KEGG: ath:AT1G08695
STRING: 3702.AT1G08695.1
ScRPL3 is a mouse monoclonal antibody (IgG2b isotype) that specifically targets ribosomal protein L3 (RPL3) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The target antigen has a molecular weight of approximately 43,757 Da with a pI of 11.1 . This antibody was developed and deposited to the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB) by J.R. Warner from Albert Einstein College of Medicine . The antibody is highly specific for yeast L3 in Western blot applications when testing both ribosomal fractions and cytoplasmic extracts.
ScRPL3 antibody demonstrates confirmed reactivity with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa . Importantly, depositor notes indicate that the antibody shows no cross-reactivity with mammalian L3 proteins, making it valuable for studies specifically focused on fungal ribosomal components . This specificity allows researchers to distinguish yeast ribosomal proteins in mixed samples or in studies comparing ribosomal components across species.
The primary recommended application for ScRPL3 antibody is Western blotting . The antibody has been specifically validated for detecting L3 in Western blots of both ribosomal preparations and cytoplasmic extracts. It is important to note that immunoprecipitation is not recommended for this antibody because it does not effectively immunoprecipitate ribosomes, and the native protein is nearly insoluble, making IP applications technically challenging .
When designing Western blot experiments using ScRPL3 antibody, researchers should implement several critical controls:
Positive control: Include purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae ribosomal preparations
Negative control: Include mammalian ribosomal preparations, as the antibody does not cross-react with mammalian L3
Loading control: Use antibodies against other conserved proteins to verify equal sample loading
Molecular weight marker: Confirm the detected band aligns with the expected molecular weight (43,757 Da)
Secondary antibody control: Perform a control blot with secondary antibody only to identify potential non-specific binding
These controls help validate experimental results and distinguish specific signals from background or cross-reactivity.
Optimizing Western blot protocols for ScRPL3 antibody requires consideration of several parameters:
Sample preparation: Since RPL3 is nearly insoluble in its native form, denaturing conditions are essential. Use strong lysis buffers containing SDS to ensure complete solubilization.
Gel percentage: Use 10-12% acrylamide gels to achieve optimal resolution around the 44 kDa marker.
Transfer conditions: Consider semi-dry transfer methods with methanol-containing buffers to efficiently transfer this basic protein (pI 11.1).
Blocking conditions: Use 5% non-fat dry milk in TBS-T for 1 hour at room temperature.
Antibody dilution: Start with a 1:1000 dilution and optimize based on signal strength.
Detection method: Both chemiluminescence and fluorescent detection systems are compatible; choose based on your required sensitivity and quantification needs.
Methodical optimization of these parameters will ensure specific and sensitive detection of L3 protein.
ScRPL3 antibody serves as a valuable tool for investigating ribosome biogenesis in yeast models. Researchers can employ this antibody to:
Track ribosomal assembly: Monitor the incorporation of L3 into pre-ribosomal particles during various stages of assembly
Isolate ribosomal subunits: Use the antibody in conjunction with density gradient centrifugation to identify fractions containing 60S subunits
Assess protein-protein interactions: Combine with proximity ligation assays to study L3 interactions with other ribosomal proteins or assembly factors
Examine stress responses: Analyze changes in L3 expression or localization under various cellular stresses
This antibody enables researchers to specifically track the large ribosomal subunit in complex experimental systems, providing insights into fundamental processes of ribosome assembly and function.
When employing ScRPL3 antibody for comparative studies between different yeast species, researchers should consider:
Sequence homology: While the antibody has confirmed reactivity with both S. cerevisiae and N. crassa , protein sequence variations in L3 across other fungal species may affect binding affinity
Sample preparation standardization: Different yeast species may require modified extraction protocols to achieve comparable protein yields
Validation in new species: Perform preliminary Western blots with gradient sample loads to confirm reactivity and optimal concentrations
Quantification challenges: Account for potential differences in epitope accessibility that might affect quantitative comparisons
Complementary approaches: Consider supplementing antibody-based detection with mass spectrometry or RNA analysis for comprehensive comparison
These considerations help ensure valid comparisons when studying evolutionary conservation or divergence of ribosomal components across fungal species.
