Crotonyl-HIST1H2BC (K23) Antibody

Definition and Biological Context

Target: HIST1H2BC (Histone Cluster 1 H2B Family Member C), a core component of nucleosomes.
Modification: Recognizes crotonylation (K23Cr), a lysine acylation linked to transcriptional activation .
Function:

• Regulates DNA accessibility by altering chromatin compaction .

• Implicated in cellular processes like transcription, DNA repair, and inflammation .

Key Research Applications

• Epigenetic Studies: Detects crotonylation dynamics in chromatin remodeling .

• Disease Research: Investigated in cancer and neurological disorders due to its role in inflammatory cytokine regulation .

• Cross-Reactivity: Validated for human samples; predicted reactivity with mouse/rat homologs based on sequence homology .

Mechanistic Insights

• Crotonylation at K23 correlates with active transcription, similar to acetylation, but with distinct regulatory effects .

• p300/CBP histone crotonyltransferases (HCTs) catalyze this modification, enhancing gene activation .

Technical Considerations

• Specificity: Antibodies targeting K23Cr may exhibit cross-reactivity with acetylation due to structural similarities .

• Validation: Confirmed via peptide array, competitive ELISA, and immunostaining in human colon tissue .

Limitations and Challenges

• Cross-Reactivity: Pan-K-crotonyl antibodies may recognize acetylated lysines, necessitating validation with acetyl-BSA competition .

• Sample Handling: Requires strict adherence to storage conditions to preserve activity .

Future Directions

• Therapeutic Potential: Targeting K23Cr could modulate inflammatory pathways in chronic pain or cancer .

• Technical Advances: Development of monoclonal antibodies for enhanced specificity .