MYCL1 (L-Myc) is a member of the MYC proto-oncogene family, which includes c-MYC and MYCN. It plays roles in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and metabolic regulation . The Human/Mouse MYCL1/L-Myc Antibody (AF4050) is a polyclonal antibody developed to detect MYCL1 in human and mouse tissues. It binds specifically to MYCL1’s hypervariable regions, enabling precise localization and functional studies .
HeLa (Human Cervical Carcinoma): MYCL1 was detected in both cytoplasm and nuclei using immunofluorescence, confirming its dual role in transcriptional regulation and cytoplasmic signaling .
NIH3T3 (Mouse Fibroblasts): Similar localization patterns were observed, supporting cross-species reactivity .
Glycolytic Regulation: MYCL1 modulates glycolytic genes like MCT1. In MKL-1 cells (Merkel cell carcinoma), MYCL1 overexpression increased extracellular acidification rates (ECAR), indicating enhanced glycolysis .
Interaction with NF-κB: MYCL1’s effects on MCT1 expression are counterregulated by NF-κB, highlighting a competitive regulatory mechanism in cancer metabolism .
| MYC Isoform | Impact on Glycolysis | ECAR (mpH/min) |
|---|---|---|
| MYC | High activation | 4.2 ± 0.3 |
| MYCL1 | Moderate activation | 3.1 ± 0.2 |
| MYCN | Variable | 3.8 ± 0.4 |
| Data from MKL-1 cells treated with doxycycline-induced MYC isoforms . |
Cancer Biomarker Studies: Used to identify MYCL1 overexpression in carcinomas (e.g., Merkel cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma) .
Metabolic Pathway Analysis: Facilitates investigations into MYCL1’s role in Warburg effect upregulation .
Therapeutic Target Validation: Supports preclinical studies targeting MYC family proteins in oncology .
Sample Preparation: Nuclear extracts from HeLa or NIH3T3 cells.
Antibody Dilution: 1 µg/mL AF4050 primary antibody + HRP-conjugated secondary antibody.
MYCL1/L-Myc (also known as BHLHE38, L-myc-1 proto-oncogene) is a member of the MYC family of transcription factors that plays crucial roles in cellular processes including proliferation, metabolism, and oncogenesis. MYCL1 has been identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in various cancers, particularly lung carcinoma . Recent research has also shown MYCL1's importance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progression, where it can remodel the tumor microenvironment and affect immunotherapy responses . The investigation of MYCL1 using specific antibodies allows researchers to elucidate its expression patterns, molecular interactions, and potential as a therapeutic target.
MYCL1/L-Myc antibodies can be utilized in multiple detection methods depending on research objectives:
For accurate research data, validation across multiple detection methods is strongly recommended to confirm antibody specificity and target expression patterns.
Proper antibody validation is critical for research reliability and reproducibility. A comprehensive validation approach should include:
Positive and negative controls: Use cell lines with known MYCL1 expression patterns (e.g., HeLa, A549, JEG-3 for positive controls; MYCL1-knockout cells for negative controls) .
Multiple antibody comparison: Use at least two different antibodies targeting distinct epitopes of MYCL1 to confirm consistent patterns.
Genetic manipulation: Implement CRISPR-Cas9 knockout or siRNA-mediated knockdown of MYCL1 to confirm antibody specificity, as demonstrated in recent research with other targets .
Signal verification: For immunofluorescence, perform colocalization studies with cellular markers and confirm subcellular distribution patterns consistent with MYCL1's known function as a transcription factor with both nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution .
Molecular weight verification: In Western blots, confirm detection of the expected ~40 kDa band with minimal non-specific binding .
Proper validation not only ensures experimental reliability but also enables accurate interpretation of results in complex biological systems.
Optimizing Western blot protocols for MYCL1/L-Myc detection requires attention to several key parameters:
Sample preparation: For nuclear proteins like MYCL1, extraction of nuclear fractions is often necessary. Use nuclear extraction buffers containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation.
Reducing conditions: MYCL1 antibodies typically perform optimally under reducing conditions using immunoblot buffer groups that maintain protein conformation .
Protein loading: Load 20-30 μg of total protein extract, or 10-15 μg of nuclear extract for optimal signal-to-noise ratio.
Antibody concentration: Start with 1 μg/mL of primary antibody (or manufacturer's recommended dilution) and optimize as needed .
Membrane selection: PVDF membranes generally provide better results than nitrocellulose for MYCL1 detection.
