CCDC153 (Coiled-coil domain containing 153) is a protein whose properties are still being elucidated in ongoing research. Current evidence suggests it functions as a neuronal subtype marker (PMID: 28166221) and is also known as Dynein regulatory complex protein 12 (DRC12) . The protein has a calculated molecular weight of 24 kDa, though it often appears as a dimer at 45-48 kDa in Western blot analyses .
CCDC153 is of interest to researchers studying:
Neuronal subtypes and classification
Dynein regulatory complex components
Coiled-coil domain-containing proteins and their structural functions
The gene is conserved across species with orthologs in humans (UniProt ID: Q494R4), mice (P0C7Q1), and rats (Q5FVL4), making it suitable for comparative studies .
When selecting between these antibodies, researchers should consider the specific experimental requirements, including sensitivity needs and the importance of epitope specificity.
For optimal Western blot results with CCDC153 antibody:
Sample Preparation:
Include positive controls such as COLO 320 cells, HepG2 cells, or human brain tissue where CCDC153 is expressed
Prepare total protein extracts using standard lysis buffers (RIPA or NP-40)
Load 20-30 μg of total protein per lane
Protocol Optimization:
Dilution range: Use 1:500-1:2000 for most polyclonal antibodies
Expected band: Look for the 45-48 kDa band (dimer) rather than the calculated 24 kDa monomer
Blocking: 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST (1 hour at room temperature)
Primary antibody incubation: Overnight at 4°C with gentle rocking
Secondary antibody: Anti-rabbit HRP (1:5000-1:10000) for 1 hour at room temperature
Troubleshooting:
If bands are weak, increase antibody concentration or extend incubation time
If high background occurs, increase washing steps or dilute antibody further
For multiple bands, consider using a more specific monoclonal antibody or additional blocking steps
The observed molecular weight (45-48 kDa) being larger than the calculated weight (24 kDa) is a characteristic feature of CCDC153 detection and represents dimerization rather than non-specific binding .
Tissue Preparation and Antigen Retrieval:
Fix tissues in 10% neutral buffered formalin and embed in paraffin
Cut sections at 4-6 μm thickness
For antigen retrieval, use TE buffer pH 9.0 (primary recommendation) or alternatively citrate buffer pH 6.0
Heat-induced epitope retrieval: 95-98°C for 15-20 minutes followed by 20 minutes cooling
Staining Protocol:
Primary antibody incubation: 1 hour at room temperature or overnight at 4°C
Detection system: HRP/DAB or fluorescence-based systems are suitable
Counterstain: Hematoxylin for brightfield or DAPI for fluorescence
Positive Controls:
Human prostate hyperplasia tissue has shown consistent positive results
Include positive controls in each experiment to validate staining patterns
Expected Results:
CCDC153 immunoreactivity patterns will depend on tissue type
Compare staining patterns with publicly available data from Human Protein Atlas for reference
For challenging tissues, titration of antibody concentration and optimization of antigen retrieval time may be necessary to balance signal intensity with background staining.
The discrepancy between CCDC153's calculated molecular weight (24 kDa) and its observed molecular weight (45-48 kDa) on Western blots represents a significant consideration in experimental design . Several approaches can help researchers address this:
Analytical Approaches:
Denaturing conditions analysis: Compare reducing vs. non-reducing conditions to determine if disulfide bonds contribute to dimerization
Cross-linking studies: Utilize protein cross-linking agents to stabilize potential complexes before SDS-PAGE
Mass spectrometry validation: Confirm protein identity through peptide mass fingerprinting of the 45-48 kDa band
2D gel electrophoresis: Separate based on both isoelectric point and molecular weight to identify potential post-translational modifications
Experimental Validation:
Run protein samples alongside recombinant CCDC153 expressing only the monomeric form
Include both positive controls (COLO 320 or HepG2 cells) and negative controls
Consider size-exclusion chromatography before Western blotting to separate monomeric and dimeric forms
The research literature suggests that CCDC153 frequently appears as a dimer on Western blots , indicating that this observation is a characteristic feature rather than an experimental artifact. This dimerization may have functional significance in its role within the dynein regulatory complex.
Based on the limited characterization of CCDC153 and its potential role as a neuronal subtype marker (PMID: 28166221) , the following experimental approaches are recommended:
Neuronal Subtype Profiling:
Perform immunohistochemistry on brain sections from different regions to map CCDC153 expression patterns
Combine with established neuronal subtype markers (NeuN, calbindin, parvalbumin, etc.) in co-localization studies
Analyze differential expression across development stages to identify temporal patterns
Functional Characterization:
Use RNAi or CRISPR-Cas9 to knock down/out CCDC153 in neuronal cultures and assess phenotypic changes
Perform electrophysiological recordings of CCDC153-positive neurons to determine functional properties
Investigate protein-protein interactions within the dynein regulatory complex to understand mechanistic roles
Transcriptomic Analysis:
Conduct single-cell RNA sequencing of CCDC153-positive versus negative neuronal populations
Create a correlation matrix of CCDC153 expression with known neuronal subtype markers
Develop a transcriptomic signature for CCDC153-positive cells
Validation in Disease Models:
Examine CCDC153 expression in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease models
Assess whether CCDC153 patterns are altered in pathological states
This multi-modal approach will help establish whether CCDC153 is merely correlated with specific neuronal subtypes or plays a causative role in neuronal differentiation or function.
