CLPB4 Antibody

Definition and Target Specificity

CLPB4 antibodies are monoclonal or polyclonal reagents designed to bind specifically to the CLPB4 protein (UniProt ID: AT2G25140 in Arabidopsis thaliana). These antibodies enable detection of CLPB4 in Western blotting (WB), immunoprecipitation (IP), and immunofluorescence microscopy .

Research Applications

CLPB4 antibodies have been utilized to:

• Localize CLPB4 expression in reproductive tissues (sepals, stamens, carpels) using immunofluorescence microscopy .

• Validate protein abundance via Western blot in transgenic Arabidopsis lines .

• Study developmental roles, revealing that CLPB4 mutants show no defects in vegetative growth but may have uncharacterized reproductive phenotypes .

Key Findings from Antibody Characterization:

• Specificity: The No. 21 monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CLPB4 was validated using IP followed by mass spectrometry (MS), confirming its binding to AT2G25140 .

• Western Blot: A single band at ~70 kDa was observed in Arabidopsis extracts, matching the predicted size of CLPB4 .

• Functional Insight: CLPB4’s interaction with photorespiratory pathways suggests roles in mitochondrial protein homeostasis .

Expression Patterns

• Tissue Specificity: Elevated expression in reproductive tissues compared to vegetative organs .

• Subcellular Localization: Predominantly mitochondrial, consistent with its role in protein turnover .

Comparative Insights

Technical Considerations

• Cross-Reactivity: No cross-reactivity with other caseinolytic proteases (e.g., CLPB1–3) confirmed via MS .

• Limitations: Lack of phenotypic data in CLPB4 mutants necessitates further studies to define its exact role in reproduction .

Implications for Plant Biology

CLPB4 antibodies have advanced understanding of protein quality control mechanisms in plants, particularly under stress conditions. Their application highlights mitochondrial proteostasis as a critical factor in reproductive development .