LRRC3C (Leucine Rich Repeat Containing 3C) is a protein-coding gene that plays a role in multiple cellular pathways. Research indicates that LRRC3C functions primarily in the cytoplasm and is involved in cytokine-mediated signaling pathways . It demonstrates protein kinase inhibitor activity and participates in the negative regulation of the JAK-STAT cascade and protein kinase activity . An important paralog of this gene is LRRC3B .
The protein contains leucine-rich repeat domains which are common structural motifs that form amphipathic surfaces mediating protein-protein interactions. In research contexts, LRRC3C's regulatory role in JAK-STAT signaling makes it relevant for studies investigating immune response mechanisms and cellular signaling perturbations in disease states.
LRRC3C antibodies are typically generated from rabbits immunized with synthetic peptides or recombinant proteins representing specific regions of the human LRRC3C protein. Available research-grade antibodies target different epitopes:
| Antibody Type | Target Epitope | Host | Applications | Purification Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyclonal (ABIN1910578) | AA 234-260 (C-terminal) | Rabbit | WB, ELISA | Affinity purified |
| Polyclonal | AA 42-224 | Rabbit | ELISA, IHC | Affinity purified |
| Polyclonal | AA 42-275 | Rabbit | WB, IHC, ICC | Not specified |
The antibodies are generated against KLH-conjugated synthetic peptides or recombinant human LRRC3C protein fragments . Specificity is typically confirmed through testing against human samples, with most antibodies showing reactivity specifically against human LRRC3C.
FITC (Fluorescein Isothiocyanate) conjugation creates a covalent bond between the dye and antibody through reaction with primary amines, primarily at lysine residues. This conjugation:
Enables direct visualization without secondary antibodies
Provides fluorescence with excitation maximum at ~495nm and emission at ~525nm
Produces a bright yellow-green fluorescence signal
While conjugation is designed to preserve the biological activity of the antibody, researchers should verify that FITC labeling doesn't interfere with epitope recognition in their specific experimental system . FITC conjugation is particularly valuable for applications requiring direct detection such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and FACS analysis.
The quantum yield and photostability of FITC make it suitable for most standard fluorescence applications, though it is somewhat susceptible to photobleaching compared to newer generation fluorophores .
When conducting immunofluorescence with FITC-conjugated LRRC3C antibodies, researchers should follow these methodological considerations:
Sample Preparation:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100 for 5-10 minutes
Blocking and Antibody Application:
Post-Incubation Processing:
Wash cells 2 × 5 minutes with PBS
Mount with anti-fade mounting medium containing DAPI for nuclear counterstaining
Visualization:
Critical considerations include protecting the antibody from light exposure during all steps, as continuous exposure will cause gradual loss of fluorescence . Additionally, empirical determination of the optimal antibody dilution may be necessary depending on your specific cell line or tissue type.
Proper experimental controls are critical for accurate flow cytometry analysis with FITC-conjugated LRRC3C antibodies:
Required Controls:
Unstained Control:
Cells processed identically but without any antibody
Establishes autofluorescence baseline and assists in gating strategy
Isotype Control:
FMO (Fluorescence Minus One) Control:
In multicolor panels, include all fluorophores except FITC
Helps establish proper compensation settings
Antibody Pre-absorption Control:
Positive Control:
Cells known to express LRRC3C (based on literature)
Validates antibody performance
The specificity can be further confirmed by observing quenching of fluorescence upon pre-incubation with anti-FITC antibodies, as demonstrated in flow cytometry validation studies showing significant signal reduction when FITC antibodies are pre-incubated with the sample .
Western blotting with FITC-conjugated antibodies requires specific protocol adaptations:
Sample Preparation:
Standard protein extraction and denaturation protocols are suitable
Load 20-50 μg of protein per lane depending on expression level
Transfer and Blocking:
Transfer proteins to PVDF membrane (preferred over nitrocellulose for fluorescence detection)
Block with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Antibody Incubation:
Detection Optimization:
Wash extensively (4-5 times, 5 minutes each) to reduce background
Visualize using a fluorescence imager with appropriate filters
Protect membrane from light during all steps post-antibody incubation
Signal Enhancement (if needed):
The LRRC3C antibody has been successfully validated for WB applications detecting the appropriate molecular weight bands corresponding to human LRRC3C protein .
Multiplex immunofluorescence with FITC-conjugated LRRC3C antibodies requires careful experimental design:
Spectral Considerations:
FITC emits at ~525nm (green), so select compatible fluorophores that minimize spectral overlap
Appropriate combinations include: FITC + TRITC/Cy3 + Cy5 + DAPI
Panel Design Strategy:
Assign FITC to antigens with moderate to high expression levels
Reserve brighter fluorophores (e.g., Alexa Fluors) for lower-abundance targets
Sequential Staining Protocol:
For co-localization studies with other rabbit antibodies, use sequential staining approaches
Apply LRRC3C-FITC first, fix with 4% PFA briefly, then apply additional antibodies
Image Acquisition Optimization:
Capture FITC channel first to minimize photobleaching
Use narrow bandpass filters to minimize bleed-through
Perform sequential scanning rather than simultaneous acquisition
Cross-Reactivity Prevention:
When using multiple rabbit-derived antibodies, employ Fab fragment blocking
Consider tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for sequential multiplexing
Research examining Fc-engineered antibodies in similar experimental designs demonstrated that capturing detailed cellular responses requires proper multiplex design to delineate cell type-specific effects . Studies have successfully employed FITC-labeled antibodies in combination with other fluorophores to characterize complex cellular interactions in immunological contexts .
Discrepancies between protein and mRNA levels are common in biological research and require systematic analysis:
Biological Explanations:
Post-transcriptional regulation (miRNAs, RNA-binding proteins)
Post-translational modifications affecting antibody epitope recognition
Protein turnover rates differing from mRNA stability
Alternative splicing creating protein isoforms that may not contain the antibody epitope
Technical Validation Approaches:
Verify antibody specificity using knockout/knockdown systems
Test multiple antibodies targeting different LRRC3C epitopes
Perform immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Use quantitative western blotting with recombinant protein standards
Integrated Analysis Strategy:
Correlate findings with functional assays of LRRC3C-associated pathways
Examine protein localization data for insight into functional activity
Consider temporal dynamics of expression (mRNA vs protein lag time)
Recent immunological research demonstrates that protein expression determined by antibody-based methods can reveal functional aspects not evident in transcriptomic data alone . For LRRC3C specifically, its role in protein kinase inhibition and JAK-STAT pathway regulation suggests that post-translational modifications may significantly impact its detection and function beyond mRNA expression levels .
LRRC3C has been characterized as a regulatory component in immune signaling pathways:
JAK-STAT Pathway Regulation:
Potential Immunomodulatory Functions:
The negative regulation of protein kinase activity suggests a role in dampening signaling responses
May function as a checkpoint in preventing aberrant immune activation
Related Research Context:
Similar leucine-rich repeat containing proteins have been implicated in:
Pattern recognition receptor function
Protein-protein interactions in immune signaling complexes
Regulation of inflammatory responses
Experimental Approaches to Study Function:
Co-immunoprecipitation to identify interaction partners
Phosphorylation studies to examine effects on JAK/STAT activation
Cytokine stimulation assays with LRRC3C knockdown/overexpression
While direct research on LRRC3C in cytokine signaling is still developing, studies on related immune pathways have employed antibody-based approaches to characterize key regulatory mechanisms . The advancement of Fc-engineered antibodies demonstrates the importance of understanding protein-level regulation in immune signaling cascades, which may have parallels to LRRC3C function .
High background is a common challenge with FITC-conjugated antibodies that can be systematically addressed:
Additionally, FITC is particularly sensitive to pH changes, with optimal fluorescence at pH 8.0-9.0. Buffer systems should be carefully controlled, and mounting media should be specifically formulated for fluorescence preservation .
If high background persists despite these measures, consider:
Pre-absorbing the antibody with cells/tissues lacking the target
Using secondary amplification with anti-FITC antibodies for more controlled detection
Employing alternative detection systems (HRP-conjugated anti-FITC with TSA amplification)
Verifying antibody specificity is crucial for meaningful experimental results:
Peptide Competition Assay:
Pre-incubate antibody with excess LRRC3C peptide (the immunogen)
Compare staining with and without peptide blocking
Specific signal should be significantly reduced after peptide competition
Genetic Validation:
Test antibody in LRRC3C knockout/knockdown systems
Use CRISPR-Cas9 edited cell lines lacking LRRC3C
Compare with wild-type cells showing normal expression
Cross-Validation With Alternative Methods:
Compare protein detection with mRNA expression (qPCR, RNA-seq)
Use alternative antibodies targeting different LRRC3C epitopes
Complement with mass spectrometry-based protein identification
Technical Controls:
Isotype control at equivalent concentration to test non-specific binding
Secondary-only controls (for indirect detection methods)
Unstained controls to establish autofluorescence baseline
Research protocols indicate that validation strategies should be tailored to the specific application. For flow cytometry, demonstrating fluorescence quenching upon anti-FITC antibody pre-incubation provides a reliable specificity check . For immunohistochemistry, parallel staining with multiple LRRC3C antibodies targeting different epitopes is recommended.
