The CYCD3-3 antibody targets Cyclin D3, a key regulatory protein involved in cell cycle progression . Cyclin D3, complexed with cyclin-dependent kinases CDK4 or CDK6, regulates the G1/S phase transition by phosphorylating retinoblastoma (RB) protein family members, including RB1 . CYCD3-3 is utilized in studying cell cycle regulation, particularly in the context of T-cell malignancies and plant development . The protein has a major isoform consisting of 291 amino acids, with a predicted molecular weight of 33 kD . It is found in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane .
CYCD3, detected by the CYCD3-3 antibody, serves as a diagnostic marker for immature T-cell malignancies that do not express surface membrane CD3 (SmCD3) . Studies show that all T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL) lacking SmCD3 expression exhibit cytoplasmic CYCD3 (CyCD3) . The expression pattern of CyCD3 changes during T-cell development: immature T-cells express CyCD3 only, intermediate stages show combined CyCD3 and SmCD3 expression, and mature T-cells primarily express SmCD3 .
| Cell Type | CYCD3 Expression | SmCD3 Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Immature T-cells | Present | Absent |
| Intermediate T-cells | Present | Present |
| Mature T-cells | Absent | Present |
| B cell leukemias | Absent | N/A |
| Acute myeloid leukemias | Absent | N/A |
| Non-T cell lines tested | Absent | N/A |
Optimal detection of CyCD3 involves using acid ethanol for fixation in cytocentrifuge preparations . Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) raised against denatured CD3 chains, such as those in the SP series (SP-6, SP-10, SP-64 and SP-78), can effectively detect CyCD3 . Certain anti-CD3 MoAbs raised against native SmCD3, including UCHT1, VIT-3b, G19-4.1, and SK7/Leu-4, are also capable of detecting CyCD3 .
In plant biology, CYCD3-3 plays a crucial role in cell division and growth. Overexpression of CYCD3-3 can lead to significant morphological changes, such as enlarged and wrinkled leaves . Specifically, CYCD3-3 is involved in cell division control in the root pole and stem cell niche of plants . Loss-of-function mutants of cycd3;3 show a reduced number of columella cells .
Ectopic expression of CYCD3-3 in the quiescent center (QC) of plant roots induces QC cell division, demonstrating its role in regulating cell proliferation . The WOX5 gene, which encodes a WUSCHEL-related homeobox protein 5, suppresses CYCD3-3 activity to maintain quiescence in the QC . WOX5 binds to the CYCD3-3 promoter, negatively regulating its expression in the QC .
Validating antibodies is crucial for ensuring the reliability of research findings. Key strategies for antibody validation include genetic validation, where target protein expression is eliminated or significantly reduced via genome editing or RNA interference .
CD3 antibodies are frequently used in bispecific antibodies for T-cell engagement in cancer immunotherapy . Many CD3 antibodies that cross-react with cynomolgus monkeys recognize a highly electronegative linear epitope at the N-terminus of CD3 epsilon (CD3ε) . These antibodies often have high isoelectric points and display polyreactivity, which can affect their pharmacokinetics . Engineered CD3 antibody variants with reduced polyreactivity and improved biophysical properties are being developed for therapeutic applications .
Further research indicates a significant role for CYCD3 activity in determining cell number during the development of lateral organs. This activity influences the balance between cell production and cell expansion in overall organ growth. (See PMID: 17726100 for details).
Cyclin D3 functions as a key regulator of Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4 and CDK6), mediating growth factor-induced progression through the G1 phase in the cell cycle. As a regulatory component of the cyclin D3-CDK4 complex, it phosphorylates and inhibits retinoblastoma (RB) protein family members, playing a crucial role in regulating the cell-cycle during G1/S transition . Cyclin D3 is particularly significant in lymphocyte development, where it has specialized functions that cannot be compensated by other D-type cyclins. Research has demonstrated that cyclin D3 deficiency leads to significant developmental blocks in T and B lymphocytes, indicating its unique role in lymphopoiesis .
Cyclin D3 exhibits specialized functions in lymphocyte development that are distinct from other D-type cyclins. Studies using knockout models have demonstrated that even when cyclin D2 is expressed at high levels, it cannot rescue the developmental defects caused by cyclin D3 deficiency in early lymphocytes . Knock-in experiments where cyclin D2 was expressed from the cyclin D3 locus (Ccnd2 from the Ccnd3 locus) failed to rescue normal lymphocyte development, confirming that cyclin D3 performs unique functions . This non-redundancy extends to oncogenic transformation, where cyclin D3 plays a specific role in Notch-driven T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia development that cannot be replaced by cyclin D2 .
