The LRRC57 antibody is a polyclonal reagent designed to detect the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 57 (LRRC57), a 27 kDa protein encoded by the LRRC57 gene (UniProt ID: Q8N9N7) in humans . This antibody is widely used in molecular biology research to study LRRC57’s roles in cellular processes such as metabolism, signaling, and disease pathogenesis . Validated for applications including Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), it is critical for advancing studies in cancer, metabolic disorders, and neuropsychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder .
Bipolar Disorder: Increased LRRC57 expression has been linked to bipolar disorder, suggesting a role in neuropsychiatric pathways .
Cancer: LRRC57 is overexpressed in thyroid cancer and brain tissues, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic target .
Toxicology: Exposure to aflatoxin B1, benzo[a]pyrene, and methyl methanesulfonate modulates LRRC57 expression in rodent models, indicating responsiveness to environmental stressors .
LRRC57 is predicted to localize to membranes and may interact with downstream partners like SNAP23, which shares antisense genomic overlap with LRRC57 .
LRRC57 antibodies are subject to rigorous validation:
Specificity: Positive controls include HT-29, HepG2, and Jurkat cell lysates .
Knockout (KO) Validation: Antibodies like HPA040894 and ab198002 are validated using KO cell lines to confirm target specificity .
Concerns: A 2023 study revealed that ~20% of commercial antibodies fail to recognize their intended targets, emphasizing the need for independent validation .
Further research is needed to:
Proper validation of LRRC57 antibodies requires a multi-faceted approach:
Knockout/knockdown validation: Use of LRRC57 knockout cell lines represents the gold standard for antibody validation. The YCharOS study demonstrated that knockout cell lines serve as superior controls for antibody validation, particularly for Western blots and immunofluorescence imaging .
Multi-application testing: Verify antibody performance across different applications:
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test for potential cross-reactivity with other LRRC family members (LRRC56, LRRC55, LRRC53, etc.) which share structural similarity with LRRC57 .
Multiple antibody concordance: Compare results from antibodies targeting different epitopes of LRRC57 to ensure consistent detection patterns.
Peptide competition assays: Perform competition assays with specific peptides to confirm binding specificity.
According to the YCharOS study, approximately 12 publications per protein target included data from antibodies that failed to recognize the relevant target protein, highlighting the critical importance of rigorous validation .
Western blot optimization for LRRC57 detection requires careful consideration of several parameters:
For optimal results:
Include both positive controls (recombinant LRRC57) and negative controls (LRRC57 knockout/knockdown samples)
Perform titration experiments to determine optimal antibody concentration
Use freshly prepared samples with protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Consider gradient gels for better resolution around the 27 kDa range
Based on current research in antibody technology, including information from the YCharOS study , researchers should consider the following characteristics when selecting an LRRC57 antibody type:
The YCharOS study demonstrated that recombinant antibodies outperformed both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies across multiple assays , suggesting they may be the optimal choice for LRRC57 research when available and budget allows.
False negative results with LRRC57 antibodies may stem from multiple sources. The following systematic approach can help identify and resolve issues:
Sample preparation issues:
Ensure complete protein extraction with appropriate lysis buffers
Add protease inhibitors to prevent LRRC57 degradation
Avoid excessive sample heating which may denature epitopes
Consider non-denaturing conditions if targeting conformational epitopes
Technical parameters:
Optimize antibody concentration through titration (1:200-1:4000 for WB )
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Adjust detection method sensitivity (chemiluminescence vs. fluorescence)
For IHC, optimize antigen retrieval methods (observed at 1:40 dilution in thyroid cancer tissue )
Epitope accessibility:
Consider the LRR structure of LRRC57 and potential epitope masking
Try alternative antibodies targeting different regions of LRRC57
For fixed samples, test different fixation methods that may better preserve epitopes
Consider membrane permeabilization optimization for intracellular detection
Expression level considerations:
Verification approaches:
Test multiple antibodies against different LRRC57 epitopes
Use recombinant LRRC57 protein as positive control
Consider tagged LRRC57 expression systems for verification
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) of LRRC57 requires special considerations due to its leucine-rich repeat structure, which mediates protein-protein interactions:
Antibody selection for Co-IP:
Choose antibodies validated specifically for immunoprecipitation
Select antibodies recognizing native (non-denatured) LRRC57
Consider using antibodies that target regions away from potential interaction domains
Alternative approach: Use tagged LRRC57 constructs and anti-tag antibodies
Lysis conditions optimization:
Use mild lysis buffers to preserve protein-protein interactions
Test different detergents: NP-40 (0.5-1%), Triton X-100 (0.5-1%), or CHAPS (0.3-1%)
Include protease and phosphatase inhibitor cocktails
Optimize salt concentration (typically 100-150 mM NaCl)
Maintain pH between 7.2-7.5 to preserve interactions
Protocol considerations:
Pre-clear lysates with protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Pre-form antibody-bead complexes before adding lysate
Include gentle agitation (rotation rather than shaking)
Optimize incubation time and temperature (4°C overnight typically works well)
Use stringent but non-denaturing wash conditions
Controls to include:
Input lysate (5-10% of IP sample)
IgG control from same species as LRRC57 antibody
LRRC57 knockout/knockdown negative control
Reciprocal IP when possible
Isotype controls to assess non-specific binding
Results validation:
Confirm LRRC57 in immunoprecipitates by Western blot
Consider mass spectrometry to identify novel interacting partners
Validate key interactions with orthogonal methods (proximity ligation, FRET)
Assess interaction under different cellular conditions
Since LRRC57 contains multiple leucine-rich repeats, it likely participates in various protein-protein interactions , making Co-IP a valuable approach for elucidating its functional roles.
