AT4G14610 is a coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (CC-NLR) receptor in plants, specifically belonging to Group D of CNL receptors as classified in Arabidopsis thaliana. It functions in plant innate immunity, participating in pathogen recognition and defense response pathways. The extended coiled-coil (ECC) domain of AT4G14610 is capable of inducing necrosis when expressed in various plant species, suggesting its role in programmed cell death associated with plant immune responses . This protein belongs to the larger family of NLR receptors that form a critical component of the plant's surveillance system against pathogens.
AT4G14610 contains several key structural domains typical of CC-NLR proteins:
An N-terminal extended coiled-coil (ECC) domain
A nucleotide-binding (NB-ARC) domain
A C-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain
The ECC domain of AT4G14610 contains predicted α-helices that are important for its function in signaling. The protein likely shares structural similarities with other Group D CNLs, which contain the conserved EDVID motif and specific hydrophobicity patterns in their N-terminal regions . The structural organization follows patterns observed in other plant NLRs where the CC domain is involved in downstream signaling activities following pathogen recognition.
The ECC domain of AT4G14610 induces moderate necrosis when transiently expressed in plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) and lettuce cultivar Ninja. This necrosis-inducing activity appears to require interaction with endogenous plant proteins, specifically members of the RGC21 CNL family in lettuce, as demonstrated through genetic mapping and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) experiments . The signaling mechanism likely involves homodimeric or monomeric interactions between the CC domains and downstream signaling partners, similar to what has been observed with other plant NLRs like Mla10 and Sr33 .
Research has demonstrated that transient expression of AT4G14610-ECC induces responses in multiple plant species:
Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0): Moderate necrosis/chlorosis response
Nicotiana benthamiana: Variable response
Lettuce cultivar Ninja: Moderate necrosis response
Critical amino acid residues in the ECC domain of AT4G14610 and related CNLs have been identified through structure-function analysis. Four conserved amino acid residues in Group D CCNLs (to which AT4G14610 belongs) are located on the opposite side of the H2a-b turn in predicted structural models based on crystallographic data from Mla10-CC and Sr33-CC. These residues are likely important for intramolecular interactions and downstream signaling .
Additionally, specific regions within the ECC have been analyzed through deletion and swap mutations to identify areas required for cell death induction. The areas following the α-helix H2b contain variable amino acid residues (CCVX) that influence cell death-inducing activity. The sequence alignment of this area in AT4G14610 compared to other CNLs reveals important structural features that determine functional specificity .
Research indicates that AT4G14610-ECC interacts with other plant proteins, particularly members of the RGC21 family in lettuce. These interactions are essential for the necrosis-inducing activity of AT4G14610-ECC, as silencing of RGC21 family members compromised the necrosis response in lettuce .
The interactome of ECCs representing the CNL repertoire in Arabidopsis shows that certain ECCs frequently interact with each other, forming a network of interactions. While AT4G14610-ECC's specific interactions within this network aren't fully detailed in the available research, it likely participates in similar protein-protein interactions that are critical for its signaling function .
For effective immunoprecipitation studies of AT4G14610 interactions, researchers should consider the following methodological approach:
Express epitope-tagged versions of AT4G14610 (such as HA-tagged constructs) in plant tissues
Use anti-epitope antibodies for immunoprecipitation (similar to the approach shown for other ECCs using anti-HA antibodies)
Perform co-immunoprecipitation assays followed by western blotting to detect interacting partners
Consider crosslinking approaches to stabilize transient protein interactions
Use appropriate negative controls including non-specific antibodies and unrelated protein constructs
When designing experiments, researchers should account for potential protein degradation and optimize extraction buffers to maintain protein stability and native interactions. Based on the immunoblotting approaches used for other ECC proteins, detection using primary rat anti-HA and secondary goat anti-rat antibody fused to HRP has been effective for detecting ECC-domain proteins expressed in plant tissues .
Genetic mapping to identify host components required for AT4G14610-mediated immunity can follow the methodology used in the referenced studies:
Develop mapping populations by crossing plants with differential responses to AT4G14610-ECC expression (e.g., similar to the cross between lettuce cultivars Ninja and Valmaine)
Phenotype F2 individuals for necrosis response following AT4G14610-ECC expression
Perform QTL analysis to identify genomic regions associated with the response variation
Focus on regions containing NLR-encoding sequences, such as the 22-cM interval in linkage group 3 (LG3) of the lettuce genome that explained nearly all variation in necrosis induction
Validate candidate genes through posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) or other functional approaches
The research with lettuce demonstrated that this approach successfully identified members of the RGC21 CNL family as required for AT4G14610-ECC-induced necrosis, providing a template for similar studies in other plant species .