The CYCD3-3 antibody is primarily used for detecting and quantifying cyclin D3 expression in research applications through:
Immunofluorescent staining with flow cytometric analysis for studying expression patterns in different cell populations
Western blotting for protein expression analysis and molecular weight confirmation
Immunohistochemistry for tissue localization studies
Cell cycle progression analysis, particularly in G1/S transition research
Investigation of cyclin D3 expression in malignant transformation and cancer progression
Studying the relationship between cyclin D3 and CDK4/6 in retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation
The antibody is particularly valuable in research involving lymphocyte development, T-cell malignancies, and other cancer types where cyclin D3 dysregulation has been implicated .
For comprehensive detection of cyclin D3 across cellular compartments (nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane ), researchers should employ the following protocol:
Sample preparation:
For adherent cells: Grow cells on coverslips, fix with 4% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes at room temperature), and permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100
For suspension cells: Fix in suspension, then prepare cytospins or adhere to poly-L-lysine coated slides
Immunofluorescence staining:
Block with 5% normal serum for 1 hour
Incubate with anti-cyclin D3 antibody (5 μl per million cells in 100 μl staining volume)
Use organelle-specific markers as counterstains (nuclear: DAPI; membrane: wheat germ agglutinin; cytoskeletal: phalloidin)
Apply secondary antibodies with distinct fluorophores for multiplexed detection
Analysis approaches:
Confocal microscopy for high-resolution compartmental localization
Flow cytometry for quantitative assessment in cell populations
Subcellular fractionation followed by Western blotting for biochemical verification
For flow cytometric applications specifically, the recommended usage is 5 μl of antibody per million cells in 100 μl staining volume or 5 μl per 100 μl of whole blood .
Validation of CYCD3-3 antibody specificity should include multiple complementary approaches:
Positive and negative controls:
Molecular validation:
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Functional correlation:
Correlate cyclin D3 detection with cell cycle phase (highest in G1/S transition)
Compare with alternative anti-cyclin D3 antibody clones
Combining these validation steps ensures reliable and specific detection of cyclin D3 in your experimental system.
When using CYCD3-3 antibody for flow cytometry, researchers should consider:
Sample preparation optimization:
Fixation: Use a gentle fixative (0.5-2% paraformaldehyde) to preserve epitope
Permeabilization: Test different agents (saponin, methanol, or specialized commercial buffers) for optimal intracellular access
Buffer composition: Use phosphate-buffered solution with pH 7.2 containing BSA to minimize non-specific binding
Instrument setup:
Experimental controls:
Include unstained, isotype, and FMO (fluorescence minus one) controls
Use cells at different cell cycle stages to verify expression pattern
Consider dual staining with cell cycle markers (e.g., Ki-67, propidium iodide)
Storage and handling:
Data analysis:
Gate based on forward/side scatter to exclude debris and dead cells
Analyze cyclin D3 expression in relation to cell cycle phases
Consider co-staining with CDK4/6 to analyze complex formation
Following these guidelines will ensure reliable and reproducible flow cytometry results when using CYCD3-3 antibody.
The CYCD3-3 antibody serves as a powerful tool for investigating cyclin D3's role in T-cell malignancies through multiple experimental approaches:
Expression profiling in patient samples:
Functional studies in malignant transformation:
Therapeutic targeting studies:
Mechanistic investigations:
Research has demonstrated that cyclin D3 overexpression is commonly seen in human T-ALL, with specific associations between cyclin D3 expression and distinct T-ALL subsets . Furthermore, Notch signaling directly regulates cyclin D3 expression, making it a potential therapeutic target in this disease .
To investigate the interaction between cyclin D3 and CDK4/6 in cancer models, researchers can employ these methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation analysis:
Immunoprecipitate with CYCD3-3 antibody followed by CDK4/6 detection, or vice versa
Compare complex formation in normal vs. cancer cells
Assess the effect of CDK4/6 inhibitors on complex integrity
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Use CYCD3-3 antibody with anti-CDK4/6 antibodies in fixed cells
Visualize and quantify endogenous protein-protein interactions in situ
Compare interaction frequencies across different cancer models
FRET/BRET analysis:
Generate fluorescently tagged cyclin D3 and CDK4/6 constructs
Measure energy transfer as indicator of protein proximity
Monitor interactions in live cells during cell cycle progression
Kinase activity assays:
Isolate cyclin D3:CDK4/6 complexes using CYCD3-3 antibody
Measure phosphorylation of recombinant Rb substrate in vitro
Compare activity in different cancer models or after drug treatment
Subcellular localization studies:
Use CYCD3-3 antibody with anti-CDK4/6 antibodies for immunofluorescence
Determine co-localization patterns in different cellular compartments
Assess changes in localization during malignant transformation
This multi-faceted approach provides comprehensive insights into how cyclin D3:CDK4/6 complexes function in cancer, supporting the development of therapeutic strategies targeting the cyclin D3:CDK4/6 complex .
