NSD2 Antibody

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Description

Introduction to NSD2 Antibody

The NSD2 Antibody is a critical research tool used to detect and study the nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 2 (NSD2), a histone methyltransferase implicated in chromatin remodeling and cancer progression. NSD2, also known as WHSC1 or MMSET, catalyzes the dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2), a modification linked to transcriptional activation and oncogenic signaling . The antibody is employed in various experimental techniques, including Western blot (WB), immunoprecipitation (IP), immunofluorescence (IF), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), enabling researchers to probe NSD2’s role in epigenetic regulation and disease mechanisms .

Cancer Biology

NSD2 antibodies are pivotal in studying NSD2’s oncogenic roles:

Cancer TypeRole of NSD2Antibody ApplicationKey Findings
Prostate CancerDrives AR/FOXA1 neo-enhancer formation, enabling oncogenic gene expression .ChIP-seq (AR binding sites), WB (NSD2 knockdown effects)NSD2 depletion disrupts AR binding at 65% of tumor-specific sites .
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)Promotes EGFR-AKT signaling and resistance to gefitinib .WB (EGFR/ADAM9 protein levels), invasion assays (Matrigel)NSD2 silencing reduces EGFR/ADAM9 expression and invasion capacity .
Pancreatic CancerSuppresses NF-κB signaling, limiting inflammation-driven tumorigenesis .IP (NSD2-p65 interactions), WB (IκBα/p65 phosphorylation)NSD2 overexpression inhibits NF-κB activation and ductal metaplasia .
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)Hotspot mutations (e.g., E1099K) promote H3K36me2 and oncogenesis .MS-based histone profiling, sequencing (NSD2 mutation analysis)NSD2 mutations correlate with hyperactive H3K36me2 and aggressive disease .

Epigenetic Regulation

NSD2 antibodies facilitate studies of chromatin dynamics:

  • H3K36me2 maintenance: NSD2 depletion reduces H3K36me3 at gene bodies, leading to senescence and proliferation defects .

  • AR/FOXA1 complex interactions: NSD2 antibodies identify physical interactions between NSD2 and AR/FOXA1 in prostate cancer neo-enhancers .

Immunology

In prostate cancer, NSD2 expression inversely correlates with CD8+ T-cell infiltration, suggesting immunosuppressive roles :

Immune Cell TypeCorrelation with NSD2Implications
CD8+ T cellsNegative (rho = −0.313, P = 1.26e−12) High NSD2 expression = "cold" tumors, poor immunotherapy response.
Th17 cellsNegative (rho = −0.452, P < 2.2e−16) NSD2 inhibition may enhance antitumor immunity.

Targeted Therapies

NSD2 antibodies support the development of PROTAC degraders:

  • LLC0150: A dual NSD1/2 degrader selectively targets NSD2-altered cancers, synergizing with androgen receptor antagonists .

  • Mechanism: NSD2 degradation restores normal AR binding and reduces oncogenic gene expression (e.g., KLK3) .

Prognostic Biomarkers

NSD2 expression levels correlate with clinical outcomes:

  • Prostate cancer: High NSD2 + low CD8+ TILs = poorest survival ("supercold" tumors) .

  • Pancreatic cancer: NSD2 loss upregulates NF-κB targets (e.g., TNFα), promoting inflammation-driven progression .

Challenges and Future Directions

  • Antibody specificity: Polyclonal antibodies may cross-react with NSD1 or other SET domain proteins, necessitating rigorous validation .

  • Therapeutic targeting: NSD2’s role as both an oncogene (e.g., prostate cancer) and tumor suppressor (e.g., pancreatic cancer) complicates drug development .

  • Combination therapies: Synergy between NSD1/2 inhibitors and immunotherapy warrants further exploration .

Product Specs

Buffer
Preservative: 0.03% Proclin 300
Constituents: 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
Form
Liquid
Lead Time
Typically, we can ship products within 1-3 business days after receiving your order. Delivery times may vary depending on the method of purchase or location. Please consult your local distributor for specific delivery timeframes.
Synonyms
FLJ23286 antibody; IL5 promoter REII region binding protein antibody; KIAA1090 antibody; MGC176638 antibody; MMSET antibody; MMSET type II antibody; Multiple myeloma SET domain containing protein type III antibody; Multiple myeloma SET domain protein antibody; Multiple myeloma SET domain-containing protein antibody; NSD 2 antibody; NSD2 antibody; NSD2_HUMAN antibody; Nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 2 antibody; Nuclear SET domain-containing protein 2 antibody; Probable histone-lysine N-methyltransferase NSD2 antibody; Protein trithorax-5 antibody; REIIBP antibody; Trithorax/ash1 related protein 5 antibody; TRX5 antibody; TRX5 protein antibody; WHS antibody; Whsc1 antibody; Wolf Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 antibody; Wolf Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 protein antibody; Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 protein antibody
Target Names
Uniprot No.