Based on research methodologies for similar plant NLRs, the optimal conditions for expressing AT4G14610 in heterologous systems include:
Transient expression systems:
Expression constructs:
Use of epitope tags (HA, FLAG) for detection and purification
Inclusion of appropriate plant promoters (35S CaMV)
Consideration of codon optimization for the expression system
Protein extraction and detection:
To differentiate between specific and non-specific binding when using AT4G14610 antibodies, researchers should implement the following controls and approaches:
Negative controls:
Include samples from knockout or silenced lines lacking AT4G14610
Use pre-immune serum or isotype control antibodies
Perform competition assays with purified antigen
Validation approaches:
Confirm antibody specificity using recombinant AT4G14610 protein
Test antibody reactivity against truncated versions of the protein
Perform peptide competition assays
Compare results from multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of AT4G14610
Technical considerations:
Optimize antibody concentrations through titration experiments
Include appropriate blocking agents to reduce background
Use stringent washing conditions to remove weakly bound antibodies
Compare signal intensity across multiple sample dilutions
Developing effective antibodies against AT4G14610 requires several key considerations:
Epitope selection:
Choose unique, exposed regions of AT4G14610 that distinguish it from other CNLs
Avoid highly conserved regions to prevent cross-reactivity
Consider using the variable regions outside the conserved motifs
Target regions with high antigenicity and surface accessibility
Antibody format selection:
Monoclonal antibodies: For high specificity and reproducibility
Polyclonal antibodies: For robust detection across multiple epitopes
Recombinant antibody fragments: For specialized applications
Validation strategies:
Test reactivity against recombinant full-length and truncated versions of AT4G14610
Evaluate cross-reactivity with related CNL proteins
Confirm specificity using tissues from knockout/knockdown plants
Validate across multiple applications (Western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry)
Application-specific optimization:
Optimize fixation and extraction methods for maintaining epitope accessibility
Determine ideal antibody concentrations for each application
Develop appropriate blocking and washing protocols
Analyzing complex interaction networks involving AT4G14610 requires sophisticated approaches:
Network visualization and analysis:
Functional analysis of interactions:
Categorize interacting partners by function, localization, and expression pattern
Perform GO term enrichment analysis for interacting partners
Identify biological pathways enriched among interacting proteins
Validation of key interactions:
Prioritize interactions for validation based on network metrics
Confirm direct interactions using multiple methods (Y2H, BiFC, FRET)
Assess the biological significance of interactions through genetic approaches
Comparative analysis:
Compare AT4G14610 interaction networks across different plant species or conditions
Identify conserved interactions that may represent core functional complexes
Analyze species-specific interactions that may explain differential responses
For analyzing AT4G14610 antibody-based immunoprecipitation data, the following statistical approaches are recommended:
For protein identification in mass spectrometry data:
Apply appropriate false discovery rate (FDR) controls (typically 1-5%)
Use statistical models that account for the specific characteristics of mass spectrometry data
Implement tools like MaxQuant or Proteome Discoverer with built-in statistical frameworks
For quantitative comparisons:
Use replicate experiments (minimum 3 biological replicates)
Apply appropriate normalization methods for the data type
Utilize statistical tests like t-tests for pairwise comparisons or ANOVA for multiple comparisons
Consider non-parametric alternatives for data that doesn't meet normality assumptions
For differential interaction analysis:
Apply statistical frameworks such as SAINT or CompPASS for scoring confidence in protein-protein interactions
Use fold-change thresholds combined with statistical significance measures
Consider Bayesian approaches for more robust interaction scoring
For handling missing values:
Distinguish between missing at random and missing not at random
Apply appropriate imputation methods based on the nature of the missing data
Consider specialized approaches for dealing with sparse data in interaction proteomics
Common challenges in AT4G14610 antibody experiments and their solutions include:
Low antibody specificity:
Solution: Use epitope tags (HA, FLAG) for detection when studying recombinant proteins
Alternative: Develop monoclonal antibodies targeting unique regions of AT4G14610
Approach: Validate antibody specificity using knockout/knockdown lines
Low protein abundance:
Solution: Use enrichment methods before detection (immunoprecipitation)
Alternative: Implement more sensitive detection methods like proximity ligation assays
Approach: Consider plant-optimized expression systems for recombinant studies
Protein degradation:
Solution: Optimize extraction buffers with appropriate protease inhibitors
Alternative: Use shorter extraction protocols at lower temperatures
Approach: Consider native extraction conditions that maintain protein stability
Cross-reactivity with related CNLs:
Solution: Pre-absorb antibodies with recombinant proteins from related CNLs
Alternative: Perform parallel detection with antibodies against related proteins
Approach: Use highly specific monoclonal antibodies or targeted proteomics approaches
Inconsistent results between experiments:
Solution: Standardize protocols and use consistent biological materials
Alternative: Include internal controls for normalization
Approach: Implement rigorous statistical analyses with appropriate replicates
Advanced imaging techniques can be combined with AT4G14610 antibodies for subcellular localization studies using the following approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy:
Implementation: Use techniques like STORM, PALM, or SIM for nanoscale resolution
Advantage: Resolves protein distribution beyond the diffraction limit
Application: Detect AT4G14610 clustering during immune activation
Live-cell imaging:
Implementation: Create fluorescent protein fusions with AT4G14610
Advantage: Tracks dynamic changes in protein localization
Application: Monitor relocalization during pathogen challenge
Multi-channel co-localization:
Implementation: Combine AT4G14610 antibodies with markers for cellular compartments
Advantage: Precisely defines subcellular localization
Application: Determine association with specific organelles or structures
FRET/FLIM analysis:
Implementation: Use fluorescently labeled antibodies or fusion proteins
Advantage: Detects protein-protein interactions in situ
Application: Visualize AT4G14610 interactions with signaling partners
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM):
Implementation: Combine fluorescence microscopy with electron microscopy
Advantage: Provides both molecular specificity and ultrastructural context
Application: Resolve protein localization at the ultrastructural level
Cutting-edge approaches to advance our understanding of AT4G14610 structure-function relationships include:
Cryo-electron microscopy:
Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS):
Application: Map dynamic protein regions and conformational changes upon activation
Advantage: Provides information about protein dynamics in solution
Can identify regions involved in protein-protein interactions
Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS):
Application: Identify interaction interfaces between AT4G14610 and partners
Advantage: Captures transient and stable interactions
Provides distance constraints for structural modeling
AlphaFold2 and other AI-based structure prediction:
Application: Generate high-confidence structural models of AT4G14610
Advantage: Can model protein structures without experimental data
Useful for structure-guided mutagenesis studies
CRISPR-based structure-function screening:
Application: Systematically mutate AT4G14610 to identify functional residues
Advantage: High-throughput assessment of structure-function relationships
Can be combined with phenotypic screening for immune function