GTF2H2C Antibody is a specific immunological reagent designed to detect the GTF2H2 family member C protein, a component of the TFIIH transcription factor complex. This protein plays a critical role in RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription initiation and DNA repair mechanisms, particularly nucleotide excision repair (NER) . The antibody is utilized in molecular biology to study protein expression, localization, and functional interactions in human, mouse, and rat models .
GTF2H2C Antibodies are validated for diverse experimental techniques:
Transcription and DNA Repair:
Cellular Expression Patterns:
Validation Protocols:
GTF2H2C (General Transcription Factor IIH, Polypeptide 2C) is a component of the TFIIH (BTF2) complex, which plays critical roles in both transcription initiation and DNA repair mechanisms. TFIIH is a multisubunit transcription/DNA repair factor with several enzymatic activities. The core of TFIIH consists of five subunits (p89/XPB/ERCC3, p62, p52, p44, and p34), with GTF2H2C functioning as part of this machinery . Its importance in research stems from its involvement in fundamental cellular processes including nucleotide excision repair and RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription, making it a valuable target for studies on transcriptional regulation, DNA damage response, and related pathologies .
The choice between monoclonal and polyclonal GTF2H2C antibodies depends on your experimental objectives:
For critical quantitative experiments requiring high reproducibility, monoclonal antibodies are preferable. For initial characterization or when working with fixed tissues, polyclonal antibodies often provide better sensitivity. When epitope accessibility is uncertain, polyclonal antibodies targeting multiple regions can increase detection success .
Species reactivity is a crucial consideration when selecting GTF2H2C antibodies. The available antibodies show varying cross-reactivity profiles:
When working with non-human models, select antibodies with confirmed reactivity to your species of interest. For novel species applications, consider sequence homology analysis of the epitope region—antibodies targeting highly conserved regions (like the N-terminal sequence HLYVVVDGSR TMEDQDLKPN in ABIN2792028) offer better cross-species performance . Validation experiments are strongly recommended when using antibodies in species not explicitly confirmed by the manufacturer.
Optimizing Western blot conditions for GTF2H2C (predicted MW: 44 kDa) requires attention to several parameters:
Sample Preparation:
Use tissues with known GTF2H2C expression (human breast or prostate carcinoma have been validated)
Thoroughly lyse cells in RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors
Include phosphatase inhibitors if phosphorylation status is relevant
Electrophoresis and Transfer:
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels for optimal resolution of the 44 kDa target
Transfer proteins to PVDF membrane (preferred over nitrocellulose for this target)
Verify transfer efficiency with reversible protein stain
Antibody Incubation:
Block with 5% non-fat milk in TBST (some epitopes may require BSA instead)
Primary antibody dilutions:
Incubate primary antibody overnight at 4°C for maximum sensitivity
Use HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies at 1:5000-1:10000
Detection:
Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) systems are sufficient for most applications
For low abundance detection, consider enhanced ECL substrates
Include positive control (LO2 cell lysate has been verified)
For quantitative applications, establish a standard curve with recombinant GTF2H2C protein at known concentrations and ensure exposure times remain in the linear range of detection.
For optimal immunohistochemical detection of GTF2H2C in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues:
Antigen Retrieval:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval is crucial due to cross-linking during fixation
Use citrate buffer (pH 6.0) in pressure cooker (20 minutes)
Alternative: EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) if citrate buffer yields weak signals
Blocking and Antibody Parameters:
Block with 10% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody
Add 0.3% Triton X-100 for membrane permeabilization
Primary antibody dilutions:
Incubate primary antibody overnight at 4°C in humid chamber
Use appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody with compatible detection system
Controls and Validation:
Include positive control tissues (human breast or prostate carcinoma)
Include a negative control by omitting primary antibody
Consider dual staining with markers of cell compartments (nuclear, cytoplasmic) to confirm appropriate localization
Signal Development and Counterstaining:
DAB (3,3'-diaminobenzidine) substrate for chromogenic detection
Counterstain with hematoxylin (diluted to avoid masking specific staining)
Dehydrate through alcohol gradient before mounting
For semi-quantitative analysis, establish a scoring system based on staining intensity and percentage of positive cells in different compartments (nuclear vs. cytoplasmic).