The phosphorylation status of cyclin D3 can significantly impact its detection with CYCD3-3 antibody through several mechanisms:
Epitope masking:
Phosphorylation near the antibody binding site may sterically hinder antibody access
Different phosphorylation states may induce conformational changes affecting epitope exposure
Researchers should verify if CYCD3-3 recognizes all phospho-forms or preferentially binds to specific states
Experimental considerations:
Phosphatase inhibitors should be included in lysis buffers to preserve phosphorylation status
For comprehensive analysis, combine CYCD3-3 with phospho-specific antibodies
Compare detection efficiency in samples treated with and without lambda phosphatase
Cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation:
Cyclin D3 undergoes cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation affecting protein stability and function
Synchronize cells at different cell cycle stages to assess variation in antibody binding
Correlate detection efficiency with phosphorylation-dependent degradation of cyclin D3
Methodological approach:
Use Phos-tag™ SDS-PAGE followed by Western blotting with CYCD3-3 to separate and detect different phospho-forms
Combine with mass spectrometry to identify specific phosphorylation sites affecting antibody binding
Perform site-directed mutagenesis of key phosphorylation sites to verify their impact on antibody detection
Understanding the relationship between cyclin D3 phosphorylation and CYCD3-3 antibody binding is crucial for accurate interpretation of experimental results, particularly in studies of cell cycle regulation and cancer signaling pathways .
These troubleshooting strategies should address most common issues encountered when working with CYCD3-3 antibody in various experimental applications.
When adapting CYCD3-3 antibody protocols for different tissue types, researchers should consider these tissue-specific modifications:
Lymphoid tissues (thymus, spleen, lymph nodes):
Gentle fixation (2-4% PFA, 10-15 minutes) to preserve lymphocyte morphology
Mild permeabilization to maintain delicate cellular architecture
Consider relevant markers for co-staining (CD4/CD8 for T cells, B220 for B cells)
Optimize for high cellular density and significant background from extracellular matrix
Solid tumors:
Extended fixation time (12-24 hours in 10% formalin) for proper tissue preservation
Antigen retrieval crucial (citrate buffer pH 6.0, 20 minutes at 95°C)
Stronger permeabilization required to ensure antibody penetration
Block endogenous peroxidase activity for IHC applications
Test multiple antibody dilutions to account for variable cyclin D3 expression
Cell lines vs. primary cells:
Brain tissue:
Use specialized fixatives (e.g., Zamboni's fixative) that better preserve brain architecture
Extended permeabilization time (24-48 hours) for adequate antibody penetration
Increase antibody concentration and incubation time (48-72 hours at 4°C)
Float sections for better access to antigens
Bone marrow samples:
Specialized fixation for bone marrow smears (methanol:acetone 1:1, 10 minutes)
For bone marrow aspirates, lyse red blood cells before antibody staining
Consider additional steps to reduce autofluorescence
Optimize for high cellularity and heterogeneous population
For all tissue types, preliminary titration experiments are essential to determine optimal antibody concentration for specific applications and sample types .
Effective multiplexed staining strategies with CYCD3-3 antibody require careful planning and optimization:
Panel design considerations:
Select complementary fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap
When using PE-conjugated CYCD3-3 antibody, avoid PE-adjacent fluorophores (PE-Cy5, PE-Cy7)
Plan panel around available excitation sources (blue 488 nm or yellow-green 561 nm laser for PE-conjugated antibody)
Balance bright fluorophores with dim ones based on target abundance
Technical optimization:
Sequential staining: Apply antibodies in order of decreasing affinity
Antibody cocktails: Test for interference between antibodies
Fixation effects: Ensure chosen fixative preserves all target epitopes
Cross-blocking: Pre-block with unconjugated antibodies if cross-reactivity is observed
Cyclin D3-specific combinations:
Advanced multiplexing techniques:
Cyclic immunofluorescence: Sequential rounds of staining/imaging/stripping
Mass cytometry (CyTOF): Metal-tagged antibodies for high-parameter analysis
Spectral cytometry: Unmixing of overlapping spectra for increased parameter count
Analysis approaches:
Compensation controls: Single-stained controls for each fluorophore
FMO controls: Particularly important for dim markers
Multi-parameter analysis: Use dimensionality reduction techniques (tSNE, UMAP)
Boolean gating: Identify complex cell populations based on multiple markers
These strategies enable comprehensive analysis of cyclin D3 in relation to multiple cellular parameters, providing deeper insights into its function in normal physiology and disease .