Target Background

Function
NSD2 is a histone methyltransferase that specifically dimethylates nucleosomal histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2). It also monomethylates nucleosomal histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me) in vitro. NSD2 does not trimethylate nucleosomal histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me3). However, it specifically trimethylates histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me3) in euchromatic regions of embryonic stem (ES) cells. By methylating histone H3 at lysine 36, NSD2 participates in the regulation of gene transcription during various biological processes. In ES cells, NSD2 associates with developmental transcription factors, such as SALL1, and represses inappropriate gene transcription mediated by histone deacetylation. During heart development, NSD2 associates with transcription factor NKX2-5 to repress transcription of NKX2-5 target genes. NSD2 plays an essential role in adipogenesis by regulating the expression of genes involved in pre-adipocyte differentiation. During T-cell receptor (TCR) and CD28-mediated T-cell activation, NSD2 promotes the transcription of transcription factor BCL6, which is required for follicular helper T (Tfh) cell differentiation. During B-cell development, NSD2 is required for the generation of the B1 lineage. During B2 cell activation, NSD2 may contribute to the control of isotype class switch recombination (CRS), splenic germinal center formation, and the humoral immune response. NSD2 plays a role in class switch recombination of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus during B-cell activation. By regulating the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 and histone H4 at lysine 20 at the IgH locus, NSD2 participates in TP53BP1 recruitment to the IgH switch region and promotes the transcription of IgA. NSD2 is a histone methyltransferase that specifically dimethylates nucleosomal histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2). NSD2 is a histone methyltransferase that specifically dimethylates nucleosomal histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2). Methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 is controversial. NSD2 mono-, di- or tri-methylates histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me, H3K27me2 and H3K27me3). NSD2 does not methylate histone H3 at lysine 27. NSD2 may act as a transcription regulator that binds DNA and suppresses IL5 transcription through HDAC recruitment.
Gene References Into Functions
  1. Mutations in NSD1 or NSD2 are independent favorable prognostic biomarkers for laryngeal cancer. PMID: 29176703
  2. The MMSET is required for efficient NER and that it catalyzes the dimethylation of histone H4 at lysine 20 (H4K20me2). PMID: 29233865
  3. NSD2 promoted the proliferation of pancreatic beta cell lines. Moreover, ectopic expression of NSD2 significantly promoted insulin secretion. In addition, NSD2 served as a transfection factor and it was identified that NSD2 transcriptionally regulated PDX1 expression through its H3K36me2 methyltransferase activity. PMID: 30066931
  4. Herein we report on the first fully validated WHSC1 inhibitor, PTD2, a norleucine-containing peptide derived from the histone H4 sequence. This peptide exhibits micromolar affinity towards WHSC1 in biochemical and biophysical assays. Furthermore, a crystal structure was solved with the peptide in complex with SAM and the SET domain of WHSC1L1 PMID: 29742153
  5. The histone methyltransferase NSD2/WHSC1/MMSET is overexpressed in a number of solid tumors but its contribution to the biology of these tumors is not well understood. Here, we describe that NSD2 contributes to the proliferation of a subset of lung cancer cell lines by supporting oncogenic RAS transcriptional responses. PMID: 27604143
  6. MMSET-like gene signature captures a subset of high-risk myeloma patients underrepresented by conventional risk stratification platforms and defines a distinct biologic subtype. PMID: 26847058
  7. These findings indicate that the miR-2392-MAML3/WHSC1-Slug/Twist1 regulatory axis plays a critical role in GC metastasis. PMID: 28512191
  8. In a murine xenograft model using t(4;14)+ KMS11 MM cells harboring an inducible MMSET shRNA, depletion of MMSET enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy, inhibiting tumor growth and extending survival. PMID: 27109101
  9. data suggest multiple myeloma SET domain containing protein(MMSET) may play a role in the inhibitory effect of metformin on prostate cancer and could serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for prostate cancer PMID: 27404348
  10. NSD2 overexpression is significantly associated with high risk of relapse and poor survival in tamoxifen-treated ER-positive breast cancer patients via coordinated activation of pentose phosphate pathway enzymes. PMID: 27164560
  11. Results show that WHSC1 is hypomethylated in cervical cancer cells and tissues. Both methylation and mRNA expression of WHSC1 were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and the overall survival of patients. PMID: 28260054
  12. Results showed that high levels of MMSET in the myeloma-like cells drove the formation of hypermethyled proteoforms containing H3K36me2 co-existent with the repressive marks H3K9me2/3 and H3K27me2/3. PMID: 26272979
  13. In MMSET-depleted cells there are defects in DNA replication and a decreased association with chromatin. PMID: 26771714
  14. results identify a pivotal role for NSD2 binding to its catalytic product in regulating its cellular functions, and suggest a model for how this interaction may facilitate epigenetic spreading and propagation of H3K36me2. PMID: 26912663
  15. NSD2 preferentially catalyzes the dimethylation of H3K36 along with a reduced preference for H3K36 monomethylation PMID: 26787850
  16. Studies indicate that the NSD methyltransferases NSD1, NSD2/WHSC1/MMSET and NSD3/WHSC1L1 were overexpressed, amplified or somatically mutated in multiple types of cancer, suggesting their critical role in cancer. PMID: 25942451
  17. It was observed that RE-IIBP induces MEIS1-mediated apoptosis, which was dependent on H2BK120 ubiquitination by RNF20. PMID: 26206755
  18. Results show that WHSC1 is overexpressed in Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and that it promotes cell-cycle progression through activation of NEK7, indicating its potential role as an oncogenic force in SCCHN. PMID: 25280969
  19. The results describe the binding of NSD1, 2 and 3 catalytic domains (CD) on histone tails through recognition of histone-lysine and methylation properties. PMID: 25494638
  20. The role of the shorter isoform (REIIBP) in myeloma cells was characterized and identified a clear and novel interaction of REIIBP with members of the SMN complex. PMID: 24923560
  21. Haploinsufficiency of WHSC1 and/or LETM1 contributes to Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, but that loss of distinct and/or additional genes in 4p16.3 is necessary for the expression of the core Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome phenotype. PMID: 23963300
  22. Gastric cancer patients with high MMSET and BRCA1 attain a longer median survival compared with those with high BRCA1 and low MMSET. PMID: 24809779
  23. In this study it was found MMSET knockdown could reduce SLAMF7 levels in t(4;14) MM cells. Furthermore, we found MMSET proteins were enriched in the SLAMF7 promoter region and regulated the transcription level of SLAMF7. PMID: 23900284
  24. it will be of interest to determine whether inhibition of MMSET activity can be beneficial not only for t(4;14)thorn MM patients but also for patients who express a mutant allele of this protein. PMID: 23823660
  25. Overexpression of MMSET was significantly associated with Edmondson stage. PMID: 23225158
  26. all of the H3K36-specific methyltransferases, including ASH1L, HYPB, NSD1, and NSD2 were inhibited by ubH2A, whereas the other histone methyltransferases, including PRC2, G9a, and Pr-Set7 were not affected by ubH2A. PMID: 24019522
  27. High MMSET expression correlated with the advanced extent of serous ovarian carcinoma and poor outcome. PMID: 23566000
  28. Depletion of TWIST1 in MMSET-overexpressing cells blocked cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, indicating that TWIST1 is a critical target of MMSET, responsible for the acquisition of an invasive phenotype. PMID: 22797064
  29. Overexpression of the histone methyltransferase MMSET is associated with myeloma. PMID: 22972034
  30. MMSET, a gene often deleted in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, regulates class switch recombination provides one possible mechanism for Ab deficiency observed in these patients. PMID: 23241889
  31. The EZH2-MMSET-histone methylase axis coordinately functions as a master regulator of transcriptional repression, activation, and oncogenesis. PMID: 23159737
  32. ACA11, an orphan box H/ACA class small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) encoded within an intron of WHSC1, was highly expressed in t(4;14)-positive multiple myeloma and other cancers PMID: 22751105
  33. NSD2 is a key chromatin regulator of NF-kappaB and mediator of the cytokine autocrine loop for constitutive NF-kappaB activation and emphasize the important roles played by NSD2 in cancer cell proliferation and survival and tumor growth. PMID: 22645312
  34. Data show significant up-regulation of WHSC1 expression in bladder and lung cancer cells at both transcriptional and the protein levels. PMID: 22028615
  35. NSD2 links dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 to oncogenic programming. PMID: 22099308
  36. WHSC1 regulates the methylation status of the histone H4 K20 residue and is required for the recruitment of 53BP1 to sites of DNA damage. PMID: 21788515
  37. The histone methyltransferase and putative oncoprotein MMSET is overexpressed in a large variety of human tumors. PMID: 21385930
  38. MMSET is implicated in neuroblastomagenesis possibly by supporting proliferation of progenitor cells and negatively regulating their differentiation. PMID: 21527557
  39. overexpression of multiple myeloma SET domain protein is associated with the translocation t(4;14)in multiple myeloma. PMID: 20974671
  40. a pathway involving gammaH2AX-MDC1-MMSET regulates the induction of H4K20 methylation on histones around DSBs, which, in turn, facilitates 53BP1 recruitment PMID: 21293379
  41. data indicate that t(4;14)(p16;q32) and loss of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 occurred at a very early stage of multiple myeloma and suggest that activation of multiple myeloma SET domain protein may be transforming event of this translocation PMID: 12433679
  42. connection between the syndrome phenotype and cytogenetic abnormalities, through gradual shortening of the length of the critical region WHSCR (finally up to 165 kb), and sequencing it, at least 2 genes (WHSC1 and WHSC2) were identified. PMID: 12715353
  43. different transcripts detected, multiple myeloma SET domain containing protein (MMSET I), MMSET II, Exon 4a/MMSET III, and response element II binding protein (RE-IIBP), are produced by alternative splicing PMID: 15677557
  44. Overexpression of WHISTLE repressed transcription of the SV40 promoter. Our results suggest that WHISTLE is a novel SET domain containing a protein with specific H3K4 and H3K27 HMTase activity. PMID: 16682010
  45. Our results suggest that HMTase WHISTLE induces apoptosis in an HMTase activity-dependent manner and represses transcription of target genes through HDAC1 recruitment. PMID: 17239852
  46. that MMSET plays a significant role in t(4;14) MM and suggest that therapies targeting this gene could impact this particular subset of poor-prognosis patients. PMID: 17942756
  47. MM Patients showing the t(4;14) chromosomal translocation at FGFR3 and MMSET genes had a significant elevation of serum crosslaps, reported to be the marker most reliably correlated with the extent of bone resorption PMID: 18036184
  48. MMSET influences gene expression and potentially acts as a pathogenic agent in multiple myeloma PMID: 18156491
  49. RE-IIBP is upregulated in leukemia. SET domain Cys483 & Arg477 are needed for histone methyltransferase activity. Overexpression causes histone H3-K27 methylation, HDAC recruitment, & histone H3 hypoacetylation on the IL-5 promoter repressing expression. PMID: 18172012
  50. WHSC1 expression increases with ascending tumor proliferation activity. PMID: 18182627