For successful immunofluorescence detection of GTF2H2C:
Cell/Tissue Preparation:
For cell cultures: fix with 4% paraformaldehyde (10 min, room temperature)
For tissues: use fresh-frozen sections or FFPE with appropriate antigen retrieval
Permeabilize with 0.2% Triton X-100 in PBS (10 min, room temperature)
Staining Protocol:
Block with 5% normal serum and 1% BSA in PBS (1 hour, room temperature)
Primary antibody dilutions:
Incubate primary antibody overnight at 4°C
Use fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies (Alexa Fluor series recommended)
Counterstain nuclei with DAPI (1 μg/mL, 5 min)
Mount with anti-fade mounting medium
Critical Controls:
Include cells with confirmed GTF2H2C expression and knockout/knockdown controls if available
Perform peptide competition assay to confirm antibody specificity
Include single-stained samples for accurate compensation in multi-color experiments
Imaging Parameters:
Start with lower magnification to identify regions of interest before moving to higher magnification
Adjust exposure times to avoid saturation
Collect Z-stacks for co-localization studies
Use consistent settings across comparative samples
GTF2H2C typically shows both nuclear and cytoplasmic localization, with enrichment in nuclear foci that correspond to sites of active transcription. This distribution pattern serves as an internal validation of staining specificity .
Validating GTF2H2C antibodies for ChIP applications requires rigorous testing, as not all antibodies suitable for Western blot or immunostaining work effectively in ChIP:
Pre-ChIP Validation:
Perform IP with the antibody followed by Western blot to confirm pull-down of GTF2H2C
Test antibody in immunofluorescence to verify nuclear localization
If available, use knockout/knockdown systems as negative controls
ChIP Protocol Optimization:
Crosslinking: start with standard 1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes
Sonication: optimize to achieve DNA fragments of 200-500 bp
Immunoprecipitation: test multiple antibody concentrations (2-10 μg per reaction)
Include IgG control from the same species as the GTF2H2C antibody
Include positive control antibody (e.g., RNA Polymerase II) to verify protocol efficacy
ChIP-qPCR Validation:
Design primers for known TFIIH-associated promoters
Compare enrichment to IgG control (>10-fold enrichment suggests specificity)
Include negative control regions (gene deserts or heterochromatic regions)
ChIP-seq Considerations:
Analyze peak distribution patterns (GTF2H2C should show enrichment at promoters and active transcription sites)
Perform motif analysis on called peaks (should identify transcription initiation sequences)
Compare binding profiles with other TFIIH components to confirm co-localization
While the search results don't explicitly mention ChIP applications for the listed antibodies, monoclonal antibodies like ABIN7127037 or NBP308896 that have been validated for nuclear protein detection would be reasonable starting candidates for ChIP optimization .
To investigate interactions between GTF2H2C and other TFIIH components:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use GTF2H2C antibodies (preferably monoclonal) for pull-down experiments
Alternatively, tag GTF2H2C with epitope tags (HA, FLAG, etc.) if antibody efficiency is limiting
Identify interacting partners by Western blot or mass spectrometry
Verify reciprocal interactions using antibodies against known TFIIH components (p89/XPB/ERCC3, p62, p52, p44, and p34)
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
Combine antibodies against GTF2H2C and potential interacting partners
Verify that antibodies are from different species to enable PLA detection
Quantify interaction signals in different cellular compartments or conditions
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC):
Create fusion constructs of GTF2H2C and other TFIIH components with split fluorescent protein fragments
Analyze reconstituted fluorescence as evidence of protein-protein interaction
Include appropriate negative controls (non-interacting proteins)
FRET/FLIM Analysis:
Tag GTF2H2C and interacting partners with compatible fluorophores
Measure energy transfer as indicator of protein proximity
Calculate interaction distances to model complex architecture
Analytical Size Exclusion Chromatography:
Isolate native complexes from nuclear extracts
Use GTF2H2C antibodies to identify fractions containing the protein
Analyze co-fractionation with other TFIIH components
Functional Interaction Analysis:
Perform siRNA knockdown of GTF2H2C
Assess impact on TFIIH complex formation and stability
Measure effects on transcription and DNA repair activities
These approaches should be combined to build a comprehensive understanding of GTF2H2C's role within the TFIIH complex, focusing on both structural and functional aspects of these interactions .
