The AT3G48880 gene encodes SNIPER4, an F-box protein that facilitates the degradation of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors via the SCF<sup>CRP1</sup> complex . Key functional insights include:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Protein Class | F-box/LRR-repeat protein (RNI-like superfamily) |
| Biological Function | Regulates turnover of TRAF proteins MUSE13 and MUSE14, NLR immune adaptors |
| Subcellular Localization | Nucleus/Cytoplasm (predicted) |
| Aliases | SNIPER4, F-box protein At3g48880 |
SNIPER4 acts as a substrate receptor in the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, tagging NLR receptors for proteasomal degradation to prevent hyperactive immune signaling .
Antibody specificity is critical given the homology among F-box proteins. Best practices from monoclonal antibody research recommend:
Knockout (KO) validation: Use Arabidopsis mutant lines to confirm target absence in Western blots .
Functional assays: Pair with ubiquitination assays to verify SCF<sup>CRP1</sup> activity .
Cross-reactivity checks: Test against related F-box proteins (e.g., SNIPER1–3).
The At3g48880 antibody could advance studies on:
Plant-pathogen interactions: Elucidate NLR receptor regulation during immune activation.
Ubiquitination dynamics: Map degradation pathways in plant stress responses.
CRISPR-edited lines: Validate gene-editing outcomes in Arabidopsis.