Different manufacturers use various immunogen designs for CCDC153 antibodies, which significantly impacts epitope recognition and experimental results:
Impact on Experimental Outcomes:
N-terminal targeting antibodies may fail to detect processed forms lacking this region
C-terminal antibodies provide more consistent detection when protein processing occurs
Fusion protein immunogens typically yield antibodies with broader application range but require more extensive validation
When inconsistent results occur between antibodies targeting different regions, researchers should:
Compare staining patterns using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Validate using recombinant expression systems with tagged CCDC153
Consider the biological context (tissue type, processing events) when interpreting discrepancies
Common Issues and Solutions Matrix:
Advanced Troubleshooting for CCDC153-Specific Issues:
If the expected 45-48 kDa band is absent but smaller fragments appear, consider potential proteolytic degradation during sample preparation
For neuronal tissues showing variable staining, compare fixation methods (4% PFA vs. 10% NBF) to optimize epitope preservation
When signals differ between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, verify epitope accessibility in your specific sample preparation
Validation Controls:
Use COLO 320 cells, HepG2 cells, or human brain tissue as positive controls
Consider peptide blocking experiments to confirm antibody specificity
Implement siRNA knockdown validation in cell lines expressing CCDC153
Given CCDC153's identification as Dynein regulatory complex protein 12 (DRC12) , researchers can employ several strategies to investigate its function:
Co-immunoprecipitation Studies:
Use CCDC153 antibodies to pull down associated proteins in the dynein regulatory complex
Analyze interacting partners through mass spectrometry
Confirm interactions through reverse co-IP experiments with antibodies against known dynein complex components
Structural Biology Approaches:
Employ super-resolution microscopy with CCDC153 antibodies to localize the protein within ciliary/flagellar structures
Use proximity ligation assays to validate protein-protein interactions in situ
Combine with transmission electron microscopy for ultrastructural localization
Functional Analysis in Model Systems:
Create CCDC153 knockdown/knockout models in ciliated cells
Assess ciliary motility and structure using high-speed videomicroscopy
Examine dynein arm assembly using CCDC153 antibodies as diagnostic tools
Disease Model Applications:
Investigate CCDC153 expression and localization in primary ciliary dyskinesia samples
Screen for CCDC153 mutations in patients with unexplained ciliopathies
Develop diagnostic approaches using CCDC153 antibodies for ciliary dysfunction
This multi-faceted approach will help position CCDC153 within the broader context of dynein regulatory complex biology and potentially reveal new therapeutic targets for ciliopathies.
When investigating CCDC153 at the single-cell level in heterogeneous tissues, researchers should consider these methodological approaches:
Sample Preparation Optimization:
For fixed tissues: Test multiple fixation protocols to preserve both epitope accessibility and cellular morphology
For dissociated cells: Use gentle enzymatic dissociation methods to maintain CCDC153 epitope integrity
Consider nuclear isolation protocols for combined DNA/protein analyses
Single-Cell Analysis Techniques:
Flow Cytometry/FACS:
Use fluorophore-conjugated CCDC153 antibodies for cell sorting
Combine with neuronal subtype markers for multi-parameter analysis
Validate antibody performance in dissociated cells before full experiments
Single-Cell Imaging:
Implement multiplexed immunofluorescence with sequential antibody labeling
Consider clearing techniques (CLARITY, iDISCO) for thick tissue sections
Use computational analysis to quantify co-localization patterns
Integrated Multi-Omics:
Combine CCDC153 protein detection with single-cell RNA sequencing
Implement CITE-seq or similar approaches for simultaneous protein/RNA detection
Correlate CCDC153 protein levels with transcriptome profiles
Validation Strategies:
Include known positive cell types (based on brain regions where CCDC153 is expressed)
Perform RNA-protein correlation studies to validate antibody specificity
Use multiple antibodies targeting different CCDC153 epitopes as cross-validation
These methodological considerations will enable researchers to accurately map CCDC153 expression at single-cell resolution, potentially revealing new insights into its neuronal subtype marker role and dynein regulatory functions.
The observed inconsistency between CCDC153's calculated molecular weight (24 kDa) and various reported weights (predominantly 45-48 kDa) requires systematic analytical approaches :
Analytical Framework for Molecular Weight Discrepancies:
Systematic Documentation:
Record experimental conditions: gel percentage, running buffer, reducing agents, sample preparation method
Document antibody clone/lot number and epitope region targeted
Compare observed weights with published literature using standardized reporting
Biochemical Characterization:
Perform protein deglycosylation assays to identify potential glycosylation contributions
Use phosphatase treatment to assess impact of phosphorylation on migration
Employ chemical crosslinking to stabilize potential oligomeric states
Expression System Comparisons:
Generate tagged recombinant CCDC153 in bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems
Compare migration patterns across expression systems to identify post-translational contributions
Include domain deletion constructs to map regions contributing to mobility shifts
Interpreting Common Patterns:
The consistent observation of 45-48 kDa bands suggests stable dimerization rather than random aggregation
Differences between predicted and observed weights may indicate biological relevance rather than technical artifacts
Cross-validation with mass spectrometry is essential to confirm protein identity
This systematic approach allows researchers to distinguish between technical variability and biologically meaningful molecular weight differences, improving data interpretation and experimental reproducibility.