Distinguishing GTF2H2C from other GTF2H2 family members requires careful antibody selection and experimental design:
Antibody Selection Strategies:
Choose antibodies targeting unique regions that differ between family members
The N-terminal antibody ABIN2792028 targets the sequence "HLYVVVDGSR TMEDQDLKPN RLTCTLKLLE YFVEEYFDQN PISQIGIIVT" - verify this sequence's uniqueness through alignment with other GTF2H2 family members
For monoclonal antibodies, request epitope information from manufacturers to confirm specificity
Western Blot Discrimination:
Use high-resolution gels (10-12% acrylamide) to separate closely related proteins
Include positive controls for each family member if available
Consider 2D electrophoresis to separate based on both MW and pI
Look for slight molecular weight differences (GTF2H2C: 44 kDa)
RT-PCR/qPCR Approaches:
Design primers spanning unique exon junctions or sequence variations
Validate primer specificity using overexpression constructs
Perform melt curve analysis to confirm single amplicon
Use digital PCR for absolute quantification of each family member
Mass Spectrometry Validation:
Identify unique peptides that distinguish between family members
Target these unique peptides in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assays
Quantify relative abundance of each family member in your sample
Genetic Manipulation:
Use CRISPR/Cas9 to selectively knock out GTF2H2C
Confirm specific targeting using sequencing
Validate antibody specificity using knockout cells as negative controls
Bioinformatic Analysis:
Compile expression data from public databases to predict relative abundance in your experimental system
Use this information to interpret ambiguous signals
By combining multiple approaches, you can achieve reliable discrimination between GTF2H2C and other family members, which is critical for accurate functional characterization .
For quantitative analysis of GTF2H2C expression in human tissues:
Tissue Preparation Considerations:
Fresh-frozen tissues preserve protein integrity better than FFPE samples
For FFPE, ensure consistent fixation times (24 hours recommended)
Collect paired normal and diseased tissues from the same patient when possible
Verify tissue quality and cellular composition by H&E staining
Western Blot Quantification:
Use recombinant GTF2H2C protein to create standard curves
Include loading controls appropriate for your tissue type (β-actin may vary; consider GAPDH or α-tubulin)
Analyze multiple biological replicates (minimum n=3 per condition)
Use digital imaging and analysis software rather than film for linear quantification
Normalize to total protein (Ponceau S or similar) rather than single housekeeping genes
Immunohistochemistry Quantification:
Develop a scoring system combining intensity (0-3+) and percentage of positive cells
Use digital pathology software for unbiased quantification
Consider multiplexed approaches to correlate with cell type markers
Include tissue microarrays for high-throughput comparison across multiple samples
Flow Cytometry (for fresh tissues or cultured cells):
Use NBP308896 or ABIN7127037 antibodies validated for flow cytometry
Include appropriate isotype controls
Permeabilize cells for intracellular staining
Quantify mean fluorescence intensity and percentage of positive cells
Consider combining with cell cycle analysis to detect expression variations
RT-qPCR (for mRNA level correlation):
Design primers specific to GTF2H2C
Use absolute quantification with standard curves
Select reference genes validated for your specific tissue type
Correlate mRNA and protein levels to identify post-transcriptional regulation
For comprehensive analysis, consider combining multiple quantification methods to overcome the limitations of each individual approach. Human breast and prostate carcinoma tissues have been validated as positive controls for GTF2H2C expression studies .
When facing contradictory results between different GTF2H2C antibodies:
Systematic Validation Approach:
Compare the exact epitopes targeted by each antibody (N-terminal vs. C-terminal vs. full-length)
Consider epitope accessibility in different experimental conditions
Verify antibody specificity using:
Western blot with recombinant GTF2H2C protein
GTF2H2C overexpression systems
siRNA/shRNA knockdown or CRISPR knockout controls
Peptide competition assays
Common Causes of Discrepancies:
Post-translational modifications masking specific epitopes
Alternative splicing variants recognized differently by antibodies
Cross-reactivity with other GTF2H2 family members
Fixation/denaturation affecting epitope conformation differently
Batch-to-batch variation (especially for polyclonal antibodies)
Resolution Strategies:
Perform side-by-side comparison using standardized protocols
Use orthogonal detection methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Prioritize results from antibodies with most extensive validation
Consider the biological context of your experiment
Consult literature for similar discrepancies and their resolution
Documentation and Reporting:
Thoroughly document all antibody information (catalog number, lot, dilution)
Report discrepancies transparently in publications
Include all validation experiments in supplementary materials
Specify which antibody was used for each specific result
Understanding the biological basis of contradictory results can often lead to new insights about protein regulation, modification, or interaction that might otherwise be overlooked .
