ced-6 Antibody

Overview of CED-6/GULP1

CED-6 is a phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain-containing protein conserved in humans (Homo sapiens), mice (Mus musculus), and rats (Rattus norvegicus). It acts as an adaptor molecule in signaling pathways for engulfing apoptotic cells and participates in clathrin-associated endocytic processes . Key features include:

• Molecular Weight: ~36 kDa (observed via Western blot)

• Gene Accession: #Q9UBP9 (UniProt)

• Domains: N-terminal PTB domain, coiled-coil region, and unstructured C-terminal segment .

Role in Apoptotic Engulfment

CED-6 facilitates phagocytosis by acting as a downstream effector of CED-1, a transmembrane receptor. In C. elegans, ced-6 mutants exhibit defective apoptotic cell clearance . The protein’s PTB domain binds to CED-1’s cytoplasmic tail, triggering Rac1 activation and cytoskeletal reorganization .

Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis (CME)

CED-6 interacts with clathrin and AP-2 adaptors to regulate endocytosis:

• Co-localization: CED-6 localizes with clathrin-coated structures in Drosophila oocytes .

• Functional Redundancy: In C. elegans, ced-6 works redundantly with AP-2 and clathrin to maintain CED-1 membrane localization .

• Lipid Binding: The PTB domain binds PtdIns(4,5)P₂, enhancing membrane association .

Disease Implications

CED-6 dysfunction is linked to:

• Neurodegeneration: Altered phagocytosis in macrophages and neurons .

• Reproductive Defects: Drosophila ced-6 mutants show semifertility due to defective yolk uptake .

Experimental Applications

CED-6 antibodies are used in diverse assays: