LRRC45 antibodies are critical for investigating:
Centrosome cohesion: Localizes to proximal ends of centrioles and interacts with rootletin/C-Nap1 to maintain centrosome linker integrity .
Ciliogenesis: Required for transition zone formation, axonemal extension, and Rab8-positive vesicle docking during cilia biogenesis .
Ciliopathies: Biallelic LRRC45 variants (e.g., p.Arg421Thr) impair ciliogenesis, causing severe neurodevelopmental disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia .
Cancer: Promotes lung cancer proliferation via upregulation of c-MYC, Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 .
Centrosome linker regulation: Depletion of LRRC45 disrupts centrosome cohesion, leading to split centrioles (>2 μm apart) .
Cilia formation: LRRC45 knockdown reduces primary cilia frequency by 60% and length by 40% in RPE1 cells .
Binds Cep83 and SCLT1 at distal appendages to recruit FBF1, facilitating cilia initiation .
Associates with CEP63, a protein linked to microcephaly and Seckel syndrome .
LRRC45 is a component of the proteinaceous fiber-like linker between two centrioles, required for centrosome cohesion. Its importance stems from its role in maintaining genomic stability across cell generations by stabilizing microtubules, ensuring proper anchoring of spindle fibers, and mediating centrosome cohesion . LRRC45 also plays a critical role in cilia biogenesis by organizing centriolar satellites and promoting the docking of Rab8 GTPase-positive vesicles, rather than merely serving as a recruitment platform for early vesicles . Research indicates LRRC45 associates with the distal appendages of the mother centriole in a Cep83 and SCLT1-dependent manner, contributing to cilia formation independently of C-Nap1 .
Most commercially available LRRC45 antibodies are rabbit polyclonal antibodies. These antibodies typically:
| Antibody Type | Host | Applications | Reactive Species | Molecular Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyclonal | Rabbit | WB, IHC-P, IF, Flow Cytometry | Human | 76 kDa / 75951 Da |
The antibodies are raised against specific regions of the LRRC45 protein, with some targeting the C-terminal region (aa 615-643) and others targeting recombinant fragments within amino acids 350-550 or specific sequences like "RHSIINALKAKLQMTEAALALSEQKAQDLGELLATAEQEQLSLSQRQAKELKLEQQEAAERESKLLRDLSAANEKNLLLQNQVDELERKFRCQQE" .
LRRC45 antibodies have been validated for multiple experimental applications with specific recommended dilutions:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | Validated Cell/Tissue Types |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1/250 to 0.04-0.4 μg/mL | RT4, U251 MG, Human plasma, liver, tonsil |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) | 1/450 to 1/1000 | Human placenta |
| Immunofluorescence (IF) | 0.25-2 μg/mL | Various cell lines |
| Flow Cytometry | Varies by manufacturer | Human samples |
For optimal results, it's recommended to start with these dilutions and optimize according to your specific experimental conditions .
For short-term storage, maintain LRRC45 antibodies refrigerated at 2-8°C for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, store at -20°C in small aliquots to prevent freeze-thaw cycles which can degrade antibody performance . Most LRRC45 antibodies are supplied in buffered aqueous glycerol solution or PBS with 0.09% (W/V) sodium azide . When shipping these antibodies, use wet ice to maintain integrity .
During ciliogenesis, LRRC45 associates with the basal body of primary cilia in:
Retina pigment epithelial (RPE1) cells
Murine fibroblasts
Neural stem cells
This diverse localization pattern across cell types, including cells with motile cilia, suggests LRRC45 has a conserved function in promoting ciliogenesis beyond its role in centrosome cohesion .
When designing LRRC45 depletion experiments, several methodological considerations are critical:
Specificity of depletion: Use multiple independent siRNAs to confirm specificity of phenotypes. Research has verified specific effects using three independent siRNAs and a pool of 4 siRNAs targeting LRRC45 .
Rescue experiments: Include rescue experiments to confirm specificity, as demonstrated in studies where ciliogenesis defects caused by LRRC45 depletion were rescued by reintroduction of LRRC45 .
Phenotypic analysis: When investigating LRRC45 knockdown, examine:
Differentiate from other functions: Design experiments to distinguish LRRC45's role in ciliogenesis from its role in centrosome cohesion, such as comparing effects of LRRC45 depletion with depletion of C-Nap1 (a protein that recruits LRRC45 to the proximal end of centrioles) .
Inconsistent immunostaining results with LRRC45 antibodies can be resolved through several approaches:
Antibody validation: Confirm antibody specificity using:
Enhanced validation techniques: Look for antibodies validated through:
Fixation and permeabilization optimization: Test different protocols as LRRC45 localization to centrosomes and cilia may require specific conditions to preserve structure while allowing antibody access.
Cross-validation with fluorescent protein fusions: Compare antibody staining patterns with LRRC45-GFP fusion proteins to verify localization patterns.
Technical considerations table:
| Issue | Solution | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| High background | Increase blocking time/concentration | Reduces non-specific binding |
| Weak or no signal | Try heat-mediated antigen retrieval | Unmasks epitopes potentially hidden during fixation |
| Variable staining between experiments | Standardize fixation time and temperature | Preserves consistent epitope conformation |
| Discrepancy between IF and WB results | Use different antibody dilutions for each technique | Different techniques require different antibody concentrations |
To distinguish between LRRC45's centrosomal cohesion role and its ciliary functions, researchers can employ the following approaches:
Domain-specific mutant expression: Generate truncated or point-mutated LRRC45 constructs targeting specific domains to identify which regions are required for centrosome cohesion versus cilia formation.
Temporal analysis: Examine LRRC45 function at different cell cycle stages, as centrosome cohesion is critical during interphase while cilia formation occurs primarily in G0/G1.
Co-depletion studies: Perform simultaneous knockdown of LRRC45 with either:
Proximity labeling approaches: Use BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling with LRRC45 to identify distinct protein interaction networks associated with its centrosomal versus ciliary functions.
Cell type-specific analysis: Compare LRRC45 functions in:
For optimal Western blot results with LRRC45 antibodies, consider the following parameters:
| Parameter | Recommended Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody Dilution | 1/250 to 0.04-0.4 μg/mL | Optimize based on antibody source and lot |
| Predicted Band Size | 76 kDa | May show slight variations between cell/tissue types |
| Positive Controls | RT4, U251 MG, Human plasma, liver, tonsil | Validated to express detectable LRRC45 levels |
| Blocking Solution | 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST | May need optimization based on background |
| Secondary Antibody | Anti-rabbit HRP | Use at manufacturer's recommended dilution |
| Detection Method | Enhanced chemiluminescence | Adjust exposure time based on signal strength |
For improved results, consider:
Using gradient gels (4-12%) for better resolution around the 76 kDa range
Including protease inhibitors in lysis buffers to prevent degradation
Running a pre-stained molecular weight marker adjacent to samples for accurate size determination
Optimizing LRRC45 immunofluorescence for centrosome and cilia visualization requires attention to several technical details:
Fixation protocol optimization:
For centrosome visualization: 4% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes) followed by methanol (-20°C, 5 minutes)
For cilia visualization: Methanol fixation alone often preserves ciliary structures better
Co-staining markers:
For centrosomes: Use γ-tubulin or pericentrin as centrosome markers
For cilia: Use acetylated tubulin or Arl13b as axoneme markers
For basal bodies: Use Cep164 as a distal appendage marker
Signal amplification techniques:
Consider tyramide signal amplification for weak signals
Use high-sensitivity detection systems for clearer visualization of discrete structures
Imaging considerations:
Use confocal microscopy with z-stacking to fully capture 3D structures
Super-resolution techniques (SIM, STORM, STED) may provide better resolution of substructures
Sample preparation recommendations:
| Cell Type | Seeding Density | Starvation Period | Permeabilization |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPE1 | 2 × 10^4 cells/cm² | 24-48 hours in serum-free medium | 0.1% Triton X-100, 5 minutes |
| Fibroblasts | 1.5 × 10^4 cells/cm² | 24 hours in 0.5% serum | 0.2% Triton X-100, 10 minutes |
| Neural cells | Varies by type | Specialized differentiation media | Gentle detergent treatment |
Implementing rigorous quality control measures when validating new LRRC45 antibody batches ensures experimental reliability:
Basic validation:
Specificity controls:
Peptide blocking experiments using the immunizing peptide
LRRC45 knockout/knockdown cells as negative controls
Cross-reactivity assessment with similar leucine-rich repeat proteins
Functional validation:
Verify correct localization pattern (centrosome, cilia basal body)
Confirm expected molecular weight (76 kDa)
Test across multiple applications if the antibody is intended for multiple uses
Documentation and standardization:
Record lot number, dilution optimization results, and imaging parameters
Establish standard positive controls for each application
Create a validation checklist specific to LRRC45 antibodies
Comprehensive antibody validation table:
| Validation Method | Acceptance Criteria | Troubleshooting if Failed |
|---|---|---|
| Western blot | Single band at 76 kDa | Adjust blocking, antibody concentration, or incubation time |
| IF localization | Discrete centrosomal/basal body staining | Optimize fixation method or try antigen retrieval |
| Knockout control | No signal in LRRC45 KO cells | Assess antibody specificity, may need different clone |
| Reproducibility | Consistent results across 3+ experiments | Standardize protocols and sample preparation |
| Cross-application | Performs as expected in all claimed applications | May require application-specific optimization |
LRRC45 antibodies can serve as valuable tools for investigating ciliopathy disease mechanisms through several research approaches:
Patient sample analysis:
Compare LRRC45 expression and localization in patient-derived cells versus healthy controls
Examine correlation between LRRC45 abnormalities and ciliary defects in patient samples
Disease modeling:
Use LRRC45 antibodies to assess centrosome and ciliary phenotypes in:
Patient-derived iPSCs and differentiated cells
Animal models of ciliopathies
CRISPR-engineered disease models
Pathway analysis:
Investigate interaction between LRRC45 and known ciliopathy-associated proteins
Examine changes in LRRC45 localization upon disruption of ciliopathy gene function
Tissue-specific analyses:
Use immunohistochemistry to examine LRRC45 in affected tissues from ciliopathy models
Compare LRRC45 patterns across multiple ciliated tissues (retina, kidney, brain)
Research application matrix:
| Ciliopathy Type | Relevant Cell Types | Key LRRC45 Analysis Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Nephronophthisis | Renal epithelial cells | Basal body localization, cilia length |
| Retinitis Pigmentosa | Retinal cells | LRRC45 at connecting cilium, OS development |
| Bardet-Biedl Syndrome | Multiple tissues | Centriolar satellite organization, IFT disruption |
| Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia | Motile ciliated cells | LRRC45 at basal bodies of motile cilia |
Given LRRC45's established presence at the basal body of both primary and motile cilia in various cell types, including retinal, neural, and ependymal cells, it represents a promising target for understanding ciliopathy mechanisms .
To investigate the temporal dynamics of LRRC45 during centrosome duplication and ciliogenesis, researchers can employ:
Live-cell imaging techniques:
LRRC45-GFP fusion protein expression for real-time tracking
Photoactivatable or photoswitchable LRRC45 fusions to track protein movement
Correlative light-electron microscopy to link dynamic behavior with ultrastructure
Cell synchronization approaches:
Examine LRRC45 localization at specific cell cycle stages using:
Thymidine block (S-phase)
Nocodazole treatment (M-phase)
Serum starvation (G0/G1, ciliogenesis induction)
Pulse-chase experiments:
Use SNAP-tag LRRC45 fusions with timed labeling to track protein turnover
Photobleaching recovery (FRAP) to measure protein dynamics at centrosomes/cilia
Staged ciliogenesis analysis:
Fix cells at defined time points after serum starvation
Co-stain for LRRC45 alongside markers of sequential ciliogenesis stages:
CP110 removal
Rab8 vesicle docking
Axoneme extension
IFT establishment
Temporal dynamics analysis table:
| Stage | Key Markers for Co-staining | Expected LRRC45 Localization | Technical Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1/S transition | Cyclin E, PCNA | Proximal centrioles (linker) | Distinguish mother vs. daughter centriole |
| Centrosome duplication | Centrin, SAS-6 | Linker between duplicated centrosomes | Use C-Nap1 co-staining to assess recruitment |
| Early ciliogenesis | CP110 loss, Cep164 | Distal appendages of mother centriole | Monitor transition to basal body |
| Vesicle docking | Rab8, IFT20 | Association with docking vesicles | May require super-resolution microscopy |
| Mature cilium | Acetylated tubulin, Arl13b | Basal body | Compare primary vs. motile cilia |
Combining LRRC45 antibodies with other markers provides powerful insights into centrosome-cilium abnormalities in disease:
Multiplex immunofluorescence panels:
LRRC45 + centrosomal markers (γ-tubulin, pericentrin) + ciliary markers (acetylated tubulin, Arl13b)
Include markers for specific centrosomal structures: PCM (pericentrin), distal appendages (Cep164), subdistal appendages (ODF2)
Add cell cycle markers (Ki67, PCNA) to correlate with proliferation status
Pathway-specific co-staining:
LRRC45 + Hedgehog pathway components (Gli, Smoothened)
LRRC45 + Wnt signaling components (Dishevelled, β-catenin)
LRRC45 + autophagy markers (LC3, p62) in ciliopathies with autophagy defects
Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) application:
Resolve subdomains of basal body and transition zone in relation to LRRC45
Map precise LRRC45 localization relative to known disease-associated proteins
Tissue microarray analysis:
Apply optimized LRRC45 antibody panels to disease tissue arrays
Compare patterns across multiple patient samples and disease types
Marker combination matrix for disease analysis:
| Disease Category | Primary Markers | Secondary Markers | Analysis Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer | LRRC45, γ-tubulin, Ki67 | Centrobin, Plk4 | Centrosome amplification, correlation with proliferation |
| Ciliopathies | LRRC45, Arl13b, Cep164 | IFT88, RPGRIP1L | Transition zone formation, ciliary pocket defects |
| Neurodevelopmental | LRRC45, acetylated tubulin, PCM1 | Pericentrin, BBS proteins | Centriolar satellite organization, primary cilia formation |
| Kidney disease | LRRC45, acetylated tubulin, polycystin-2 | Inversin, NPHP proteins | Ciliary signaling complex formation |
This multiplexed approach is particularly valuable given LRRC45's dual roles in centrosome cohesion and cilia formation, allowing researchers to determine which function is compromised in specific disease states .