Detection system: HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies with enhanced chemiluminescence typically provide sufficient sensitivity, though fluorescent detection systems may offer advantages for quantification.
Controls: Include positive control lysates from cells known to express MYCL1 (e.g., HeLa, A549, or JEG-3 cell lines) .
These parameters should be systematically optimized for each experimental system to ensure consistent and reliable results.
Investigating MYCL1's interactions with other proteins and its role in transcriptional complexes requires specialized applications of antibodies:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP): Using MYCL1 antibodies for Co-IP can pull down MYCL1 along with its interacting partners. This approach has been used to study interactions between MYC family members and their cofactors. When performing Co-IP:
Use mild lysis buffers to preserve protein-protein interactions
Cross-validate with reverse Co-IP using antibodies against suspected binding partners
Consider chemical crosslinking to stabilize transient interactions
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP): MYCL1 antibodies can be used in ChIP assays to identify DNA binding sites and target genes:
Ensure antibodies recognize the native (non-denatured) form of MYCL1
Optimize chromatin fragmentation to 200-500 bp fragments
Include appropriate controls (IgG, input DNA, and positive/negative target regions)
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA): This technique can visualize and quantify protein-protein interactions in situ:
Combine MYCL1 antibody with antibodies against suspected interaction partners
Include appropriate negative controls to establish specificity
Quantify interaction signals using appropriate image analysis tools
These approaches can provide insights into MYCL1's functional roles in transcriptional regulation and cellular signaling networks.
Recent research has revealed MYCL1's role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment, opening new avenues for immunotherapy research :
Tumor microenvironment analysis: MYCL1 antibodies can be used to study how MYCL1 expression correlates with immune cell infiltration patterns. Research has shown that MYCL1 can increase Tregs, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and other immune cell populations in tumors .
Immunotherapy response prediction: MYCL1 expression analysis using specific antibodies can help predict responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapies. Studies have identified MYCL1 as a novel biomarker that can affect immunotherapy response in renal cell carcinoma .
Multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence: Combining MYCL1 antibodies with immune cell markers in multiplex systems can provide spatial context to MYCL1's interactions with the immune microenvironment.
Therapeutic antibody development: Understanding MYCL1's role in cancer progression can inform the development of therapeutic antibodies targeting either MYCL1 itself or its downstream effectors.
These applications contribute to our understanding of how transcription factors like MYCL1 influence cancer immunity and may lead to improved immunotherapy strategies.
Researchers frequently encounter technical challenges when working with MYCL1/L-Myc antibodies:
Low signal intensity:
Solution: Optimize antibody concentration, increase incubation time, use signal amplification systems, and ensure proper sample preparation with protease inhibitors.
For Western blot: Increase protein loading to 30-50 μg and extend primary antibody incubation to overnight at 4°C.
High background or non-specific binding:
Inconsistent results between experiments:
Solution: Standardize protocols, use positive control samples in each experiment, prepare fresh working solutions, and carefully control incubation times and temperatures.
Cross-reactivity with related proteins:
Poor reproducibility between antibody lots:
Solution: Purchase sufficient quantity of a single lot for long-term studies, or validate each new lot against previous results.
Addressing these challenges requires systematic optimization and consistent application of best practices in antibody-based research.
Fixation and permeabilization significantly impact antibody accessibility to targets and epitope preservation:
For optimal MYCL1 detection in immunofluorescence:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 for 10-15 minutes
Block with 1-2% BSA or 5-10% serum for 45-60 minutes
Incubate with primary antibody overnight at 4°C for maximum sensitivity
Different cell types may require protocol adjustments, so optimization is recommended when studying new cell lines or tissues.
Recent research has expanded MYCL1's relevance beyond cancer to neurological and autoimmune contexts:
Autoimmune encephalitis: Studies have suggested MYCL1 might serve as a trigger for autoimmune encephalitis, indicating its role in immune regulation . Antibodies against MYCL1 can help investigate this connection in both clinical samples and experimental models.
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) research: The localized increased permeability of the BBB for antibody delivery in neurological conditions offers a potential avenue for MYCL1-targeted therapies . Researchers are using fluorescent-labeled or gadolinium-labeled antibody conjugates to study BBB integrity in models of demyelination.
Post-traumatic autoimmune responses: Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), complex autoantibody responses occur that may contribute to long-term outcomes . The MYCL1 pathway may intersect with these autoimmune processes, though this remains an area for further investigation.
Therapeutic antibody development: Research into epitope-directed monoclonal antibody production methods is advancing the development of highly specific antibodies that could target MYCL1 or related pathways in neurological conditions .
These emerging applications highlight the expanding relevance of MYCL1 research beyond traditional cancer contexts.
Antibody technology is rapidly evolving with several innovations relevant to MYCL1/L-Myc research:
Epitope-directed antibody production: Recent advances employ in silico prediction of antigenic epitopes on target proteins like MYCL1, followed by production of antibodies against these specific regions. This approach uses short antigenic peptides (13-24 residues) presented on carrier proteins to generate high-affinity antibodies that recognize both native and denatured forms of the target .
Mixed antigen format approach: This methodology improves antibody quality, validation, and utility by using rationally designed epitope targets to produce monoclonal antibodies in a single hybridoma production cycle. The workflow allows for rapid hybridoma screening with concomitant epitope identification .
Machine learning algorithms for antibody characterization: Computational approaches like LASSO logistics regression are being applied to identify prognosis signatures based on MYCL1-derived molecules, showing promise for patient outcome prediction .
Bispecific antibody technologies: Advances in bispecific antibody (bsAb) production offer new possibilities for targeting MYCL1 along with another relevant target simultaneously. These technologies employ genetic engineering approaches to create antibodies with two distinct binding domains .
These methodological advances are expanding the toolkit available for MYCL1 research and potential therapeutic applications.
Detailed Immunofluorescence Protocol for MYCL1/L-Myc Detection:
Materials:
MYCL1/L-Myc primary antibody
Fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody
4% Paraformaldehyde
0.1% Triton X-100
Blocking buffer (1-2% BSA in PBS)
DAPI or similar nuclear counterstain
Mounting medium
PBS and PBS-T (PBS with 0.1% Tween-20)
Procedure:
Cell preparation:
Culture cells on glass coverslips to 70% confluence
Wash cells twice with PBS
Fixation:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10 minutes at room temperature
Wash three times with PBS (5 minutes each)
Permeabilization:
Permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100 for 10-15 minutes
Wash three times with PBS (5 minutes each)
Blocking:
Block with 1-2% BSA in PBS for 45-60 minutes at room temperature
Do not wash after blocking
Primary antibody:
Dilute MYCL1/L-Myc antibody to 1:200-1:300 in blocking buffer
Incubate overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber
Wash three times with PBS-T (10 minutes each)
Secondary antibody:
Dilute fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody (e.g., Alexa Fluor 488) to 1:1,000-1:2,000
Incubate for 45-60 minutes at room temperature in the dark
Wash three times with PBS-T (10 minutes each)
Counterstaining:
Mounting:
Mount coverslips on slides using appropriate mounting medium
Seal edges with nail polish and store at 4°C protected from light
Controls:
Include a no-primary antibody control
Include a known MYCL1-positive and MYCL1-negative cell line
This protocol has been optimized based on published research demonstrating successful MYCL1/L-Myc detection in various cell types .
A robust experimental design for MYCL1/L-Myc antibody validation should include multiple control strategies:
1. Genetic controls:
CRISPR-Cas9 knockout cells: Generate MYCL1 knockout cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This provides the most definitive negative control, as demonstrated in validation approaches for other targets .
siRNA knockdown: Transfect cells with MYCL1-specific siRNA (50-100 nM) for 72-96 hours to achieve transient knockdown .
Overexpression controls: Transfect cells with MYCL1 expression vectors to create positive controls with defined expression levels.
2. Biological controls:
Cell line panel: Test antibodies on multiple cell lines with known MYCL1 expression:
Tissue panel: Include tissues with known expression patterns when performing IHC validation.
3. Technical controls:
Isotype controls: Include matched isotype control antibodies at the same concentration.
Epitope blocking: Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunizing peptide/protein.
Multiple antibodies: Compare results from antibodies targeting different MYCL1 epitopes.
Multiple detection methods: Validate across Western blot, IF, IHC, and ELISA when possible.
4. Validation metrics:
Document signal-to-noise ratio under standardized conditions
Verify expected subcellular localization (nuclear and cytoplasmic)
Quantify correlation between antibody signal and mRNA expression levels
Implementing these controls ensures reliable and reproducible research findings when using MYCL1/L-Myc antibodies.
MYCL1/L-Myc antibodies enable sophisticated research applications that extend beyond basic detection:
Functional studies of MYCL1 in cancer progression:
Blocking antibodies: Developing and applying antibodies that block MYCL1 function can help elucidate its role in cancer cell proliferation, survival, and metabolism.
