is a 9 kDa small effector protein of CDC42, a Rho GTPase involved in cell cycle regulation, survival, and actin dynamics . The CDC42SE1 antibody targets this protein, enabling its detection in experimental models. Key features of CDC42SE1 include:
Structure: 79 amino acids with a conserved CRIB domain and two N-terminal cysteines .
Function: Modulates CDC42-mediated pathways, including Akt/mTOR signaling, impacting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis .
CDC42SE1 antibodies are validated for multiple applications:
Downregulation in Cancer: CDC42SE1 expression is reduced in skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to healthy tissue .
Functional Impact: Overexpression of CDC42SE1 in A431 cells (skin cancer line) inhibits:
Mechanism: CDC42SE1 competes with other CDC42 effectors, reducing phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and mTOR (p-mTOR) .
CDC42SE1 overexpression reduces CDC42-induced filopodia formation in A549 lung cancer cells, highlighting its role in cytoskeletal remodeling .
Proteintech (12427-1-AP): Validated for IHC and WB, with antigen retrieval using Tris-EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) .
Sigma-Aldrich (HPA027634): Part of the Prestige Antibodies® line, tested across 44 normal and 20 cancer tissues .
Mutant CDC42SE1 (H38A) lacking the CRIB domain fails to inhibit proliferation, confirming antibody specificity for functional CDC42SE1 .
CDC42SE1 antibodies are critical for studying:
CDC42SE1 is a small effector protein of 9 kDa that consists of 79 amino acids, including a conserved CRIB (Cdc42- and Rac-interactive binding) domain, 2 conserved cysteines at the N-terminus, and a basic amino acid preceding the CRIB domain . This protein interacts with CDC42, a small Rho GTPase that plays critical roles in many cellular processes including cell proliferation, survival, cytoskeletal reorganization, and cell motility .
CDC42SE1 is significant in cellular research because:
It plays a role in actin cytoskeletal remodeling at immunological synapses
It participates in early contractile events in phagocytosis in macrophages
Its expression is reduced in skin cancer samples, suggesting a potential tumor suppressor role
CDC42SE1 antibodies are employed in multiple research applications:
When selecting an antibody, researchers should consider both monoclonal and polyclonal options based on their specific experimental requirements .
Validating CDC42SE1 antibody specificity is crucial for reliable research outcomes. Implement the following validation approaches:
Positive/negative tissue controls: Use human tonsillitis tissue as a positive control for CDC42SE1 expression . Compare with tissues known to have low expression.
Overexpression validation: Transfect cells with CDC42SE1 expression vectors and confirm increased antibody signal compared to control cells .
Knockdown/knockout validation: Verify reduced signal in CDC42SE1 siRNA or CRISPR knockout cells.
Western blot analysis: Confirm the antibody detects a band of appropriate molecular weight (~9 kDa) .
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test against recombinant CDC42SE1 protein alongside related proteins (like CDC42SE2) to ensure specificity .
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with purified CDC42SE1 protein/peptide to demonstrate signal neutralization.
Multiple antibodies approach: Compare results using antibodies targeting different epitopes of CDC42SE1 .
Immunohistochemistry Protocol for CDC42SE1 Detection:
Sample preparation:
Fix tissue in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embed in paraffin
Section tissues at 4-5 μm thickness
Antigen retrieval (critical step):
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Detection and visualization:
For chromogenic detection, develop with DAB substrate
For fluorescent detection, use fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies
Counterstain nuclei with hematoxylin or DAPI
Controls:
Optimization may be necessary for specific tissue types, as CDC42SE1 expression varies by tissue, with higher expression reported in T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and whole blood cells .
Optimized Western Blot Protocol for CDC42SE1:
Sample preparation:
Extract proteins using RIPA buffer with protease inhibitors
Include phosphatase inhibitors if studying phosphorylation states
Load 20-40 μg of total protein per lane
Gel electrophoresis considerations:
Transfer parameters:
Use PVDF membrane (0.2 μm pore size) for small proteins
Transfer at low voltage (25-30V) overnight at 4°C for small proteins
Verify transfer with reversible protein stain
Antibody incubation:
Detection optimization:
Use high-sensitivity ECL substrate due to potentially low expression levels
Consider longer exposure times (2-15 minutes)
For weak signals, consider signal enhancers or amplification systems
Troubleshooting tips:
If no band is detected, check loading control first
CDC42SE1 may run slightly differently than predicted (8-10 kDa range)
Consider enrichment steps (e.g., immunoprecipitation) for low abundance
Multiple complementary techniques can robustly analyze CDC42SE1-CDC42 interactions:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Detect protein-protein interactions in situ with high sensitivity
Use antibodies against CDC42SE1 and CDC42 from different host species
Visualize interaction as fluorescent dots under microscope
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET):
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC):
Split fluorescent protein fused to CDC42SE1 and CDC42
Reconstitution of fluorescence when proteins interact
Allows visualization of interaction in live cells
Pull-down assays with recombinant proteins:
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR):
Determine binding kinetics and affinity constants
Immobilize purified CDC42-GTP or CDC42SE1 on sensor chip
Measure real-time binding parameters
Research has identified significant alterations in CDC42SE1 expression in cancer, particularly skin cancer:
Expression patterns in cancer:
Quantitative detection methods:
qRT-PCR: For quantifying mRNA expression levels
Western blot analysis: For protein expression quantification
Use densitometry to compare expression levels
Normalize to loading controls (β-actin, GAPDH)
Immunohistochemistry: For tissue expression patterns
Functional validation approaches:
Overexpression of CDC42SE1 in cancer cell lines (e.g., A431 cells) reduces:
Mechanistic investigations show:
CDC42SE1 plays important roles in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. The following techniques are valuable for investigating these functions:
Fluorescence microscopy of F-actin structures:
Live cell imaging with fluorescent fusion proteins:
Generate CDC42SE1-GFP fusion constructs
Use LifeAct-RFP to visualize F-actin dynamics
Perform time-lapse microscopy to track dynamic changes
Immunological synapse formation assays:
Phagocytosis assays:
Actin polymerization assays:
Measure the rate of actin polymerization in vitro
Use pyrene-labeled actin to monitor polymerization kinetics
Add purified CDC42SE1 and CDC42 proteins to the reaction
Super-resolution microscopy:
Apply techniques like STORM or PALM for nanoscale imaging
Resolve detailed actin structures beyond diffraction limit
Precisely localize CDC42SE1 in relation to actin filaments
CDC42SE1 influences several signaling pathways, particularly through its interaction with CDC42. Here are methodological approaches to investigate these pathways:
Phosphorylation state analysis:
Pathway inhibitor studies:
Use specific inhibitors (e.g., PI3K inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors)
Determine if CDC42SE1's effects are dependent on specific pathways
Assess if inhibitors can reverse phenotypes caused by CDC42SE1 manipulation
Antibody microarray analysis:
Reporter assays:
Phosphoproteomics:
Perform mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics
Identify global changes in phosphorylation patterns
Discover novel signaling events regulated by CDC42SE1
When encountering inconsistent results with CDC42SE1 antibodies, systematically address these common issues:
Antibody validation issues:
Sample preparation challenges:
Technical optimization strategies:
For Western blot:
Use high percentage gels (15-20%) for better resolution of small proteins
Optimize transfer conditions for small proteins (longer times, lower voltage)
Try different blocking reagents (milk vs. BSA) if background is an issue
For IHC/ICC:
Cell/tissue-specific considerations:
Systematic troubleshooting approach:
Change one variable at a time
Document all conditions thoroughly
Include appropriate positive and negative controls in each experiment