Cyclin D3 expression exhibits distinct patterns between normal lymphocytes and lymphoid malignancies:
Normal lymphocyte expression:
Developmental pattern: Cyclin D3 expression is tightly regulated during normal lymphocyte development
T-cell lineage: In thymocytes, cyclin D3 is essential for development, with expression levels varying by maturation stage
Cell cycle regulation: Expression peaks during G1/S transition in response to growth factor stimulation
Cell-type specificity: Differential expression between T-cell and B-cell developmental stages
Lymphoid malignancy alterations:
T-ALL subtypes: Different cyclin D expression patterns characterize distinct T-ALL subsets
B-cell malignancies: Genomic changes disrupting cyclin D3 expression are associated with aberrant growth of several human B-lymphoid malignancies
Regulation disruption: Notch signaling directly regulates cyclin D3 expression in T-ALL, with constitutive Notch activation driving cyclin D3 overexpression
Complex formation: Altered formation of cyclin D3:CDK4/6 complexes in malignant cells
Functional consequences:
This differential expression pattern makes cyclin D3 both a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in lymphoid malignancies .
Evaluating CDK4/6 inhibitor efficacy in cyclin D3-dependent malignancies requires comprehensive experimental approaches:
This multi-faceted approach provides comprehensive assessment of CDK4/6 inhibitor efficacy specifically in the context of cyclin D3-dependent malignancies .
CYCD3-3 antibody can be employed to investigate the complex relationship between cyclin D3 and the tumor microenvironment through several sophisticated approaches:
Spatial profiling of cyclin D3 expression:
Multiplex immunohistochemistry: Combine CYCD3-3 with markers for immune cells (CD4, CD8, CD68), stromal cells, and vasculature
Digital spatial profiling: Quantify cyclin D3 expression in distinct microenvironmental niches
3D tissue imaging: Visualize cyclin D3 expression patterns relative to stromal boundaries and vascular structures
Cell-cell interaction studies:
Co-culture systems: Analyze cyclin D3 expression in tumor cells when co-cultured with different microenvironmental cells
Conditioned media experiments: Assess how secreted factors from stromal or immune cells affect cyclin D3 expression
Direct contact vs. paracrine signaling: Determine mechanism of microenvironmental influence on cyclin D3 regulation
Tumor-immune interaction analysis:
Flow cytometry: Use CYCD3-3 antibody to study cyclin D3 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes versus tumor cells
Single-cell analysis: Combine with markers of T-cell exhaustion or activation
Checkpoint inhibitor response: Correlate baseline cyclin D3 expression with immunotherapy response
Hypoxia and metabolic stress studies:
Hypoxia gradient analysis: Correlate cyclin D3 expression with distance from vasculature or hypoxia markers
Metabolic stress response: Study cyclin D3 regulation under nutrient deprivation conditions
pH and oxidative stress: Assess impact of microenvironmental stressors on cyclin D3 expression
Therapeutic modulation:
Microenvironment-targeting drugs: Evaluate how agents modifying tumor stroma affect cyclin D3 expression
Combination approaches: Test CDK4/6 inhibitors with drugs targeting the microenvironment
Resistance mechanisms: Investigate how the microenvironment contributes to resistance to cyclin D3:CDK4/6-targeting therapies
These approaches provide comprehensive insights into how the tumor microenvironment influences cyclin D3 expression and function, potentially revealing new therapeutic strategies for cyclin D3-dependent malignancies .
