CDK2AP1 antibodies are widely used to investigate the protein’s role in cellular processes and diseases:
Tumor Suppression: CDK2AP1 inhibits CDK2/Cyclin E activity, blocking G1/S phase transition and reducing tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) .
Immune Microenvironment: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), CDK2AP1 expression correlates with immune infiltration (B cells, CD4+/CD8+ T cells, macrophages) and checkpoint gene activity (e.g., PD-1, CTLA-4), suggesting its role in immunotherapy response .
Angiogenesis Regulation: CDK2AP1 suppresses angiogenesis via TGF-β signaling, reducing endothelial cell tube formation in HNSCC models .
Cell Cycle Arrest: Knockdown of CDK2AP1 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) increases G2/M phase accumulation and reduces proliferation, linked to elevated p53 and Cyclin A1 levels .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with CDK2AP1 antibodies reveals widespread expression in normal tissues like brain, liver, and placenta, but reduced levels in cancers such as HCC and HNSCC .
CDK2AP1 antibodies have elucidated the protein’s molecular interactions:
Cell Cycle Regulation: Binds DNA polymerase α/primase to block DNA replication initiation .
Pathway Modulation: Activates TGF-β signaling to inhibit angiogenesis and upregulates proapoptotic genes (e.g., BAX) .
Immune Checkpoints: Correlates with 23/28 immune checkpoint genes (e.g., PD-L1, LAG3), excluding ADORA2A and IDO2 .
While CDK2AP1 antibodies are critical for basic research, challenges remain:
Based on multiple commercial antibody specifications, the following dilution ranges are recommended for CDK2AP1 antibodies:
For optimal results, it is recommended to titrate the antibody in each specific testing system. Sensitivity can vary depending on cell types and tissue preparation methods. The Sigma-Aldrich HPA057648 antibody specifically recommends 0.25-2 μg/mL for immunofluorescence applications .
Multiple forms of CDK2AP1 antibodies are available, each with distinct characteristics suitable for different experimental objectives:
The choice between these antibodies depends on your experimental needs. Polyclonal antibodies generally offer higher sensitivity but potentially lower specificity compared to monoclonal alternatives. For co-immunoprecipitation studies, affinity-isolated antibodies may provide better results.
CDK2AP1 antibodies are generated using various immunogen sequences targeting different regions of the protein:
Full-length protein: Some antibodies like Proteintech's 13060-2-AP use the complete CDK2AP1 protein sequence (1-115 amino acids encoded by BC034717) .
Partial sequences: Sigma-Aldrich's HPA057648 uses the sequence "ATSSQYRQLLSDYGPPSLGYTQGTGNSQVPQSKYAELLAIIEELGKEI" .
Fusion proteins: Several manufacturers use fusion protein constructs to generate antibodies with specific epitope recognition.
When selecting an antibody, consider which protein region is most relevant to your research questions. For instance, if studying CDK2AP1 dimerization, antibodies recognizing the region around Cys-105 might be most informative, as this residue is critical for disulfide bond formation and biological activity .
Comprehensive validation of CDK2AP1 antibodies should include multiple approaches:
Positive and negative control samples: Use cell lines with known CDK2AP1 expression levels. HEK-293 and HeLa cells have been verified as positive controls for Western blot analysis .
Knockdown/knockout validation: Compare antibody reactivity in wildtype versus CDK2AP1-knockdown/knockout cells. This is particularly important as CDK2AP1 has multiple aliases and isoforms.
Expected molecular weight verification: CDK2AP1 has a calculated molecular weight of approximately 13 kDa but is typically observed at 12 kDa in SDS-PAGE .
Cross-reactivity testing: If working with non-human samples, verify species cross-reactivity, as not all CDK2AP1 antibodies react with mouse or rat proteins despite high sequence conservation.
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide to confirm signal specificity.
For detecting both monomeric and dimeric forms of CDK2AP1, ensure your sample preparation preserves or disrupts disulfide bonds as appropriate to your research questions. The dimeric form (linked by Cys-105 disulfide bonds) has been identified as the active form in contact-inhibited human diploid cells .
Optimal sample preparation depends on your specific application:
For Western blotting:
Use RIPA buffer with protease inhibitors for cell lysate preparation
Include phosphatase inhibitors if studying CDK2AP1 phosphorylation status
For detecting both monomeric and dimeric forms, run samples under both reducing and non-reducing conditions
Avoid excessive sample heating which can cause protein aggregation
For immunohistochemistry:
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues work well with most CDK2AP1 antibodies
Antigen retrieval: Multiple protocols recommend TE buffer pH 9.0, with citrate buffer pH 6.0 as an alternative
Background reduction: Block with appropriate serum (typically 5-10% normal serum from the secondary antibody host species)
For immunofluorescence:
For all applications, include appropriate controls and standardize protocols to ensure reproducibility.
