LRRC3C, or Leucine Rich Repeat Containing Protein 3C, is a relatively understudied protein with the UniProt accession number A6NJW4 and gene ID 100505591 . It is classified as a membrane protein, specifically a single-pass membrane protein . The protein belongs to the LRRC3 family, with its function remaining largely unknown despite ongoing research efforts . LRRC3C has been implicated in several studies focusing on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and related conditions, suggesting potential roles in inflammatory processes and immune regulation .
LRRC3C antibodies are available in several formats, with polyclonal antibodies derived from rabbit being the most common . These antibodies are typically generated by immunizing rabbits with recombinant human LRRC3C or synthetic peptides corresponding to specific regions of the LRRC3C protein .
The immunogens used for LRRC3C antibody production include:
Recombinant protein corresponding to human LRRC3C Val42-Val275 (UniProt#: A6NJW4)
Synthetic peptides corresponding to amino acids 234-260 from the C-terminal region
Synthetic peptide sequence: YVWQNRDETRRSLKRAPVLPVRSEDSSILSTVV
Most commercially available LRRC3C antibodies offer species reactivity against human LRRC3C, with some also recognizing mouse LRRC3C . The cross-reactivity profile is important to consider when selecting an antibody for specific research applications.
LRRC3C antibodies have been validated for various laboratory applications, making them versatile tools for protein research. The primary applications include:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | References |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 0.2-2 μg/mL or 1:1000 | |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:20-1:50 | |
| Immunocytochemistry (ICC) | Not specified | |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | Not specified |
Western blotting represents one of the most common applications, allowing researchers to detect LRRC3C in cell lysates and tissue homogenates . For immunohistochemistry, LRRC3C antibodies have been validated for use on paraffin-embedded tissue sections, enabling the visualization of LRRC3C expression patterns in various tissues .
Given the critical importance of antibody specificity in research, various validation strategies have been developed to ensure the reliability of LRRC3C antibodies. These strategies align with the broader antibody validation framework proposed by international scientists .
This approach involves measuring the antibody signal in control cells where the LRRC3C gene has been knocked out or knocked down using techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 or RNA interference . Any signal observed after substantial reduction of protein levels indicates potential cross-reactivity, allowing researchers to evaluate antibody specificity definitively .
This validation method utilizes antibody-independent techniques for target quantification, such as mass spectrometry, to corroborate antibody-based detection . By examining the correlation between antibody labeling and protein abundance measured via alternative methods across multiple samples, researchers can confirm antibody specificity .
This approach employs multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of LRRC3C to verify consistent detection patterns . When two antibodies directed against different regions of LRRC3C generate similar results, it provides strong evidence for specificity .
Several significant research findings have emerged regarding LRRC3C, particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease:
A notable study published in 2015 investigated gene expression-genotype analysis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and implicated LRRC3C along with other genes in IBD susceptibility . The IBD susceptibility allele (rs2872507) was associated with increased expression of LRRC3C (P = 7.8 × 10^-6^) in colon tissue from individuals without IBD .
The study revealed a significant correlation between the number of susceptibility alleles and LRRC3C expression levels, as shown in the following data:
| Gene | Tissue Type | P-value | Fold Change (Homozygous Susceptibility vs. Wild Type) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRRC3C | Non-IBD colon | 7.8 × 10^-6^ | 6.78-fold increase |
| LRRC3C | IBD inflamed colon | 0.42 | Not significant |
| LRRC3C | IBD non-inflamed colon | 0.058 | Not significant |
Additionally, inflammation was found to decrease LRRC3C expression in colonic IBD samples by approximately 1.82-fold (P = 0.016) . These findings suggest that LRRC3C may play a role in the pathogenesis of IBD, potentially through mechanisms related to cellular inflammation or immune regulation.
The reproducibility crisis in antibody-based research has highlighted the importance of rigorous quality control and proper reporting of antibody details . For LRRC3C antibodies, several quality control metrics should be considered:
For ELISA applications, manufacturers typically report coefficient of variation (CV) values:
To enhance reproducibility, researchers should report detailed information about the LRRC3C antibodies used in their studies, including:
Catalog number and lot number
Host species and clonality
Immunogen details
Dilution used for specific applications
Validation methods employed
Despite increasing interest in LRRC3C, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding its biological function and potential role in disease pathogenesis. Future research directions may include:
Comprehensive functional characterization of LRRC3C protein
Development of monoclonal and recombinant LRRC3C antibodies for improved specificity
Investigation of LRRC3C expression in various tissues and disease states beyond IBD
Exploration of potential therapeutic targeting of LRRC3C in inflammatory conditions
The continued development and validation of high-quality LRRC3C antibodies will be essential for advancing these research efforts.
