MPHOSPH6 (M-phase phosphoprotein 6) is a 160 amino acid protein with an observed molecular weight of 19 kDa that plays crucial roles in cell cycle regulation, particularly during the transition from G2 to M phase. It belongs to the MPP6 family and contains a nuclear localization signal motif .
The most effective experimental approaches include:
RNA processing studies: MPHOSPH6 functions in RNA binding (preferentially to pyrimidine homopolymers) and is important for the maturation of 5.8S rRNA, acting in the recruitment of the exosome to pre-rRNA .
Cell cycle synchronization experiments: Since MPHOSPH6 is phosphorylated during M phase (either directly by MPF or indirectly by kinases activated by MPF), synchronized cell populations can reveal its dynamic regulation .
Cellular localization experiments: Immunofluorescence with MPHOSPH6 antibodies can track its nuclear localization and redistribution during cell cycle progression.
Validated cell lines for MPHOSPH6 expression include MCF7, HeLa, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-453s, which have shown positive Western blot detection .
MPHOSPH6 antibodies have been validated for multiple applications with specific performance parameters:
Different antibody formats show varying characteristics:
Monoclonal antibodies (like clone A-9 and 36-Y) demonstrate high specificity and reproducibility for targeted epitopes .
Polyclonal antibodies provide broader epitope recognition, potentially enhancing sensitivity in certain applications .
For optimal results, researchers should titrate antibodies in each specific testing system as performance can be sample-dependent .
When troubleshooting Western blots using MPHOSPH6 antibodies, researchers should consider:
Protein extraction optimization:
Nuclear protein extraction is critical as MPHOSPH6 is predominantly nuclear-localized
Ensure phosphatase inhibitors are included in lysis buffers, as MPHOSPH6 is a phosphoprotein
Antibody selection considerations:
Blocking optimization:
Signal enhancement strategies:
If unexpected bands appear, verify specificity using positive controls from validated cell lines (MCF7, HeLa) .
For optimal immunohistochemistry results with MPHOSPH6 antibodies:
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Antibody titration strategy:
Detection system selection:
Validation controls:
Researchers should note that MPHOSPH6 staining patterns are predominantly nuclear, with potential cell cycle-dependent intensity variations .
Comprehensive validation of MPHOSPH6 antibody specificity requires multiple complementary approaches:
Genetic validation approaches:
CRISPR/Cas9 knockout validation: Generate MPHOSPH6-null cells as negative controls
siRNA knockdown: Demonstrate reduced signal corresponding to reduced protein expression
Overexpression systems: Show increased signal in cells transfected with MPHOSPH6 expression vectors
Biochemical validation methods:
Specialized application validation:
Cross-application validation: Confirm consistent results across WB, IP, and IF
Recombinant protein standards: Use purified MPHOSPH6 as positive controls
Orthogonal detection methods: Compare with RNA expression by RT-PCR
Cross-reactivity assessment:
The validation data should demonstrate consistent detection of the expected 19 kDa band across multiple experimental conditions and cell types .
The detection of MPHOSPH6 by antibodies can be significantly influenced by:
Cell cycle-dependent phosphorylation modifications:
Methodological considerations for phosphorylation-sensitive detection:
Phosphatase treatment controls may help distinguish phosphorylation-dependent epitope masking
Synchronized cell populations provide more consistent detection patterns
Phase-specific antibodies may be required for certain applications
Buffer optimization for phosphoprotein preservation:
Include phosphatase inhibitors (sodium fluoride, sodium orthovanadate) in all extraction buffers
Avoid freeze-thaw cycles that may affect phosphorylation status
Consider extracting proteins in denaturing conditions to maintain modifications
Quantification challenges:
Signal intensity may not linearly correlate with protein abundance due to phosphorylation variability
Multiple antibodies targeting distinct epitopes can provide more comprehensive detection
Normalization against total MPHOSPH6 (using phosphorylation-insensitive antibodies) is recommended
For cell cycle studies, researchers should consider using antibodies raised against sequences distant from known phosphorylation sites for most consistent detection .