Common technical challenges with GTF2H2C antibodies and their solutions:
Potential causes: Low protein expression, inefficient extraction, epitope masking
Solutions:
Enrich nuclear fraction for better protein yield
Try multiple antigen retrieval methods for IHC/IF
Increase antibody concentration incrementally
Extended primary antibody incubation (overnight at 4°C)
Use signal amplification systems (TSA, polymeric detection)
Potential causes: Non-specific binding, excessive antibody concentration, inadequate blocking
Solutions:
Potential causes: Degradation, isoforms, cross-reactivity, post-translational modifications
Solutions:
Potential causes: Antibody instability, protocol inconsistencies, sample variability
Solutions:
Aliquot antibodies to avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Standardize protocols with detailed SOPs
Include positive controls in every experiment
Use automated systems where possible
Consider lot-to-lot testing when reordering antibodies
Potential causes: Epitope sequence variations across species
Solutions:
Documenting optimization steps systematically will save time in future experiments and provide valuable troubleshooting information for publications .
To accurately assess GTF2H2C dynamics during DNA damage response:
Experimental Design:
Establish appropriate DNA damage models:
UV irradiation (10-50 J/m²) for nucleotide excision repair activation
Ionizing radiation (2-10 Gy) for double-strand break induction
Chemical agents (cisplatin, hydrogen peroxide, etc.)
Include appropriate time course (immediate, 1h, 6h, 24h post-damage)
Use synchronized cell populations to control for cell cycle variations
Localization Analysis:
Perform immunofluorescence with validated antibodies (ABIN7127037 or NBP308896)
Co-stain with DNA damage markers (γH2AX, 53BP1, BRCA1)
Use confocal microscopy for high-resolution co-localization analysis
Quantify nuclear foci formation using automated image analysis
Consider live-cell imaging with fluorescently-tagged GTF2H2C to track dynamic changes
Expression Quantification:
Fractionate cells into cytoplasmic, nucleoplasmic, and chromatin-bound fractions
Analyze GTF2H2C distribution across fractions by Western blot
Normalize to appropriate loading controls for each fraction
Consider phospho-specific antibodies if available (phosphorylation often regulates damage response proteins)
Functional Assessment:
Combine with chromatin immunoprecipitation to map GTF2H2C recruitment to damage sites
Perform proximity ligation assays to detect interactions with other repair factors
Use CRISPR/siRNA to modulate GTF2H2C levels and assess impact on repair efficiency
Measure transcription recovery after damage as functional readout of TFIIH activity
Data Integration:
Correlate GTF2H2C dynamics with cell survival and DNA repair kinetics
Compare responses across different damage types and cell lines
Integrate with transcriptional profiling to assess global impact
This multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive view of GTF2H2C's role in the DNA damage response, capturing both spatial redistribution and functional interactions that might be missed by single-method approaches .
Developing phospho-specific antibodies against GTF2H2C requires careful planning:
Target Phosphorylation Site Selection:
Conduct bioinformatic analysis to identify conserved phosphorylation sites
Prioritize sites with known regulatory functions or those in functional domains
Consider sites identified in phosphoproteomic studies
Focus on sites regulated during DNA damage response or cell cycle
Peptide Design Principles:
Center the phosphorylated residue in the immunizing peptide
Include 7-20 amino acids surrounding the phosphorylation site
Ensure peptide uniqueness relative to other GTF2H2 family members
Consider peptide solubility and secondary structure
Production Strategy:
Generate paired antibodies: phospho-specific and total protein
Use the same host species for both antibodies to facilitate detection strategies
Consider monoclonal development for long-term reproducibility
For polyclonal approaches, purify using both positive and negative affinity columns
Validation Requirements:
Test specificity against phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated peptides
Verify using phosphatase treatment of lysates
Validate using phosphomimetic (S/T to D/E) and phospho-dead (S/T to A) mutants
Confirm using cells treated with kinase inhibitors or activators
Application Optimization:
For Western blot: include phosphatase inhibitors in lysis buffers
For IHC/IF: test multiple fixation methods as some may better preserve phospho-epitopes
For IP: optimize buffer conditions to maintain phosphorylation status
For all applications: minimize sample processing time to reduce phosphatase activity
While the search results don't mention existing phospho-specific antibodies for GTF2H2C, this approach would be valuable for researchers investigating regulatory mechanisms of this protein in transcription and DNA repair pathways.
