ELISA: Primary application for quantitative detection of MYO18B in human samples .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Compatible with paraffin-embedded tissues when optimized .
Western Blot (WB): Detects MYO18B at ~280–290 kDa, though HRP conjugation is less common for WB compared to unconjugated variants .
| Application | Dilution Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA | Manufacturer-dependent | |
| IHC (paraffin) | 1:250–1:1000 | |
| Immunofluorescence | 1:50–1:500 |
MYO18B antibodies, including HRP-conjugated variants, have been critical in elucidating the protein’s roles in:
Cancer Biology: MYO18B suppresses anchorage-independent growth in lung cancer cells and is frequently downregulated in ovarian and lung cancers .
Muscle Disorders: Truncating mutations in MYO18B are linked to severe nemaline myopathy and cardiomyopathy, as shown by absent full-length protein in Western blots .
Cellular Mechanisms: MYO18B facilitates lysosomal exocytosis near focal adhesions, a process requiring actin crosslinking and Ca²⁺ signaling via PIEZO1 channels .
MYO18B Function and Clinical Relevance:
What is MYO18B and what are its known cellular functions?
MYO18B (Myosin-18B) is an unconventional myosin heavy chain primarily expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscles . It plays significant roles in cytoskeletal organization, particularly in the assembly of myosin II stacks and stress fiber formation. Research demonstrates that MYO18B localizes to contractile ventral stress fibers and a subset of transverse arcs, while being absent from non-contractile dorsal stress fibers . At the molecular level, MYO18B is associated with the ATPase proteasome subunit Sug1 and serves as a substrate for proteasomal degradation . Additionally, it may be involved in intracellular trafficking when in the cytoplasm and regulation of muscle-specific genes when in the nucleus .
What applications are HRP-conjugated MYO18B antibodies validated for?
Based on available data, HRP-conjugated MYO18B antibodies are suitable for multiple research applications:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blotting (WB) | 1:300-5000 | Detects MYO18B protein expression in lysates |
| Flow Cytometry (FCM) | 1:20-100 | Analyzes MYO18B at cellular level |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) | 1:200-400 | Visualizes MYO18B in tissue sections |
The HRP conjugation eliminates the need for secondary antibody incubation, potentially reducing background and simplifying protocols .
How should researchers validate MYO18B antibody specificity?
Validation is particularly important as studies indicate that many MYO18B antibodies recognize additional proteins. Recommended validation approaches include:
Comparing staining patterns between wild-type and MYO18B knockout cells, as demonstrated in published research
Testing antibody recognition of overexpressed MYO18B-GFP fusion proteins
Performing Sanger sequencing analysis of knockout cell lines to confirm gene disruption
Conducting Western blot analysis with appropriate positive and negative controls
Using immunofluorescence microscopy to confirm specific subcellular localization patterns
One study found that while some MYO18B antibodies showed nonspecific bands on Western blots, they displayed specific stress fiber staining in immunofluorescence that was absent in knockout cells .
What parameters should be considered when selecting storage and handling conditions for MYO18B antibodies?
Optimal storage and handling are critical for maintaining antibody functionality:
Storage temperature: Store at -20°C for maximum shelf life (typically 12 months)
Buffer composition: Commonly supplied in TBS (pH 7.4) with BSA, preservatives like Proclin300, and glycerol
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which may compromise antibody activity
Working dilutions should be prepared fresh and used within recommended time frames
When using HRP-conjugated antibodies, protect from prolonged light exposure
Always centrifuge antibody vials briefly before opening to collect solution at the bottom