MPHOSPH6 gene polymorphisms have dual implications for research:
Impact on antibody epitope recognition:
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may alter amino acid sequences within antibody epitopes
If polymorphisms occur within the immunogen sequence, antibody binding affinity may be affected
Testing antibodies against samples with known polymorphisms can identify recognition limitations
Researchers should verify that immunogen sequences (e.g., "MPHOSPH6 fusion protein Ag1080" ) do not overlap with common polymorphic regions
Disease association implications:
Several MPHOSPH6 SNPs have demonstrated significant associations with IgA nephropathy:
Future studies should investigate potential associations with:
Research design considerations:
These findings highlight the importance of considering genetic variation when selecting antibodies and interpreting experimental results across different populations .
MPHOSPH6 antibodies can be integrated into multiplex and high-throughput workflows through these strategies:
Multiplex immunofluorescence optimization:
Compatible fluorophore selection: MPHOSPH6 antibodies have been successfully conjugated with diverse fluorophores including MaxLight 405, MaxLight 490, MaxLight 550, and MaxLight 650
Antibody panel design: Combine with cell cycle markers (cyclin B1, phospho-histone H3) for co-expression analysis
Spectral unmixing: Apply computational approaches to separate overlapping fluorescent signals when using multiple markers
High-throughput assay adaptation:
Validated for FluoroSpot assays using different tagging and detection systems:
Automation compatibility: Works with standard liquid handling systems
Miniaturization potential: Successfully used in 384-well plate formats with reduced antibody consumption
Quantitative analysis approaches:
Cross-platform validation:
Results should be confirmed across multiple platforms (e.g., flow cytometry, western blot)
Internal standards and controls should be included to normalize between experimental runs
Data normalization approaches should account for platform-specific signal characteristics
These multiplex approaches enable simultaneous assessment of MPHOSPH6 with other markers, allowing for more sophisticated understanding of its interactions and regulation .
When designing studies of MPHOSPH6 expression in clinical samples, researchers should address:
Sample collection and preservation protocols:
Phosphoprotein preservation: Rapid fixation is essential (≤15 minutes post-excision)
Fixative selection: 10% neutral buffered formalin (24-48 hours) is recommended for IHC
Snap freezing protocols: Optimal for protein extraction for western blotting
Storage conditions: -80°C for frozen samples; paraffin blocks stable at room temperature
Validated clinical sample types:
Antibody selection for clinical applications:
Technical validation requirements:
Positive and negative control tissues in each experimental run
Batch-to-batch consistency assessment
Inter-observer scoring standardization for IHC
Digital pathology quantification validation
Clinical correlation considerations:
Cell cycle phase standardization between samples
Correlation with established cell proliferation markers
Integration with clinical patient data
Multivariate analysis accounting for confounding variables
For studies linking MPHOSPH6 to disease, findings should be validated across independent patient cohorts of sufficient size to achieve statistical power .
For advanced epitope mapping and functional domain analysis of MPHOSPH6:
Structural basis for antibody selection:
Epitope mapping methodologies:
Mutagenesis approaches to identify critical binding residues
Competition assays between antibodies recognizing distinct epitopes
Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry for detailed epitope characterization
Functional domain blocking strategies:
Antibodies targeting specific domains can serve as functional blockers
Domain-specific antibodies can distinguish between different functions:
RNA binding activity
Protein-protein interaction surfaces
Post-translational modification sites
Cross-species conservation analysis:
Technical approach optimization:
Recombinant fragment expression for domain-specific antibody generation
Epitope tagging strategies for tracking specific domains
CRISPR-mediated domain deletion for functional validation
This comprehensive approach enables precise targeting of specific MPHOSPH6 functional domains for mechanistic studies of its diverse cellular roles .