Validating antibody specificity is critical for neurobiological research where false positives/negatives can lead to significant misinterpretation. For CCDC153 antibodies, implement this comprehensive validation framework:
Multi-level Validation Strategy:
| Validation Level | Techniques | Controls | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic | CRISPR knockout, siRNA knockdown | Scrambled siRNA, wild-type cells | Reduced/absent signal in knockout/knockdown samples |
| Biochemical | Peptide competition, Recombinant protein blocking | Irrelevant peptides/proteins | Signal reduction with specific but not control blocking agents |
| Orthogonal | RNA-protein correlation (RNAscope + IF) | Brain regions with known expression | Concordance between mRNA and protein signals |
| Technical | Multiple antibodies to different epitopes | Secondary-only controls | Consistent localization patterns with independent antibodies |
Neurobiological-Specific Considerations:
Test antibodies on brain tissue sections from multiple species to assess cross-reactivity
Validate in both fixed tissue and cell culture models to assess fixation effects
Include developmental timepoints to capture potential expression dynamics
Compare against Allen Brain Atlas or other neuroanatomical resources for expression patterns
Documentation and Reporting:
Document all validation experiments with appropriate controls
Report antibody catalog numbers, lot numbers, and dilutions
Include representative images of both positive and negative controls
Make validation data available through repositories or supplementary materials
Implementing these validation practices will strengthen the reliability of CCDC153 research in neurobiology and facilitate reproducibility across laboratories.
Multiplexed immunofluorescence with CCDC153 antibodies requires careful optimization to maintain specificity while enabling co-detection with other markers:
Protocol Design Considerations:
Antibody Panel Selection:
Sequential Staining Approaches:
For same-species antibodies, implement tyramide signal amplification (TSA) with heat/chemical stripping between rounds
Consider zenon labeling or directly conjugated primary antibodies to avoid cross-reactivity
Test order effects (which antibody is applied first) as this may impact epitope accessibility
Optimization Parameters:
| Parameter | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody dilution | Start with higher dilution (1:100) | Reduces background in multiplexed settings |
| Blocking | 10% normal serum from host of secondary antibodies | Prevents non-specific binding |
| Washing | Extended PBS-T washes (4× 10 minutes) | Reduces background in multi-antibody protocols |
| Counterstains | DAPI for nuclei, WGA for membranes | Provides cellular context for localization |
| Controls | Single-stain controls for each fluorophore | Enables spectral unmixing if needed |
Compatible Application Examples:
CCDC153 + neuronal markers (NeuN, MAP2) in brain tissue sections
CCDC153 + ciliary markers (acetylated tubulin, ARL13B) in ciliated cells
CCDC153 + organelle markers to determine subcellular localization
Image Acquisition and Analysis:
Use spectral imaging systems for highly multiplexed panels
Implement linear unmixing algorithms to resolve spectral overlap
Consider imaging one fluorophore at a time with sequential scanning to minimize bleed-through
Use appropriate controls for automated segmentation and quantification
These approaches enable effective multiplexed detection of CCDC153 alongside other proteins of interest while maintaining signal specificity and quantitative reliability.
Developing quantitative assays for CCDC153 requires addressing several technical considerations to ensure accuracy and reproducibility:
Quantitative Western Blot Development:
Establish linear dynamic range by titrating protein amounts (5-50 μg)
Include recombinant CCDC153 standard curve for absolute quantification
Normalize to appropriate housekeeping proteins (β-actin, GAPDH) consistently expressed across samples
Use fluorescent secondary antibodies rather than chemiluminescence for wider linear range
Account for the dimer form (45-48 kDa) as the predominant species
ELISA and Immunoassay Development:
Test both sandwich and competitive formats to determine optimal sensitivity
Evaluate antibody pairs targeting different epitopes for sandwich ELISA
Establish standard curves using recombinant CCDC153
Determine minimal detectable concentration and working range
Validate assay precision with intra- and inter-assay CV determination
Image-Based Quantification:
Standardize image acquisition parameters (exposure time, gain, binning)
Use automated analysis pipelines to reduce investigator bias
Implement intensity calibration using fluorescent standards
Consider z-stack acquisition to capture total cellular expression
Normalize to cell number or area for comparative analyses
Critical Validation Steps:
Spike-and-recovery experiments to assess matrix effects
Dilutional linearity testing to confirm quantitative accuracy
Cross-validation with orthogonal methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Analysis of biological replicates to establish normal variation ranges