KEGG: dre:566173
UniGene: Dr.114354
UPF0764 protein C16orf89 homolog is a protein encoded by the C16orf89 gene (Chromosome 16 open reading frame 89) in humans, with homologs present across multiple species. The "UPF" designation (Uncharacterized Protein Family) indicates that this protein's function remains largely uncharacterized. Despite limited functional characterization, the protein's conservation across diverse species—from mammals to marine invertebrates—suggests it likely serves an important biological role .
C16orf89 demonstrates remarkable evolutionary conservation, with homologs identified in diverse species including:
Mammals: Sus scrofa (pig), Ursus maritimus (polar bear), Odocoileus virginianus texanus (white-tailed deer)
Marine invertebrates: Exaiptasia pallida (sea anemone)
This cross-species conservation pattern suggests the protein may perform fundamental cellular functions. The protein is referred to as "UPF0764 protein C16orf89 homolog" in non-human species, with various chromosomal locations depending on the species .
Multiple isoforms of C16orf89 have been documented across species. For example:
In Sus scrofa (pig): Three identified isoforms (X1, X2, X3)
XP_003354677.1 (isoform X1)
XP_013851122.1 (isoform X2)
XP_013851123.1 (isoform X3)
In Ursus maritimus (polar bear): Three identified isoforms
XP_008695086.1 (isoform X1)
XP_008695087.1 (isoform X2)
XP_008695088.1 (isoform X3)
These multiple isoforms suggest potential tissue-specific or function-specific expression patterns that researchers should consider when designing experiments .
Several validated antibodies are available for C16orf89 detection with different applications:
| Provider | Catalog Number | Type | Validated Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| antibodies-online | ABIN4286086 | Polyclonal | IHC |
| Novus Biologicals | NBP1-93470 | Polyclonal | IHC |
| Invitrogen Antibodies | PA5-53071 | Polyclonal | IHC |
| Abnova Corporation | PAB20664 | Polyclonal | IHC |
| St John's Laboratory | STJ195460 | Polyclonal | WB |
Note that the majority of available antibodies are polyclonal, and most have been validated primarily for immunohistochemistry (IHC) applications, with fewer options validated for Western blotting (WB) .
For rigorous C16orf89 antibody validation, researchers should employ multiple approaches:
Positive and negative controls:
Positive: Tissue/cells known to express C16orf89
Negative: Tissue/cells with C16orf89 knockdown or knockout
Cross-validation of techniques:
Compare IHC results with Western blot, immunofluorescence, or mass spectrometry data
Use at least two different antibodies targeting different epitopes
Specificity tests:
Peptide competition assays using the immunizing peptide
Pre-adsorption controls to confirm specificity
Molecular weight verification in Western blotting
Expression pattern verification:
Several technical factors can significantly impact C16orf89 antibody performance:
Fixation methods: Formalin fixation may mask epitopes; antigen retrieval optimization is critical for IHC applications.
Dilution optimization: A dilution series (typically 1:100 to 1:10,000) should be tested for each application to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio.
Blocking procedures: BSA or normal serum from the species of secondary antibody origin can minimize non-specific binding.
Detection methods: For low expression targets, consider signal amplification systems like tyramide signal amplification.
Sample preparation: For Western blot applications, optimize lysis buffers and protein extraction protocols to ensure complete solubilization of the target protein .
Based on validated antibody applications, the following protocol is recommended for C16orf89 IHC:
Tissue preparation:
Fix tissues in 10% neutral-buffered formalin
Paraffin-embed, section at 5-μm thickness
Mount on positively charged glass slides
Antigen retrieval:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
Boil for 20 minutes, then cool gradually
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block with 5% normal serum (from secondary antibody species)
Incubate with primary antibody (1:1,000 dilution for most C16orf89 antibodies)
Incubate overnight at 4°C
Detection and visualization:
For optimal Western blot detection of C16orf89, researchers should:
Sample preparation:
Use RIPA or NP-40 lysis buffer with protease inhibitors
Sonicate briefly to ensure complete protein extraction
Clear lysates by centrifugation (14,000×g for 15 min at 4°C)
Gel electrophoresis and transfer:
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels
Load 20-50 μg protein per lane
Transfer to PVDF membranes (preferred over nitrocellulose for this protein)
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk in TBST
Use STJ195460 antibody (1:1000 dilution), optimized for WB
Incubate overnight at 4°C
Detection and visualization:
Use HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies
Visualize with enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrate
Compare band intensity to β-actin for normalization
Troubleshooting tips:
For investigating C16orf89 protein interactions:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Pre-clean cell lysates with protein G-agarose (4°C for 1 hour)
Incubate with anti-C16orf89 antibody overnight at 4°C
Add protein G-agarose, incubate for 3 hours at 4°C
Wash precipitates and analyze by Western blot for potential interaction partners
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Use for in situ detection of protein interactions
Requires two primary antibodies from different species
Visualize interactions as fluorescent dots by microscopy
Bait-and-prey approaches:
Consider yeast two-hybrid or BioID approaches
For mammalian systems, use CRISPR-Cas9 to tag endogenous C16orf89 with GFP or FLAG
Perform pull-down experiments followed by mass spectrometry
Controls and validation:
Transcriptomic analysis can provide valuable insights into C16orf89 regulation:
RNA sequencing workflow:
Extract total RNA using validated column-based methods
Perform quality control using Bioanalyzer or TapeStation
Generate cDNA libraries using random primers and reverse transcription
Sequence using appropriate platform (Illumina, Ion Torrent, etc.)
Bioinformatic analysis strategies:
Integration with proteomic data:
Researchers face several challenges when investigating conserved proteins like C16orf89:
Cross-reactivity considerations: Antibodies may cross-react with homologs from different species. When studying C16orf89 in non-human models, researchers should validate antibody specificity against the species-specific sequence.
Functional redundancy: Highly conserved proteins often have functional redundancy, making single-gene knockout studies challenging to interpret. Consider combinatorial approaches targeting multiple family members.
Species-specific differences: Despite conservation, subtle species-specific differences in:
Post-translational modifications
Interaction partners
Subcellular localization
Regulation mechanisms
These differences necessitate careful interpretation when translating findings across species .
Experimental design considerations:
Use multiple species when possible to strengthen evolutionary insights
Consider complementary functional assays beyond expression studies
Employ comparative genomics to identify conserved regulatory elements
Single-cell methodologies offer powerful approaches for C16orf89 characterization:
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq):
Reveals cell type-specific expression patterns
Can identify rare cell populations expressing C16orf89
Enables trajectory analysis to understand dynamic regulation
Single-cell proteomics:
Emerging mass cytometry (CyTOF) or imaging mass cytometry approaches
Requires development of metal-tagged antibodies for C16orf89
Can correlate C16orf89 expression with cellular phenotypes
Spatial transcriptomics/proteomics:
To determine C16orf89 function, researchers should consider:
Loss-of-function studies:
CRISPR-Cas9 knockout/knockdown
siRNA/shRNA approaches
Assess phenotypic consequences across multiple cell types
Gain-of-function studies:
Overexpression of tagged constructs
Inducible expression systems
Domain-specific mutagenesis to identify functional regions
Interactome mapping:
Proximity labeling (BioID, APEX)
IP-MS approaches
Yeast two-hybrid screening
Structural biology approaches: