MYL2 is a 19 kDa regulatory protein that binds to the neck region of myosin heavy chains, modulating cardiac muscle contraction . Key features include:
Calcium/Magnesium Binding: The N-terminal domain binds divalent cations, inducing conformational changes critical for myosin activation .
Post-Translational Modifications: Phosphorylation at Thr18/Ser19 (detected by antibodies like #3674 ) and deamidation alter charge dynamics, influencing interactions with myosin heavy chains .
Sarcomere Organization: MYL2 promotes myofibril assembly during cardiogenesis and serves as a marker for ventricular cardiomyocyte maturation .
MYL2 antibodies are widely used in research and diagnostics. Key examples include:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM):
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) reveals reduced MYL2 expression in heart failure patients compared to controls .
Western blot (WB) quantifies MYL2 downregulation in chronic HF, correlating with disease severity .
Target Identification: MYL2 is proposed as a therapeutic target for DCM due to its role in sarcomere stability .
Functional Studies: Antibodies enable in vitro degradation assays (e.g., MYL2-fs variant ) and in vivo models (e.g., Drosophila heart development ).
MYL2 (Myosin Light Chain 2) is a regulatory protein essential for cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction. It functions as the regulatory light chain component of myosin, playing crucial roles in muscle contraction mechanisms and calcium sensitivity regulation. MYL2 has significant research importance because:
It serves as a cardiac-specific marker with a molecular weight of approximately 19 kDa (calculated), though typically observed at 18-20 kDa in SDS-PAGE analysis
Mutations in MYL2 are associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), making it valuable for studying cardiac pathologies
It exists in phosphorylated states (particularly at Serine 18) that regulate its function and can be specifically detected
It's involved in multiple cellular pathways including cardiac muscle contraction, focal adhesion, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton
The protein contains three EF-hand domains that are critical for its function, with the C-terminal domain playing a particularly important role in protein localization and stability .
When selecting an MYL2 antibody, researchers should consider:
Additionally, consider storage requirements (most require -20°C storage in glycerol-containing buffers) and stability information (typically 12 months from receipt) .
When validating MYL2 antibodies, expect these characteristic expression patterns:
Proper controls should include: (1) Known positive samples as listed above, (2) Negative control tissues, (3) Primary antibody omission controls, and (4) Blocking peptide controls where available .
For optimal MYL2 immunohistochemistry in cardiac tissues:
Tissue preparation:
Fixation: Use appropriate fixatives that preserve MYL2 epitopes
Sectioning: 4-6 μm sections are typically suitable
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Blocking optimization:
Antibody incubation:
Detection system:
Quantification approach:
Researchers should perform antibody titration experiments and include both positive (heart tissue) and negative controls in each experiment to validate specificity .
For optimal Western blot detection of MYL2:
Sample preparation considerations:
Gel electrophoresis parameters:
Antibody optimization:
Detection system selection:
Enhanced chemiluminescence: Provides good sensitivity for most applications
Fluorescent detection: Offers better quantitative linearity and multiplexing capability
Quantification methodology:
Validation approaches:
For phospho-specific detection, include appropriate controls such as lambda phosphatase-treated samples and kinase activation/inhibition experiments .
For optimal flow cytometry detection of MYL2:
Cell preparation considerations:
Antibody parameters:
Controls required:
Unstained cells: For autofluorescence assessment
Isotype control: Matching the primary antibody's host and isotype
Secondary-only control: To assess non-specific binding
Positive control: Cell types known to express MYL2
Gating strategy:
Forward/side scatter: To identify intact single cells
Viability marker: To exclude dead cells
Expression analysis: Compare signal intensity to controls
Optimization considerations:
Titrate antibody to determine optimal concentration
Compare different permeabilization methods
Assess surface vs. intracellular staining protocols
Multiparameter considerations:
Co-staining with cardiac markers (e.g., cardiac troponin)
Cell cycle analysis in combination with MYL2 expression
Phospho-specific detection in combination with total protein
For phosphorylated MYL2 detection, use phospho-specific antibodies and include appropriate controls such as phosphatase-treated samples .
MYL2 antibodies serve as powerful tools for investigating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mechanisms:
Expression level analysis:
Mutation-specific investigations:
Frameshift variant effects: The p.Pro144Argfs*57 variant shows marked reduction in protein expression levels compared to controls, indicating protein degradation
Missense variant effects: Variants like p.Gly162Arg affect localization rather than stability
Stop-gain variants: p.E22*, p.K62*, p.E97* variants show impaired localization despite stable expression
Phosphorylation status assessment:
Domain-function relationship studies:
Protein degradation mechanisms:
These approaches have revealed that recessive MYL2 variants typically result in protein degradation, while dominant variants more commonly affect protein function while maintaining stability - critical distinctions for understanding disease mechanisms .
To resolve contradictory findings regarding MYL2 expression in cardiac disease models:
Standardize quantification methodologies:
Normalization approach: Consistently use beta-actin (42 kDa) or other stable reference proteins
Quantification method: Calculate MYL2/reference protein ratios using standardized image analysis software
Expression reporting: Report relative values with clearly defined controls (e.g., normalize control group as 100% ± standard deviation)
Implement multiple detection methods:
Control for confounding variables:
Disease stage stratification: Separate early vs. late disease stages
Anatomical specificity: Precisely define and consistently sample specific cardiac regions
Patient/animal characteristics: Control for age, sex, comorbidities, and medications
Technical variables: Standardize sample collection, processing time, and storage conditions
Implement rigorous statistical analysis:
Advanced molecular analyses:
These approaches can help determine whether contradictory findings reflect biological differences between models or technical variables in experimental design .
Phospho-specific MYL2 antibodies enable sophisticated studies of phosphoregulation in cardiac function:
Phosphorylation site-specific detection:
Target specificity: Antibodies recognizing phosphorylated Serine 18 within the A-T-SP-N-V motif are particularly valuable
Validation approach: Confirm specificity using dephosphorylated controls (lambda phosphatase treatment)
Recommended dilutions: 1:500-1:1000 for Western blot, 1:50-1:100 for IHC applications
Physiological regulation studies:
Calcium dependence: Correlate phosphorylation status with calcium levels
β-adrenergic signaling: Examine phosphorylation changes following adrenergic stimulation
Force-frequency relationship: Study how mechanical loading affects phosphorylation status
Pathological alterations assessment:
Disease model comparison: Analyze phosphorylation changes in hypertrophy, heart failure, and ischemia
Mutation influence: Determine how MYL2 mutations affect phosphorylation patterns
Post-translational modification interplay: Examine relationship between phosphorylation and other modifications
Structural biology applications:
Conformational changes: Use phospho-specific antibodies to probe structural alterations
Domain interactions: Investigate how phosphorylation affects protein-protein interactions
Distance measurements: Study how phosphorylation alters distances between functional residues (e.g., the p.Ile158Thr variant increases the distance between the 158th residue and Ser15 from 27.5Å to 30.0Å)
Therapeutic target validation:
Kinase inhibitor effects: Measure phosphorylation changes following treatment
Phosphatase modulation: Examine consequences of enhanced or reduced dephosphorylation
Correlation with functional outcomes: Link phosphorylation status to contractile parameters
Multiplexed analysis approaches:
Dual staining: Combine phospho-specific with total MYL2 antibodies
Co-localization studies: Examine spatial relationship with sarcomeric structures
Multi-site phosphorylation: Investigate coordination between different phosphorylation sites
These approaches reveal how phosphorylation at Ser18 regulates MYL2 function and how alterations in this regulatory mechanism contribute to cardiac pathophysiology .
For MYL2 specifically, ensure optimal sensitivity by following recommended dilutions, which can vary widely between antibodies (1:2000-1:20,000). Include appropriate positive controls (rat heart tissue) and verify the molecular weight (18-20 kDa) .
Comprehensive validation strategies for MYL2 antibody specificity:
Genetic validation approaches:
Biochemical validation methods:
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Multi-tissue expression analysis: Compare staining patterns with known MYL2 distribution
Recombinant protein panel: Test against related myosin light chain family members
Species cross-reactivity: Validate across species when using in different models
Family member distinction strategies:
Isoform-specific epitopes: Use antibodies targeting unique regions
Molecular weight differentiation: MYL2 appears at 18-20 kDa, which may differ from other family members
Expression pattern comparison: MYL2 is predominantly expressed in cardiac/slow skeletal muscle
Phosphorylation sites: Target phospho-Ser18 which may be unique to MYL2
Application-specific validation:
These approaches are essential when studying MYL2 in experimental contexts where multiple myosin light chain family members may be present, ensuring that experimental findings are truly specific to MYL2 .
To maintain optimal MYL2 antibody performance over time:
Storage temperature requirements:
Buffer composition considerations:
Aliquoting strategies:
Handling practices:
Temperature transitions: Allow antibodies to equilibrate to room temperature before opening
Centrifugation: Briefly centrifuge vials before opening to collect liquid at the bottom
Contamination prevention: Use sterile technique when handling antibody solutions
Freeze-thaw minimization: Limit cycles as much as possible
Working dilution management:
Preparation timing: Make fresh working dilutions for each experiment when possible
Diluent selection: Use high-quality blocking buffer compatible with your application
Storage duration: Use working dilutions within recommended timeframes
Documentation: Record lot numbers and preparation dates for all working solutions
Quality control procedures:
Performance monitoring: Regularly test antibody activity using standard samples
Positive control inclusion: Include consistent positive controls in each experiment
Standardization: Maintain consistent protocols across experiments
Bridging studies: When changing lots, perform side-by-side comparison with previous lot
Following these practices ensures reproducible results when using MYL2 antibodies across multiple experiments and extended research timelines .
MYL2 antibodies offer powerful approaches for cardiac regeneration and differentiation research:
Differentiation marker validation:
Temporal expression analysis: Track MYL2 expression during progressive differentiation stages
Quantitative assessment: Use Western blot to measure increasing MYL2 levels as differentiation proceeds
Spatial organization: Use immunofluorescence to monitor sarcomeric incorporation of MYL2
Population analysis: Apply flow cytometry to quantify percentage of MYL2-positive cells (0.40 μg per 10^6 cells)
Cardiac lineage commitment assessment:
Co-expression studies: Combine MYL2 staining with other cardiac markers
Isoform transitions: Monitor switch from fetal to adult cardiac isoforms
Maturation evaluation: Assess phosphorylation status using phospho-specific antibodies
Functional correlation: Link MYL2 expression patterns to contractile properties
Transgenic reporter validation:
Reporter fidelity confirmation: Compare endogenous MYL2 protein expression with reporter signals
Promoter activity assessment: Correlate MYL2 protein with transcriptional activity
Single-cell heterogeneity: Examine variation in differentiation efficiency
Disease modeling applications:
Patient-specific iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes: Compare MYL2 expression/localization between control and disease lines
Variant effect assessment: Study impact of MYL2 mutations on protein stability and localization
Therapeutic response: Monitor MYL2 expression changes following experimental treatments
Tissue engineering quality control:
Engineered heart tissue assessment: Use MYL2 staining to validate cardiomyocyte identity and organization
3D culture analysis: Examine spatial distribution throughout engineered constructs
Mechanical conditioning effects: Study how mechanical forces influence MYL2 phosphorylation
Direct reprogramming evaluation:
Fibroblast-to-cardiomyocyte conversion: Use MYL2 as late-stage conversion marker
Reprogramming efficiency: Quantify percentage of MYL2-positive cells
Functional maturation: Correlate MYL2 expression/organization with functional parameters
These approaches leverage the cardiac-specific expression of MYL2 to monitor differentiation status and functional maturity of developing cardiomyocytes .
Integrating MYL2 localization with functional contractility assessment:
Live-cell imaging approaches:
Fluorescently-tagged MYL2: Generate fusion constructs to monitor real-time localization
Calcium imaging correlation: Combine with calcium indicators to relate MYL2 dynamics to calcium transients
FRET-based tension sensors: Incorporate tension sensors into MYL2 to measure molecular forces
Traction force microscopy: Correlate MYL2 organization with cellular force generation
Fixed-cell correlation methods:
Functional measurement followed by fixation: Record contractile parameters before immunostaining
Micropatterned substrates: Control cell geometry to standardize contractile measurements
Registration techniques: Align functional maps with immunofluorescence images
Computer vision analysis: Quantify sarcomere organization and correlate with function
High-content screening platforms:
Automated imaging and analysis: Quantify MYL2 expression, localization, and sarcomere organization
Optical flow algorithms: Measure contractile parameters from brightfield imaging
Machine learning integration: Develop predictive models relating MYL2 patterns to function
Multi-parameter correlation: Identify relationships between multiple structural and functional variables
Mutation-specific investigations:
Structure-function relationships: Compare localization patterns of wild-type vs. mutant MYL2
Contractile deficits: Link specific MYL2 mutations to functional impairments
Domain-specific effects: Determine how different domains affect localization and function
Rescue experiments: Test if contractile deficits can be restored by correcting MYL2 defects
Phosphorylation-specific analyses:
Advanced optical techniques:
Super-resolution microscopy: Resolve MYL2 localization at nanoscale resolution
FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching): Measure MYL2 dynamics in living cells
Optogenetic approaches: Acutely modulate contractility while monitoring MYL2 localization
These integrated approaches can reveal how MYL2 mutations and post-translational modifications affect both localization and function, providing mechanistic insights into cardiomyopathies .
Advanced imaging and multiplexed labeling approaches for MYL2 research:
Super-resolution microscopy techniques:
STORM/PALM: Achieve 10-20 nm resolution to precisely localize MYL2 within sarcomeric structures
SIM: Obtain 100 nm resolution with conventional fluorophores for dynamic studies
Expansion microscopy: Physically expand specimens to resolve nanoscale organization
Application optimization: Adjust protocols for antibody penetration in expanded specimens
Multi-epitope labeling strategies:
Co-localization panel: Combine MYL2 antibodies with markers for Z-discs, M-lines, and thin filaments
Temporal assembly markers: Label proteins incorporated at different stages of sarcomere assembly
Domain-specific antibodies: Use antibodies targeting different MYL2 domains to reveal protein orientation
Phosphorylation-specific detection: Include phospho-Ser18 specific antibodies to monitor regulatory state
Volumetric imaging approaches:
3D confocal microscopy: Reconstruct sarcomere architecture throughout the cell volume
Light-sheet microscopy: Capture MYL2 organization in whole engineered tissues with minimal photobleaching
Tissue clearing techniques: Apply CLARITY, CUBIC, or other clearing methods for deep tissue imaging
3D electron microscopy: Correlate with immunogold labeling for ultrastructural localization
Live imaging innovations:
Fluorescent protein fusions: Generate knock-in lines expressing MYL2-FP fusions
Split fluorescent protein complementation: Visualize MYL2 interactions with binding partners
Optogenetic perturbation: Combine with light-controlled disruption of sarcomere components
Long-term imaging: Monitor sarcomere assembly, maintenance, and turnover over days
Correlative microscopy approaches:
CLEM (Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy): Relate MYL2 immunofluorescence to ultrastructure
Functional imaging correlation: Link MYL2 organization to contractile parameters
Force measurement integration: Correlate MYL2 patterns with traction force microscopy
Multi-scale imaging: Connect molecular, cellular, and tissue-level observations
Quantitative analysis frameworks:
Sarcomere organization metrics: Measure Z-disc spacing, A-band width, and sarcomere regularity
Colocalization analysis: Quantify spatial relationships between MYL2 and other sarcomeric proteins
Temporal dynamics: Track assembly/disassembly rates during development or stress responses
Machine learning classification: Develop automated pattern recognition for sarcomere phenotyping
These advanced approaches enable researchers to connect MYL2 molecular characteristics to higher-order structural organization and function in both normal physiology and disease states .
Emerging opportunities for MYL2-based cardiac biomarker development:
Post-translational modification profiling:
Phosphorylation state analysis: Use phospho-specific antibodies to detect disease-specific phosphorylation patterns
PTM combinations: Develop antibodies recognizing specific combinations of modifications
Modification quantification: Establish ratiometric measurements of modified vs. unmodified MYL2
Circulating MYL2 detection: Develop high-sensitivity assays for serum/plasma MYL2 forms
Mutation-specific diagnostic development:
Variant-specific antibodies: Generate antibodies that selectively recognize common MYL2 mutations
Conformational antibodies: Develop antibodies recognizing disease-specific protein conformations
Stability assessments: Quantify mutant protein levels as diagnostic indicators
Expression level profiling: Monitor altered MYL2 levels in heart failure (69% of control levels)
Single-cell diagnostic applications:
Cardiomyocyte phenotyping: Classify individual cells based on MYL2 expression patterns
Spatial proteomics: Map MYL2 distribution changes in tissue sections from diseased hearts
Heterogeneity quantification: Measure cell-to-cell variation in MYL2 expression/localization
Digital pathology integration: Develop automated image analysis algorithms for IHC/IF quantification
Multiparameter biomarker panels:
Combinatorial profiles: Integrate MYL2 with other cardiac markers for improved specificity
Machine learning classification: Develop predictive models based on multiple marker patterns
Risk stratification: Correlate MYL2 patterns with clinical outcomes
Treatment response monitoring: Track changes in MYL2 parameters during therapeutic interventions
Point-of-care testing development:
Rapid immunoassays: Develop lateral flow or microfluidic platforms for MYL2 detection
Automated image analysis: Create portable systems for quantitative IHC/IF interpretation
Minimally invasive sampling: Explore detection in peripheral blood or other accessible samples
Digital connectivity: Link testing platforms with electronic health records and decision support
Therapeutic monitoring applications:
Treatment efficacy assessment: Monitor normalization of MYL2 expression/localization
Drug response prediction: Correlate baseline MYL2 patterns with therapeutic outcomes
Cardiotoxicity detection: Use MYL2 alterations as early indicators of drug-induced cardiac damage
Regenerative medicine evaluation: Track MYL2 expression in transplanted cells/engineered tissues