FITC is known to be relatively susceptible to photobleaching, which can be managed with several techniques:
Sample Preparation Optimization:
Use fresh reagents and prepare samples immediately before imaging
Store prepared slides/plates in light-protected containers at 4°C
Consider using alternative mounting media with anti-fade properties
Imaging Protocol Adjustments:
Minimize exposure time and illumination intensity
Use neutral density filters to reduce excitation light intensity
Capture FITC channels first in multi-channel imaging workflows
Employ interval shuttering during extended imaging sessions
Chemical Photoprotection:
Include anti-fade reagents in mounting media (e.g., n-propyl gallate, DABCO)
Use oxygen scavenger systems for live-cell imaging (glucose oxidase/catalase)
Consider commercial anti-fade mounting media specifically designed for FITC
Alternative Approaches:
For critical experiments, consider using more photostable alternatives like Alexa Fluor 488
Employ signal amplification systems (tyramide signal amplification)
Use computational methods to correct for photobleaching in time-series experiments
Studies emphasize the importance of protecting FITC-conjugated antibodies from light during all experimental steps, as continuous exposure will cause gradual loss of fluorescence . When performing extended imaging sessions, researchers should consider capturing reference images at regular intervals to quantify and compensate for photobleaching effects.
Understanding LRRC3C expression in immune contexts requires integrated experimental approaches:
Cellular Distribution Analysis:
Flow cytometry with LRRC3C-FITC antibodies enables quantification across immune subsets
Single-cell resolution studies can reveal heterogeneity within populations
Expression changes during activation can be tracked with time-course experiments
Functional Correlation Studies:
Parallel analysis of LRRC3C expression with activation markers (CD69, CD25, etc.)
Cytokine production profiles correlated with LRRC3C levels
Phospho-flow approaches to examine JAK-STAT pathway activity
Disease-Specific Considerations:
In inflammatory conditions, examine correlation with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels
In cancer models, analyze expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
In infection models, monitor changes during pathogen clearance
Recent immunological research demonstrates that antibody-based approaches can reveal crucial insights into cellular activation states beyond what is evident from genomic analyses alone . The potential role of LRRC3C in negative regulation of JAK-STAT signaling suggests it may function as a checkpoint in immune activation, making its expression patterns particularly relevant in understanding disease immunopathology .
Advanced fluorescence techniques offer powerful approaches for studying LRRC3C interactions:
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
Uses FITC-conjugated antibodies with complementary probes
Generates fluorescent signal only when proteins are within 40nm
Can detect endogenous protein interactions without overexpression
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET):
Combines FITC-labeled LRRC3C antibodies with compatible acceptor fluorophores
Measures energy transfer that occurs only at molecular distances (1-10nm)
Provides quantitative measure of interaction strength
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS):
Analyzes diffusion characteristics of FITC-labeled complexes
Can detect changes in molecular size upon complex formation
Works with endogenous proteins at physiological concentrations
Advanced Microscopy Platforms:
Super-resolution techniques overcome diffraction limit for nanoscale localization
Light sheet microscopy enables whole-cell or tissue-level interaction mapping
Live-cell imaging captures dynamic interaction events
Innovative approaches in immunological research have demonstrated that fluorescently-labeled antibodies can be engineered for enhanced specificity and functionality in complex cellular contexts . These methodologies provide opportunities to decipher LRRC3C's role in protein-protein interaction networks that regulate cytokine signaling and JAK-STAT pathway modulation .
Integrative analysis of LRRC3C requires sophisticated data integration strategies:
Multi-omics Data Collection:
Protein expression (antibody-based): FITC-labeled LRRC3C quantification via flow cytometry or microscopy
Transcriptomics: RNA-seq for mRNA expression
Phosphoproteomics: MS-based detection of signaling pathway activities
Interactomics: Protein-protein interaction networks via IP-MS
Computational Integration Methods:
Correlation analysis across data types
Network reconstruction algorithms to place LRRC3C in functional modules
Machine learning approaches to identify patterns across datasets
Causal inference models to determine regulatory relationships
Functional Validation Experiments:
Targeted perturbation of LRRC3C (CRISPR, RNAi)
Measurement of effects across multiple molecular layers
Time-series experiments to capture dynamic responses
Visualization and Analysis Platforms:
Pathway mapping tools to contextualize LRRC3C in signaling networks
Interactive visualization platforms for complex data exploration
Statistical frameworks for integrating heterogeneous data types
Recent advances in single-cell multi-omics approaches are particularly relevant, as they allow correlation of LRRC3C protein expression with transcriptional states at single-cell resolution. Research on immune signaling pathways has demonstrated that integrating antibody-based protein detection with transcriptional profiling can reveal functional insights that would be missed by either approach alone .