CDK2AP1 has multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms due to alternative splicing . To distinguish between these:
Select antibodies with mapped epitopes: Choose antibodies targeting regions that differ between isoforms.
Use isoform-specific positive controls: Express individual isoforms in cell lines lacking endogenous CDK2AP1.
Combine with RT-PCR: Complement antibody-based detection with transcript-specific PCR to confirm isoform expression patterns.
2D gel electrophoresis: Combine with Western blotting to separate isoforms based on both molecular weight and isoelectric point.
Mass spectrometry validation: For definitive identification, combine immunoprecipitation with mass spectrometry.
CDK2AP1 has emerged as an important cancer-related protein with context-dependent roles. Research applications include:
Expression analysis in clinical samples:
Studying molecular mechanisms:
Use co-immunoprecipitation with CDK2AP1 antibodies to identify interaction partners
Examine cell cycle regulation by analyzing CDK2 activity in relation to CDK2AP1 expression
Investigate the role of CDK2AP1 in DNA replication through its interaction with DNA polymerase alpha/primase
Immune infiltration studies:
microRNA regulation:
CDK2AP1 functions in both cell cycle regulation and as part of the NuRD complex for epigenetic regulation. To investigate these distinct roles:
Cell cycle regulation studies:
Synchronize cells and analyze CDK2AP1 expression/localization across cell cycle phases
Use proximity ligation assays with CDK2AP1 and CDK2 antibodies to visualize interactions in situ
Combine with CDK2 activity assays to correlate CDK2AP1 binding with kinase inhibition
Use non-reducing conditions to preserve the active disulfide-bonded dimeric form
Epigenetic regulation studies:
Perform chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) using CDK2AP1 antibodies to identify genomic binding sites
Co-immunoprecipitate with other NuRD complex components
Analyze histone modifications at CDK2AP1-bound regions
Study CDK2AP1's role in embryonic stem cell differentiation through conditional knockout systems
Integrated approaches:
Use proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) with CDK2AP1 as bait to identify context-specific interaction partners
Perform nucleocytoplasmic fractionation to determine compartment-specific functions
Develop separation-of-function mutants that disrupt either cell cycle or epigenetic regulatory roles
When designing these experiments, consider the timing and cellular context, as CDK2AP1's functions may vary depending on cell type, differentiation state, and cell cycle phase.
For comprehensive pathway analysis, combine antibody-based techniques with multi-omics approaches:
Antibody-based proteomics integration:
Use CDK2AP1 immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify interactome
Perform reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) to analyze signaling pathways affected by CDK2AP1 modulation
Apply proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) or APEX tagging with CDK2AP1 as bait
Genomic integration:
Combine ChIP-seq using CDK2AP1 antibodies with RNA-seq to correlate binding with gene expression changes
Integrate with ATAC-seq to assess chromatin accessibility at CDK2AP1-regulated regions
Analyze CDK2AP1 binding at specific cell cycle gene promoters
Functional assays:
This integrated approach has revealed CDK2AP1's involvement in immune environment regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma and its potential as an immunotherapy target .
The literature presents an apparent paradox regarding CDK2AP1's role in cancer:
Tumor suppressor evidence:
Oncogenic evidence:
To reconcile these conflicting roles, consider:
Tissue context: CDK2AP1 function may be tissue-specific, acting as a suppressor in oral tissues but an oncogene in liver tissues
Molecular context: Different interaction partners in various tissues may determine function
Genetic background: The effect of CDK2AP1 may depend on the status of other tumor suppressors/oncogenes
Epigenetic versus cell cycle roles: The dominant function may vary by context
Isoform expression: Different splice variants may have opposing functions
When designing experiments, include multiple tissue types and measure both cell cycle and epigenetic regulatory outcomes to determine the predominant role in your specific system.
Recent technological advances have enhanced our ability to study CDK2AP1:
Structural insights:
Advanced microscopy techniques:
Super-resolution microscopy enables visualization of CDK2AP1 co-localization with interaction partners at nanoscale resolution
Live-cell imaging with fluorescently tagged CDK2AP1 allows real-time tracking of its dynamics during cell cycle progression
Proximity-based interaction mapping:
BioID and TurboID approaches with CDK2AP1 as bait can identify transient and stable interaction partners
APEX2-based proximity labeling provides temporal resolution of interaction networks
Single-molecule techniques:
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to measure CDK2AP1 diffusion and binding kinetics
Single-molecule pull-down (SiMPull) assays to analyze stoichiometry of CDK2AP1-containing complexes
Novel tissue analysis methods:
These approaches are revealing new insights into CDK2AP1's dual roles in cell cycle regulation and epigenetic control, particularly its integration with the NuRD complex.
