FACE2 (Farnesylated proteins-converting enzyme 2), also termed RCE1 or hRCE1, is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein involved in proteolytic processing of prenylated proteins. Key features include:
FACE2 plays a regulatory role in Ras protein signaling by enabling membrane association through C-terminal processing. Its enzymatic activity is essential for:
Oncogenic Signaling: Facilitating membrane localization of Ras GTPases, which drive cellular proliferation .
Post-Prenylation Processing: Cleaving the -AAX motif from farnesylated substrates, a prerequisite for carboxymethylation .
This antibody has been utilized to:
Investigate FACE2 expression profiles in cancer models via Western blot .
Study endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein maturation pathways .
Analyze cross-species conservation of prenylation machinery (validated in human, mouse, and rat systems) .
While FACE2 targets intracellular proteases, ACE2-directed antibodies (e.g., 3E8) focus on blocking viral entry by neutralizing extracellular receptor domains . Unlike ACE2 therapeutics, FACE2 antibodies are primarily research tools for fundamental biochemistry studies.
Given the limited specific information available on "FACE2 Antibody," I will create a collection of FAQs that address general aspects of antibody research, focusing on experimental design, data analysis, and methodological considerations relevant to academic research scenarios. These questions and answers will be structured to reflect both basic and advanced research inquiries.
To assess antibody specificity, you should use a combination of techniques such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. These methods help determine if the antibody binds specifically to its target protein without cross-reacting with other proteins. Additionally, using blocking peptides or competing antigens can further validate specificity .
When encountering contradictory data, consider the following strategies:
Re-evaluate Experimental Conditions: Ensure that conditions such as antibody concentration, incubation time, and temperature are consistent across experiments.
Use Controls: Include positive and negative controls to validate assay performance.
Assay Optimization: Optimize assay conditions to improve sensitivity and specificity.
Cross-validation: Use multiple detection methods (e.g., Western blot and immunofluorescence) to confirm results .
F(ab) Fragments: These are monovalent and lack the Fc region, making them ideal for blocking endogenous immunoglobulins in tissues. They are not recommended for assays where precipitation is needed .
F(ab')2 Fragments: Divalent, these fragments retain some of the hinge region and are better for tissue penetration. They can bind and precipitate antigens but are not suitable for blocking due to their two binding sites .
Epitope mapping involves identifying the specific region on an antigen that an antibody binds to. Techniques include:
Cyanogen Bromide Cleavage: Breaks proteins into smaller fragments to identify the epitope region .
Endoproteinase Digestion: Similar to cyanogen bromide but uses enzymes to cleave the protein .
Site-Directed Mutagenesis: Systematically alters amino acids in the potential epitope region to assess binding affinity changes .
Computational models can predict and design antibodies by analyzing binding modes associated with specific ligands. These models use high-throughput sequencing and computational analysis to optimize energy functions related to antibody-ligand interactions, allowing for the design of antibodies with customized specificity profiles .
AI tools like RFdiffusion are being developed to design antibodies by modeling antibody loops, which are crucial for binding specificity. These models can generate new antibody blueprints that bind to user-specified targets, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional methods .
When choosing a secondary antibody, consider the species and isotype of the primary antibody, the type of label needed (e.g., enzyme or fluorochrome), and whether pre-adsorption is necessary to reduce background staining .
Antibodies are typically stored in a lyophilized form at room temperature or as a liquid at 4°C. It's crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for storage conditions to maintain antibody stability and prevent degradation .
To minimize cross-reactivity, carefully select the epitope for immunization based on its immunogenicity and specificity. Use blocking peptides or competing antigens to validate specificity, and consider using pre-adsorbed secondary antibodies to reduce background .