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Database Links

HGNC: 12766

OMIM: 602952

KEGG: hsa:7468

STRING: 9606.ENSP00000372347

UniGene: Hs.113876

Involvement In Disease
A chromosomal aberration involving NSD2 is a cause of multiple myeloma tumors. Translocation t(4;14)(p16.3;q32.3) with IgH.; DISEASE: Note=NSD2 is located in the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) critical region. WHS results from by sub-telomeric deletions in the short arm of chromosome 4. NSD2 is deleted in every case, however deletion of linked genes contributes to both the severity of the core characteristics and the presence of the additional syndromic problems.
Protein Families
Class V-like SAM-binding methyltransferase superfamily, Histone-lysine methyltransferase family, SET2 subfamily
Subcellular Location
Nucleus. Chromosome.; [Isoform 1]: Nucleus. Chromosome.; [Isoform 3]: Nucleus.; [Isoform 4]: Cytoplasm. Nucleus, nucleolus.
Tissue Specificity
Widely expressed. Predominantly expressed in thymus and testis.

Q&A

What is NSD2 and why is it important in cancer research?

NSD2 (Nuclear Receptor Binding SET Domain Protein 2), also known as MMSET or WHSC1, is a SET domain-containing histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 36. It has gained significant attention in cancer research due to its overexpression in multiple cancer types. NSD2 is implicated in several cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, carcinomas of the stomach and colon, small-cell lung cancers, and bladder cancers. Its overexpression is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor patient survival, particularly in TNBC where high NSD2 expression correlates significantly with earlier disease-related death . At the molecular level, NSD2 regulates cancer cell survival, proliferation, and invasion by controlling important signaling pathways, including EGFR-AKT/STAT3 signaling in TNBC cells .