When facing discrepancies in LRRC45 staining patterns across cell types, consider these interpretive approaches:
Biological versus technical variation assessment:
Verify antibody specificity in each cell type using knockdown controls
Test multiple LRRC45 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Consider cell type-specific post-translational modifications affecting epitope recognition
Cell type-specific biology considerations:
Quantitative approach to pattern comparison:
Measure signal intensity at specific subcellular locations
Calculate the ratio of LRRC45 at different locations (proximal centrioles vs. distal appendages)
Track pattern changes during differentiation or disease progression
Interpretation framework:
| Observation | Possible Biological Interpretation | Technical Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Strong centrosomal, weak ciliary signal | Predominant cohesion function | May require signal amplification for ciliary detection |
| Prominent in motile cilia, weak in primary cilia | Function in motility apparatus | Different fixation requirements for motile vs. primary cilia |
| Variable expression between patients | Disease-relevant variation | Standardize staining protocols across samples |
| Differential nuclear vs. cytoplasmic ratio | Potential moonlighting function | Nuclear extraction protocols may affect detection |
Integrated analysis approach: Combine multiple techniques (IF, WB, IP-MS) to build a comprehensive picture of LRRC45 biology across cell types rather than relying on a single method .
When investigating centrosome abnormalities in cancer using LRRC45 antibodies, implement these essential controls:
Antibody validation controls:
Sample preparation controls:
Matched normal tissue adjacent to tumor
Non-malignant cell line of same tissue origin
Panel of cancer cell lines with characterized centrosome abnormalities
Biological interpretation controls:
Cell cycle markers to distinguish cycle-dependent variations
Centrosome amplification markers (e.g., extra centrin dots)
DNA damage markers to correlate with genomic instability
Cancer-specific control panel:
Experimental design considerations:
Include tissue microarrays with multiple cancer types
Compare primary tumors with metastatic samples
Assess therapy effects on LRRC45 patterns in paired pre/post-treatment samples
The critical importance of proper controls is underscored by LRRC45's role in centrosome cohesion, as centrosome abnormalities are hallmarks of many cancers and contribute to genomic instability .
Distinguishing genuine LRRC45 signals from artifacts requires systematic troubleshooting:
Common artifact patterns and solutions:
| Artifact Type | Characteristics | Resolution Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Non-specific nuclear staining | Diffuse nuclear signal | Pre-absorb antibody, optimize blocking |
| Golgi misidentification | Juxtanuclear staining mistaken for centrosome | Co-stain with Golgi and centrosome markers |
| Fixation artifacts | Variable staining depending on fixation | Compare multiple fixation methods |
| Cross-reactivity | Multiple unexpected bands on WB | Validate with peptide competition |
| Autofluorescence | Signal in all channels | Include unstained controls, use spectral unmixing |
Signal validation approaches:
Confirm expected subcellular localization with co-staining:
Verify signal disappearance following LRRC45 depletion
Check for expected cell cycle-dependent localization changes
Quantitative validation:
Measure signal-to-noise ratio in controlled samples
Compare staining intensity across multiple antibody lots
Establish threshold values for positive versus background signal
Advanced troubleshooting techniques:
Epitope retrieval optimization for each tissue/cell type
Signal amplification methods for weak but specific signals
Super-resolution microscopy to resolve genuine centrosomal structures
Decision tree for artifact determination:
Does signal localize to expected structures (centrosomes, basal bodies)?
Does signal disappear in knockdown/knockout controls?
Is the pattern consistent with published LRRC45 localization data?
Does the pattern change appropriately during cell cycle progression?
Is the molecular weight correct in parallel Western blot analysis?
Using these systematic approaches, researchers can confidently distinguish genuine LRRC45 signals from common immunostaining artifacts.