Applying single-cell techniques to study GTF2H2C heterogeneity in tumors:
Single-Cell Protein Analysis:
Flow Cytometry/Mass Cytometry (CyTOF):
Single-Cell Western Blot:
Single-Cell Genomic/Transcriptomic Analysis:
Single-Cell RNA-Seq:
Isolate single cells from tumor samples
Generate libraries for GTF2H2C and related genes
Analyze expression patterns and correlations
Identify cell subpopulations with distinct expression profiles
Spatial Transcriptomics:
Maintain spatial information while analyzing expression
Map GTF2H2C expression to specific tumor regions
Correlate with histopathological features
Integrated Multi-Omic Approaches:
CITE-Seq:
Combine antibody detection with transcriptome analysis
Correlate protein and mRNA levels at single-cell resolution
Identify post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms
Single-Cell Multimodal Omics:
Integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data
Create comprehensive cellular profiles
Map GTF2H2C variations to cellular phenotypes and functions
Data Analysis and Interpretation:
Apply clustering algorithms to identify cell subpopulations
Construct pseudo-time trajectories to infer developmental relationships
Correlate GTF2H2C expression with cancer stem cell markers
Associate expression patterns with clinical outcomes
Develop predictive models based on expression heterogeneity
These approaches enable characterization of intratumoral heterogeneity in GTF2H2C expression, potentially revealing subpopulations with distinct DNA repair capacities or transcriptional regulation that could inform personalized therapeutic strategies .
To investigate GTF2H2C's role in transcription-coupled DNA repair (TCR):
Genetic Manipulation:
CRISPR/Cas9 knockout or knockdown of GTF2H2C
Complementation with wild-type vs. mutant GTF2H2C
Domain-specific mutations to dissect functional regions
Inducible systems to control expression timing
DNA Damage and Repair Assays:
Host Cell Reactivation Assay:
Transfect damaged reporter plasmids
Measure transcriptional recovery in GTF2H2C-manipulated cells
Compare gene-specific vs. global transcription recovery
Strand-Specific Repair Assays:
Induce DNA damage with UV or chemotherapeutics
Measure repair rates in transcribed vs. non-transcribed strands
Quantify lesion removal kinetics using ligation-mediated PCR
Immunofluorescence-Based Approaches:
Protein-DNA Interaction Analysis:
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP):
Use GTF2H2C antibodies to pull down associated DNA
Analyze recruitment to damaged genes
Perform sequential ChIP to detect complexes containing GTF2H2C and other repair factors
DNA-Protein Crosslinking:
Trap GTF2H2C at sites of damage using photoactivatable nucleotides
Map precise binding positions relative to damage sites
Determine binding dynamics during repair progression
Transcription Analysis:
Nascent RNA Sequencing:
Measure impact of GTF2H2C depletion on transcription recovery after damage
Analyze gene-specific effects and strand bias
Identify transcriptional signatures associated with defective TCR
Single-Molecule Imaging:
Track RNA Polymerase II elongation rates in living cells
Measure transcriptional arrest and restart at damage sites
Analyze how GTF2H2C affects these dynamics
Structural and Biochemical Approaches:
In vitro reconstitution of TCR with purified components
Analysis of GTF2H2C interactions with TFIIH components during TCR
Investigation of post-translational modifications regulating GTF2H2C function in TCR
These methodological approaches provide complementary insights into GTF2H2C's specific contributions to TCR, distinguishing its roles in transcription initiation from its functions in DNA repair .
Integrating omics approaches to characterize GTF2H2C function requires a multi-layered strategy:
Multi-Omics Integration Framework:
Genomics:
Identify genetic variants and copy number alterations affecting GTF2H2C
Analyze chromatin accessibility at the GTF2H2C locus using ATAC-seq
Map enhancer-promoter interactions using Hi-C or ChIA-PET
Transcriptomics:
Profile GTF2H2C expression across tissues and disease states
Analyze alternative splicing patterns using RNA-seq
Identify co-expressed gene networks through weighted correlation analysis
Proteomics:
Map GTF2H2C protein interactions using IP-MS
Characterize post-translational modifications through phosphoproteomics
Quantify protein abundance changes using TMT or SILAC labeling
Functional Genomics:
Perform CRISPR screens to identify synthetic lethal interactions
Map GTF2H2C binding sites genome-wide using ChIP-seq
Analyze transcriptional responses to GTF2H2C modulation
Data Integration Strategies:
Network-based approaches to connect GTF2H2C to disease pathways
Machine learning models to predict functional impacts of GTF2H2C variants
Systems biology modeling of transcription and repair processes
Validation Methodologies:
Select key findings for targeted validation using antibody-based approaches
Develop reporter systems to monitor GTF2H2C-dependent processes
Create cell and animal models with defined GTF2H2C alterations
Translational Applications:
Correlate GTF2H2C expression or mutation status with clinical outcomes
Identify biomarkers for DNA repair deficiency
Develop therapeutic strategies targeting GTF2H2C-dependent pathways