Several cutting-edge technologies are poised to revolutionize cyclin D3 research when combined with CYCD3-3 antibody:
Single-cell multiomics approaches:
CITE-seq: Combine CYCD3-3 antibody detection with single-cell transcriptomics
Cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes (CITE): Correlate cyclin D3 protein levels with global gene expression patterns
Single-cell proteogenomics: Integrate protein, RNA, and DNA analysis at single-cell resolution
Advanced imaging technologies:
Super-resolution microscopy: Visualize cyclin D3 subcellular localization with nanometer precision
Light-sheet microscopy: Image cyclin D3 expression in intact tissues with minimal photobleaching
4D live cell imaging: Track cyclin D3 dynamics through the cell cycle in real-time
Expansion microscopy: Physically expand samples to achieve super-resolution with standard microscopes
Protein interaction analysis:
Proximity-dependent biotin labeling (BioID/TurboID): Map cyclin D3 protein interaction networks
Thermal proximity coaggregation (TPCA): Assess native protein complexes
Mass spectrometry-based interactomics: Identify novel cyclin D3 binding partners
Cross-linking mass spectrometry: Map structural details of cyclin D3:CDK4/6 complexes
Functional genomics platforms:
CRISPR screens: Identify synthetic lethal interactions with cyclin D3 overexpression
CRISPR activation/inhibition: Modulate cyclin D3 expression with precise targeting
Base and prime editing: Create specific cyclin D3 mutations to study structure-function relationships
Artificial intelligence applications:
Deep learning image analysis: Automated quantification of cyclin D3 staining patterns
Predictive modeling: Forecast patient response to CDK4/6 inhibitors based on cyclin D3 expression
Multi-parameter data integration: Synthesize cyclin D3 data with other molecular markers
These emerging technologies will dramatically enhance our understanding of cyclin D3 biology and accelerate therapeutic development for cyclin D3-dependent diseases .
Understanding post-translational modifications (PTMs) of cyclin D3 has profound implications for therapeutic development:
PTM characterization methodologies:
Mass spectrometry approaches: Identify specific modification sites on cyclin D3
PTM-specific antibodies: Develop tools to detect phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and other modifications
Enzymatic regulation studies: Identify kinases, phosphatases, and other enzymes controlling cyclin D3 modifications
Phosphorylation-based therapeutic strategies:
Targeted phosphorylation inhibition: Develop compounds blocking specific cyclin D3 phosphorylation sites
Phosphorylation-dependent degradation: Exploit phosphorylation-triggered protein degradation
Phosphorylation-resistant mutants: Investigate therapeutic potential of stabilized cyclin D3 forms
Ubiquitination and protein stability:
E3 ligase targeting: Develop drugs modulating cyclin D3 ubiquitination and degradation
Deubiquitinase inhibitors: Enhance cyclin D3 degradation in overexpressing tumors
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs): Create bifunctional molecules targeting cyclin D3 for degradation
Other modification pathways:
Acetylation regulation: Study impact on cyclin D3:CDK4/6 complex formation
SUMOylation effects: Investigate alterations in subcellular localization and function
Glycosylation patterns: Explore consequences for protein stability and interaction networks
Therapeutic implications:
Biomarker development: Use specific PTMs as predictive markers for CDK4/6 inhibitor response
Combination therapies: Target both cyclin D3 and its modifying enzymes
Resistance mechanisms: Identify PTM changes mediating therapeutic resistance
Patient stratification: Select patients based on cyclin D3 PTM profiles
This detailed understanding of cyclin D3 PTMs will enable more precise targeting strategies, potentially overcoming limitations of current CDK4/6 inhibitors and developing novel therapeutic approaches for cyclin D3-dependent malignancies .
For targeting cyclin D3 in treatment-resistant lymphoid malignancies, several innovative approaches show particular promise:
Next-generation CDK4/6 inhibitors:
Isoform-selective inhibitors: Develop compounds with greater specificity for cyclin D3:CDK4/6 complexes
Covalent inhibitors: Create irreversible binders for sustained target inhibition
Brain-penetrant inhibitors: Address central nervous system involvement in lymphoid malignancies
Cell cycle-specific combination approaches: Combine with inhibitors of other cell cycle checkpoints
Protein degradation strategies:
Cyclin D3-targeted PROTACs: Develop bifunctional molecules that recruit E3 ligases to degrade cyclin D3
Molecular glue degraders: Identify compounds that promote cyclin D3 interaction with protein degradation machinery
Autophagy induction: Exploit macroautophagy to degrade cyclin D3 complexes
Transcriptional and translational regulation:
Synthetic lethality approaches:
PARP inhibitors: Exploit potential synthetic lethality with cyclin D3 overexpression
Metabolic vulnerabilities: Target metabolic pathways essential in cyclin D3-driven malignancies
DNA damage response inhibitors: Combine with agents targeting ATR, CHK1, or WEE1
Immunotherapy combinations:
CDK4/6 inhibitors with checkpoint blockade: Exploit immunomodulatory effects of cell cycle inhibition
CAR-T cell therapy: Develop approaches targeting cyclin D3-overexpressing cells
Bispecific antibodies: Create constructs targeting both cyclin D3-expressing cells and immune effectors
Notch pathway modulation:
These innovative approaches offer new hope for patients with treatment-resistant lymphoid malignancies driven by cyclin D3 dysregulation, potentially overcoming the limitations of current therapeutic strategies .