LRRC57 is described as "exceedingly well conserved" across species , which has significant implications for antibody selection and experimental design:
Cross-species reactivity profile:
Epitope conservation analysis:
High sequence conservation suggests epitopes may be preserved across species
Allows for translational research across model organisms
May complicate generation of species-specific antibodies
Enables validation across multiple species as a specificity check
Strategic considerations:
When species-specificity is required, target less conserved regions
Validate cross-reactivity experimentally rather than relying solely on sequence homology
Consider using cross-reactive antibodies to compare LRRC57 function across species
Leverage conservation for validation (consistent molecular weight, localization)
Experimental validation approaches:
Test antibodies on samples from multiple species under identical conditions
Confirm similar band patterns in Western blot applications
Verify consistent subcellular localization in imaging studies
Use species-specific knockout/knockdown controls
This high conservation suggests LRRC57 may perform important biological functions preserved throughout evolution, making comparative studies across species particularly valuable.
While specific post-translational modifications (PTMs) of LRRC57 are not extensively documented in the provided search results, their potential impact on antibody binding must be considered:
Potential PTMs affecting LRRC57 detection:
Phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues in signaling contexts
Ubiquitination affecting protein stability and turnover
Glycosylation potentially affecting protein folding or interaction
Acetylation or methylation of lysine residues
SUMOylation impacting protein localization
Impact on antibody binding:
Epitope masking: PTMs directly within antibody binding sites
Conformational changes: PTMs altering protein folding and tertiary structure
Creation of neo-epitopes: Modified residues becoming part of new antigenic determinants
Altered protein interactions: PTMs affecting complex formation and accessibility
Experimental strategies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Compare results from different cellular conditions that may alter PTM status
Consider phospho-specific antibodies if phosphorylation sites are characterized
Treat samples with enzymes that remove specific PTMs (phosphatases, glycosidases)
Use mass spectrometry to identify and map PTMs on LRRC57
Documentation and controls:
Record cell treatment conditions that might alter PTM status
Include appropriate controls for PTM-inducing conditions
Consider how sample preparation methods affect PTM preservation
Compare results across different detection methods
Given LRRC57's potential roles in signaling and its leucine-rich repeat structure, it's reasonable to hypothesize that PTMs might regulate its function and interactions, potentially affecting antibody recognition in experimental contexts.
Recent advances in antibody technology have significant implications for LRRC57 research, as demonstrated by several sources in the search results:
Phage display and recombinant antibody technologies:
Search result describes "inference and design of antibody specificity" using phage display experiments
This approach allows identification of distinct binding modes for specific ligands
The technology enables prediction and generation of specific variants beyond those observed experimentally
Particularly valuable for designing antibodies with both specific and cross-specific binding properties
Golden Gate-based dual-expression systems:
Search result details a new genotype-phenotype linked antibody screening system
This method enables rapid isolation of antibodies within 7 days
The system links heavy-chain and light-chain variable DNA fragments from single-sorted B cells
Membrane-bound Ig expression allows flow cytometry-based selection of high-affinity antibodies
Biophysics-informed computational modeling:
Integration of experimental data with computational models to predict antibody specificity
Enables disentangling of multiple binding modes associated with specific targets
Allows generation of antibodies with customized specificity profiles
Can mitigate experimental artifacts and biases in selection experiments
High-throughput antibody characterization initiatives:
The YCharOS initiative systematically analyzes antibody performance
Their study of 614 antibodies targeting 65 proteins revealed that 50-75% of proteins had at least one high-performing commercial antibody
Industry-researcher partnerships improved antibody quality and application recommendations
Demonstrated superior performance of recombinant antibodies compared to traditional monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies
These technological advances offer promising avenues for developing higher quality, more specific LRRC57 antibodies for various research applications.
Based on principles outlined in the antibody characterization literature , researchers should implement a structured approach to evaluate commercial LRRC57 antibodies:
Standardized multi-application assessment:
Test antibodies in multiple applications (WB, IHC, IF, ELISA) under identical conditions
Document performance metrics for each application
Compare results across applications to assess versatility
Validation with appropriate controls:
Quantitative performance metrics:
Signal-to-noise ratio across applications
Limit of detection with dilution series
Dynamic range of detection
Reproducibility across replicates and lots
Correlation with orthogonal measures of LRRC57 expression
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Documentation and reporting standards:
Maintain detailed records of optimization conditions
Document lot numbers and batch information
Report dilution factors yielding equivalent signal intensity
Compare exposure times needed for comparable results
The YCharOS study demonstrated that commercial catalogs contain specific and renewable antibodies for more than half of the human proteome , but systematic evaluation remains essential to identify the most suitable LRRC57 antibodies for specific research applications.