LRRC3C, also known as Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 3C, is involved in multiple biological processes including cell adhesion, protein-protein interactions, and signal transduction pathways. The protein has potential implications in various disease mechanisms, making it an attractive target for research across multiple fields including cancer biology, neurobiology, and developmental biology . The molecular weight of LRRC3C is approximately 29,314 Da . Understanding LRRC3C's functions and regulation could provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potentially lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
Several types of LRRC3C antibodies are available for research purposes with different characteristics:
Polyclonal antibodies: Generated in rabbits, these exhibit high specificity and sensitivity toward human LRRC3C. An example is the PACO63411 antibody which is purified through antigen affinity methods .
Species-specific reactivity: Antibodies are available with reactivity against human and mouse LRRC3C proteins .
Application-specific formulations: Different antibodies are optimized for specific applications such as Western blot (WB), ELISA, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) .
The selection of an appropriate antibody should be based on the intended experimental application and target species.
LRRC3C antibodies should be stored according to manufacturer specifications to maintain reactivity and performance. The typical storage conditions include:
Storage buffer composition: 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
Physical state: Liquid form
Temperature: Most antibodies should be stored at -20°C for long-term storage
Aliquoting: To avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can diminish antibody activity
Following these storage guidelines ensures antibody stability and consistent experimental results over time.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for obtaining reliable results. For LRRC3C antibodies, consider these validation approaches:
Positive and negative controls: Use tissues or cell lines known to express or not express LRRC3C
Blocking peptide experiments: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide (such as recombinant Human LRRC3C protein, amino acids 42-224) to confirm specific binding
Cross-reactivity testing: Assess potential cross-reactivity with related proteins, particularly other leucine-rich repeat-containing proteins
Multiple antibody validation: Use different antibodies targeting different epitopes of LRRC3C
Knockout/knockdown validation: Compare staining in wild-type vs. LRRC3C-knockout or knockdown samples
The antibodies available commercially have undergone validation processes to ensure high specificity without significant cross-reactivity or interference with LRRC3C analogs .
For optimal immunohistochemical detection of LRRC3C, follow this methodological approach:
Tissue preparation: For paraffin-embedded tissues, perform dewaxing and hydration steps
Antigen retrieval: Use high-pressure retrieval in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) to expose epitopes
Blocking: Block with 10% normal goat serum for 30 minutes at room temperature
Primary antibody: Apply LRRC3C antibody at a dilution of 1:20 to 1:200 (with 1:100 being commonly used)
Secondary antibody: Apply appropriate species-specific secondary antibody
Detection: Use a compatible detection system (e.g., HRP-based)
Counterstaining: Apply nuclear counterstain as needed
Mounting: Mount slides with appropriate medium
This protocol has been successfully used with the PACO63411 antibody on human skin tissue samples using a Leica BondTM system .
When performing ELISA assays for LRRC3C quantification, consider these methodological aspects:
Assay principle: Commercial kits utilize the sandwich enzyme immunoassay principle with pre-coated antibodies specific to LRRC3C
Sensitivity parameters:
Sample preparation: Properly process tissue homogenates and biological fluids
Standard curve preparation: Prepare standards through serial dilution to establish a reliable standard curve
Quality control: Include controls to assess precision (intra-assay CV%<8%, inter-assay CV%<10%)
Incubation conditions: Follow recommended temperatures and timing for all incubation steps
Data analysis: Compare sample OD values to the standard curve to determine LRRC3C concentrations
Following these guidelines will ensure accurate and reproducible quantification of LRRC3C in experimental samples.
LRRC3C contains leucine-rich repeat domains that mediate protein-protein interactions. To investigate these interactions, consider these methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use anti-LRRC3C antibodies to pull down LRRC3C and associated proteins
Analyze precipitated complexes by Western blot or mass spectrometry
Validate interactions using reciprocal Co-IP with antibodies against suspected binding partners
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Apply primary antibodies against LRRC3C and potential interacting proteins
Use species-specific PLA probes to generate signals only when proteins are in close proximity
Quantify interaction signals using fluorescence microscopy
FRET/BRET analysis:
Create fusion proteins of LRRC3C and potential interactors with appropriate fluorophores/luciferase
Measure energy transfer as indication of protein proximity
Pull-down assays:
These techniques provide complementary information about LRRC3C's interaction network and can help elucidate its role in signaling pathways.
To investigate LRRC3C's potential role in disease mechanisms, consider these experimental approaches:
Comparative expression analysis:
Functional studies:
Overexpress or knock down LRRC3C in disease-relevant cell models
Assess phenotypic changes using cellular assays
Monitor changes in suspected signaling pathways
Tissue microarray analysis:
Screen multiple patient samples simultaneously using LRRC3C antibodies
Correlate expression with clinical parameters and outcomes
Animal model studies:
These approaches can help establish whether LRRC3C plays a functional role in disease pathogenesis and potentially identify it as a therapeutic target.