Based on recent findings linking CDK2AP1 to immune infiltration , consider these experimental approaches:
Correlation analysis in patient samples:
Perform multiplex IHC using CDK2AP1 antibodies alongside immune cell markers
Analyze spatial relationships between CDK2AP1-expressing cells and immune infiltrates
Stratify patients based on CDK2AP1 expression and compare immune profiles
Mechanistic studies in cell culture and animal models:
Create CDK2AP1 knockout and overexpression models in cancer cell lines
Perform co-culture experiments with immune cells to assess direct effects
Use conditioned media experiments to identify secreted factors regulated by CDK2AP1
Develop syngeneic mouse models with CDK2AP1 modulation to assess in vivo immune recruitment
Pathway analysis:
Clinical correlation:
Analyze CDK2AP1 expression in relation to response to immunotherapy
Correlate with immune checkpoint expression (PD-1, PD-L1)
Develop predictive models incorporating CDK2AP1 status for immunotherapy response
Given that CDK2AP1 expression shows positive correlations with various immune cell infiltrates in HCC (B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells) , it could serve as a potential biomarker for immunotherapy selection.
For successful co-immunoprecipitation of CDK2AP1 complexes:
Lysis buffer optimization:
Standard IP buffer: 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 1% NP-40, 0.5% sodium deoxycholate, with protease and phosphatase inhibitors
For preserving weak interactions: Reduce salt concentration to 100 mM NaCl and use milder detergents (0.3% CHAPS)
For capturing chromatin-associated complexes: Include nuclease treatment (e.g., Benzonase)
Antibody selection:
Use affinity-purified antibodies like Sigma's HPA057648 or Proteintech's 13060-2-AP
Pre-clear lysates with species-matched IgG to reduce non-specific binding
Consider epitope-tagged CDK2AP1 constructs for highly specific purification
Bead considerations:
Protein A/G magnetic beads generally provide better results than agarose beads
Pre-couple antibody to beads before adding lysate for cleaner results
Use low binding tubes to minimize protein loss
Special considerations for CDK2AP1:
To capture dimeric form: Use non-reducing conditions throughout
To enrich for CDK2 interaction: Synchronize cells in G1/S transition
To study NuRD complex: Include nuclear extraction steps
Elution strategies:
Gentle elution: Use excess immunizing peptide
Standard elution: Low pH glycine buffer (0.1 M, pH 2.5) with immediate neutralization
For subsequent mass spectrometry: On-bead digestion is recommended
Cross-linking the antibody to beads can reduce antibody contamination in downstream applications like mass spectrometry.
Optimizing IHC for CDK2AP1 across different tissue types requires attention to several variables:
Fixation considerations:
FFPE tissues: 10% neutral buffered formalin fixation for 24-48 hours is standard
Frozen sections: Fix with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10-15 minutes prior to staining
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Antibody dilution by tissue type:
Detection system:
For lower expression: Use amplification systems (TSA, polymer-based)
For multiplex IHC: Consider tyramide signal amplification systems
Chromogen selection: DAB provides good contrast but consider others for multiplex work
Tissue-specific considerations:
High background in liver: Additional blocking with avidin/biotin
Brain tissue: Extended antigen retrieval may be necessary
Skin: Requires careful blocking to prevent edge effect
Validation should include known positive tissues (testis, brain, heart, liver, ovary, placenta, skin, and spleen have been documented to show positive staining) .
Although not explicitly mentioned in the search results as a common application, flow cytometry with CDK2AP1 antibodies is possible with proper optimization:
Antibody selection criteria:
Choose antibodies validated for immunofluorescence applications
Polyclonal antibodies generally provide stronger signal but potentially higher background
Confirm the antibody recognizes native conformations (not just denatured protein)
Sample preparation:
For intracellular staining: Fix with 2-4% paraformaldehyde
Permeabilize with 0.1% saponin or 0.1% Triton X-100
Optimize fixation and permeabilization time for your specific cell type
Staining protocol optimization:
Starting dilution: Use 2-3× more concentrated than for microscopy
Include proper blocking: 1-5% BSA or 5-10% serum matching secondary antibody species
Extended incubation (1-2 hours) may improve signal quality
Include FcR blocking reagent to reduce non-specific binding
Controls:
Isotype controls matched to primary antibody
Positive control: Cell lines with known high CDK2AP1 expression (HeLa, HEK-293)
Negative control: CDK2AP1 knockdown/knockout cells
Fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls for multicolor panels
Analysis considerations:
CDK2AP1 is primarily intracellular, requiring permeabilization
May show cell cycle-dependent expression patterns
Consider analyzing correlation with cell cycle markers (e.g., Ki-67, cyclins)