Researchers may encounter several challenges when working with ScRPL3 antibody:
| Challenge | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Weak or absent signal | Insufficient protein extraction | Use stronger lysis buffers containing higher SDS concentrations |
| Protein degradation | Add protease inhibitors to extraction buffers and handle samples at 4°C | |
| Suboptimal antibody concentration | Titrate antibody dilutions (1:500 to 1:2000) | |
| High background | Insufficient blocking | Increase blocking time or try alternative blocking agents (BSA, casein) |
| Too much primary antibody | Dilute primary antibody further | |
| Inadequate washing | Add additional washing steps with increased TBST volume | |
| Multiple bands | Partial protein degradation | Use fresh samples and additional protease inhibitors |
| Post-translational modifications | Verify with RNA analysis or mass spectrometry | |
| Cross-reactivity with related proteins | Perform peptide competition assays to confirm specificity |
Systematic troubleshooting using this approach can help resolve technical issues and improve experimental outcomes.
When encountering unexpected results with ScRPL3 antibody, consider these interpretation guidelines:
Unexpected molecular weight:
Potential post-translational modifications may alter protein migration
Proteolytic processing could generate fragments
Verify with alternative detection methods (mass spectrometry)
Inconsistent detection across experiments:
Antibody batch variation may affect performance
Buffer composition changes can impact epitope accessibility
Ribosome assembly state may affect epitope exposure
Signal in mammalian samples (despite noted lack of cross-reactivity):
Potential contamination with yeast proteins
Non-specific binding of secondary antibody
Extremely high protein concentrations causing non-specific interactions
Subcellular localization discrepancies:
Free versus ribosome-associated L3 pools may show different distributions
Fixation methods can affect epitope accessibility
Growth conditions may alter L3 distribution between nucleus and cytoplasm
Careful validation with complementary approaches helps resolve these interpretive challenges.
Integrating ScRPL3 antibody with quasi-experimental approaches in infection models can yield valuable insights into host-pathogen interactions. Researchers might consider:
One group pretest-posttest designs: Measure L3 levels before and after infection to assess impact on ribosome biogenesis
Non-equivalent dependent variable designs: Compare changes in L3 with other ribosomal proteins to identify specific targets of pathogen intervention
Multiple baseline measurements: Collect several pre-infection timepoints to establish normal variation in L3 expression
Segmented time-series analysis: Apply statistical methods that account for temporal trends in protein expression during infection progression
These quasi-experimental approaches help establish causal relationships between infection and ribosomal alterations when randomized controlled trials are not feasible . Researchers should justify their choice of quasi-experimental design and recognize its limitations for establishing causality.
ScRPL3 antibody offers distinct advantages and limitations compared to alternative approaches for studying ribosomal proteins:
| Method | Advantages | Limitations | Complementarity with ScRPL3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RNA-seq | Measures transcriptional changes | Cannot detect post-transcriptional regulation | Combine to distinguish transcriptional vs. post-transcriptional effects |
| Mass spectrometry | Identifies post-translational modifications | Requires specialized equipment | Use to confirm unexpected molecular weight observations |
| Fluorescent protein tagging | Allows live cell imaging | May interfere with protein function | Compare localization patterns with fixed-cell immunofluorescence |
| Polysome profiling | Assesses translation activity | Doesn't identify specific proteins | Use ScRPL3 to probe fractions from polysome gradients |
| Cryo-EM | Provides structural information | Cannot track dynamic changes | Correlate antibody accessibility with structural features |
An integrated approach combining multiple methods provides the most comprehensive understanding of ribosomal protein biology and function.
Recent applications of ScRPL3 antibody in cutting-edge research include:
Stress granule biology: Investigating the incorporation of ribosomal proteins into stress granules under various cellular stresses
Ribosome heterogeneity: Exploring potential compositional variations in ribosomes under different growth conditions
Ribosome-associated quality control: Examining the role of L3 in detecting and responding to aberrant translation events
Evolutionary studies: Comparing ribosomal protein conservation and specialization across fungal species
Drug development: Assessing antimicrobial compounds that target fungal-specific features of the ribosome
These emerging applications highlight the continuing utility of this antibody in addressing fundamental questions about eukaryotic cellular biology.
Several methodological innovations could expand the research applications of ScRPL3 antibody:
Epitope mapping: Precise identification of the binding site could explain species specificity and inform applications in related organisms
Single-molecule approaches: Combining with super-resolution microscopy for tracking individual ribosomes
Proximity labeling: Adapting the antibody for BioID or APEX2 approaches to identify proteins in close proximity to L3
Microfluidic applications: Incorporating into lab-on-chip devices for rapid ribosome analysis
Combinatorial detection: Developing multiplexed detection systems with antibodies against other ribosomal components
These innovations would extend the utility of ScRPL3 beyond traditional Western blotting applications, enabling more sophisticated experimental approaches.