When working with samples having low LRRC3C expression, consider these optimization strategies:
Signal amplification methods:
Tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for IHC applications
Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrates with extended duration for Western blot
Biotin-streptavidin systems for signal enhancement
Sample enrichment:
Immunoprecipitation to concentrate LRRC3C before analysis
Subcellular fractionation to isolate compartments with higher LRRC3C concentration
Detection system optimization:
Reducing background:
Optimize blocking conditions
Include additional washing steps
Use monovalent Fab fragments to block endogenous immunoglobulins in tissue samples
These techniques can significantly improve detection sensitivity while maintaining specificity for LRRC3C.
Researchers may encounter several challenges when working with LRRC3C antibodies:
| Issue | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| High background | Insufficient blocking, excessive antibody concentration, non-specific binding | Optimize blocking conditions, titrate antibody dilutions, include additional washes, use more stringent wash buffers |
| Weak or no signal | Low target expression, epitope masking, antibody degradation | Use signal amplification methods, optimize antigen retrieval, check antibody storage conditions, try alternative antibodies |
| Non-specific bands (WB) | Cross-reactivity, protein degradation, secondary antibody issues | Use more stringent washing, include protease inhibitors, optimize antibody dilution, perform peptide competition |
| Inconsistent results | Variability in sample preparation, antibody lot differences | Standardize protocols, use consistent positive controls, validate new antibody lots |
When troubleshooting, make systematic changes to one variable at a time while documenting all modifications to identify the optimal conditions for LRRC3C detection.
For proper interpretation of LRRC3C ELISA results, follow these analytical approaches:
Standard curve analysis:
Quality control assessment:
Data normalization:
For tissue samples, normalize to total protein concentration
For cell culture samples, consider normalizing to cell number or housekeeping proteins
For complex biological fluids, evaluate whether additional normalization is needed
Statistical analysis:
Apply appropriate statistical tests based on experimental design
Consider biological relevance of observed differences in LRRC3C levels
Account for multiple comparisons when performing numerous tests
This methodical approach ensures reliable quantification and meaningful biological interpretation of LRRC3C measurements.
When facing contradictory results from different LRRC3C antibodies, apply this systematic approach:
Epitope comparison:
Validation strength assessment:
Review validation data for each antibody
Evaluate specificity claims and cross-reactivity testing
Check literature for independent validation of each antibody
Application-specific performance:
Some antibodies perform better in certain applications (WB vs. IHC vs. ELISA)
Test antibodies at multiple dilutions for each application
Consider native vs. denatured protein recognition differences
Reconciliation strategies:
Use orthogonal methods to validate results (mRNA expression, mass spectrometry)
Consider employing knockout/knockdown controls with each antibody
Consult with antibody manufacturers for technical support
These approaches can help determine which results are most reliable and provide a clearer understanding of LRRC3C expression or function.
LRRC3C is implicated in several biological processes with potential relevance to disease:
Cancer biology:
Neurobiological disorders:
Developmental biology:
Examining LRRC3C expression during embryonic development could reveal stage-specific roles
Knockout models may identify developmental processes requiring LRRC3C function
Immunological processes:
LRRC3C's leucine-rich repeat domains share structural similarities with immune receptors
Investigation in immune cell populations may reveal roles in immune regulation
These research directions could provide insights into disease mechanisms and potentially identify LRRC3C as a therapeutic target.
Emerging technologies offer new opportunities for LRRC3C research:
Advanced imaging approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy for precise subcellular localization
Live-cell imaging with tagged LRRC3C to monitor dynamics
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) for structural context
Proteomic techniques:
Proximity labeling methods (BioID, APEX) to map LRRC3C interaction networks
Cross-linking mass spectrometry to identify direct binding partners
Thermal proteome profiling to investigate LRRC3C stability and drug interactions
Single-cell analysis:
Single-cell proteomics to examine LRRC3C expression heterogeneity
Spatial transcriptomics combined with protein validation to analyze expression patterns
Structural biology approaches:
Cryo-EM analysis of LRRC3C complexes
Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to probe conformational dynamics
These innovative methods can provide deeper insights into LRRC3C function beyond what traditional antibody-based approaches can achieve.
LRRC3C research could impact therapeutic development through several avenues:
Biomarker potential:
Target validation:
Functional studies using antibodies and recombinant proteins can validate LRRC3C as a therapeutic target
Structure-function analysis could identify critical domains for drug targeting
Therapeutic modalities:
If validated as a target, LRRC3C could be addressed through:
Blocking antibodies that disrupt specific interactions
Small molecule inhibitors targeting functional domains
Protein-protein interaction disruptors
RNA-based therapeutics to modulate expression
Combination approaches:
Understanding LRRC3C's role in signaling networks could identify synergistic therapeutic combinations
Pathway analysis might reveal indirect approaches to modulate LRRC3C function
The continued development of research tools and methodologies for LRRC3C will be essential to realize these potential therapeutic applications.