Inducible systems: Combine antibody detection with doxycycline-inducible MYCL1 expression systems to study dose-dependent effects on cellular processes .
Therapeutic target validation:
MYCL1 has been identified as a novel immunotherapy target in renal cell carcinoma .
Antibody-based detection of MYCL1 in patient-derived xenografts or organoids can help validate its therapeutic potential.
Correlation of MYCL1 expression with drug sensitivity profiles can identify patient populations likely to benefit from MYCL1-targeted therapies.
Biomarker development:
In triple-negative breast cancer, MYCL1 promotes disease progression and could serve as a prognostic biomarker .
Standardized immunohistochemical protocols using validated MYCL1 antibodies can be developed for clinical biomarker applications.
Integration with machine learning approaches can enhance the predictive value of MYCL1 as part of multi-parameter signatures .
Metabolic reprogramming studies:
These advanced applications demonstrate how MYCL1 antibodies contribute to mechanistic understanding and translational applications in cancer research.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) with clinical specimens requires rigorous validation and standardization:
Pre-analytical variables:
Tissue fixation: Formalin fixation time (8-24 hours) significantly impacts MYCL1 epitope accessibility
Tissue processing: Standard processing protocols may require optimization for MYCL1 detection
Storage conditions: Unstained sections should be used within 4-6 weeks of cutting to maintain antigenicity
Analytical variables:
Antigen retrieval: Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) is typically required; systematic comparison is recommended
Antibody selection: Clone-specific validation is essential; monoclonal antibodies often provide more consistent results
Detection systems: Amplification systems (e.g., tyramide signal amplification) may improve sensitivity for low MYCL1 expression
Controls: Include positive and negative tissue controls on each slide; consider cell line controls with known MYCL1 expression levels
Standardization approaches:
Automated platforms: Use automated staining platforms to enhance reproducibility
Digital pathology: Implement digital image analysis for quantitative assessment
Scoring systems: Develop and validate scoring algorithms specific to MYCL1 subcellular localization patterns
Clinical interpretation challenges:
Heterogeneity: MYCL1 expression can be heterogeneous within tumors
Cut-off determination: Establish clinically relevant cut-offs based on survival or treatment response data
Context-specific expression: MYCL1's prognostic significance may vary by cancer type and stage
These considerations highlight the complexity of translating MYCL1 antibody applications from research to clinical contexts and underscore the importance of rigorous validation for reproducible results.
Single-cell technologies offer powerful new applications for MYCL1/L-Myc antibodies in understanding cellular heterogeneity:
Single-cell proteomics:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) using metal-conjugated MYCL1 antibodies can simultaneously profile MYCL1 expression alongside dozens of other proteins at single-cell resolution.
Newer methodologies like CITE-seq (Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing) could combine MYCL1 antibody detection with transcriptomic profiling.
Spatial proteomics:
Multiplexed immunofluorescence technologies allow visualization of MYCL1 expression patterns in spatial context with other cell type markers and signaling proteins.
Imaging mass cytometry and codex platforms can map MYCL1 distribution across tissue architectures at subcellular resolution.
Live-cell applications:
Development of non-toxic MYCL1 antibody fragments conjugated to cell-permeable fluorophores could enable tracking of MYCL1 dynamics in living cells.
Integration with reporter systems could reveal real-time changes in MYCL1 activity in response to therapeutic agents.
Methodological innovations:
Single-cell Western blotting could validate antibody specificity at individual cell level.
Development of proximity ligation assays for MYCL1 could map protein-protein interactions with subcellular resolution.
These emerging applications could transform our understanding of MYCL1's role in cellular heterogeneity and tissue microenvironments, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
Bispecific antibody (bsAb) approaches represent a promising frontier where MYCL1/L-Myc research could make significant contributions:
Target validation and screening:
Innovative bispecific designs:
The development of bispecific antibodies that simultaneously target MYCL1 and immune checkpoint molecules could enhance cancer immunotherapy approaches.
Formats that combine MYCL1 targeting with T-cell engagement could potentially address cancers with aberrant MYCL1 expression.
Production and characterization challenges:
Delivery strategies:
Diagnostic-therapeutic combinations:
Development of MYCL1 antibodies suitable for both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic delivery could facilitate personalized medicine approaches.
Theranostic applications combining MYCL1 detection with therapeutic delivery.
These developments highlight the potential for MYCL1/L-Myc antibodies to contribute to next-generation therapeutic approaches, especially through bispecific and targeted delivery strategies.