What applications are NSD2 antibodies validated for?

NSD2 antibodies have been validated for multiple applications crucial for epigenetic and cancer research:

ApplicationValidated DilutionsNotes
Western Blotting (WB)0.2-1 μg/mlDetects NSD2 protein at approximately 180 kDa
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)2-5 μg per IPEffective for studying NSD2 genomic binding sites
Immunofluorescence (IF)1-2 μg/mlFor subcellular localization studies
Immunocytochemistry (ICC)0.5 μg/mlAs validated by manufacturers

When performing these applications, researchers should verify antibody specificity using appropriate controls, such as NSD2 knockdown samples, which have been demonstrated to show significant reduction in signal intensity in various assay formats .

How do I select the appropriate NSD2 antibody for my research?

Selection of the appropriate NSD2 antibody depends on several factors:

  • Target specificity: Verify that the antibody specifically recognizes NSD2 (MMSET/WHSC1) and not other NSD family members.

  • Application compatibility: Ensure the antibody is validated for your intended application (ChIP, WB, IF).

  • Epitope recognition: Different antibodies recognize different epitopes of NSD2. For example, some antibodies are raised against the N-terminal region (amino acids 1-647) , while others target the C-terminal region (amino acids 959-1365) .

  • Clonality: Monoclonal antibodies (like clone 29D1) offer high specificity for a single epitope, whereas polyclonal antibodies may provide stronger signals by recognizing multiple epitopes.

  • Validation evidence: Review literature using the specific antibody and assess manufacturer validation data, including knockdown controls that demonstrate specificity .

For comprehensive studies, it may be beneficial to use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes to confirm results and gain insights into potential isoform-specific functions.

What are the key considerations for optimizing ChIP experiments with NSD2 antibodies?

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with NSD2 antibodies requires careful optimization:

  • Chromatin preparation: Use formaldehyde crosslinking (1% for 10 minutes at room temperature) followed by sonication to produce DNA fragments of 200-500 bp.

  • Antibody amount: Most protocols recommend 2-5 μg of NSD2 antibody per ChIP reaction with chromatin from approximately 1×10^7 cells .

  • Controls: Include:

    • Input control (untreated chromatin)

    • IgG control (non-specific antibody)

    • Positive control (antibody against a well-established histone mark)

    • Biological validation using NSD2 knockdown or knockout cells

  • Target validation: Design primers for qPCR that target gene body regions known to be associated with NSD2 binding.

  • Cross-reactivity assessment: Evaluate potential cross-reactivity with other SET domain proteins by comparing ChIP-seq profiles with published datasets.

For example, validated ChIP protocols have successfully used 4 μg of NSD2 antibody per reaction with chromatin from 1×10^7 KMS11 cells, with specificity confirmed using NSD2 knockout cells as negative controls .

How can I troubleshoot weak or non-specific signals in Western blots using NSD2 antibodies?

Troubleshooting weak or non-specific signals when using NSD2 antibodies in Western blotting:

  • Protein extraction optimization:

    • Use RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors and phosphatase inhibitors

    • Include 1-2 mM PMSF to prevent proteolytic degradation

    • Consider adding deacetylase inhibitors (5-10 mM sodium butyrate)

  • Loading and transfer considerations:

    • Load adequate protein (40-80 μg of whole cell lysate)

    • Run the gel long enough to resolve high molecular weight proteins (NSD2 is approximately 180 kDa)

    • Use wet transfer for large proteins (overnight at 30V at 4°C)

  • Antibody incubation optimization:

    • Test different antibody concentrations (0.2-1 μg/ml)

    • Extend primary antibody incubation to overnight at 4°C

    • Reduce background by using 5% BSA instead of milk for blocking

  • Validation strategies:

    • Include positive controls (cell lines known to express NSD2, like KMS11)

    • Include negative controls (NSD2 knockdown samples)

    • Test multiple NSD2 antibodies targeting different epitopes

If bands appear at unexpected molecular weights, consider the presence of post-translational modifications, degradation products, or alternative splicing variants of NSD2.

What methodological approaches are effective for studying NSD2 methyltransferase activity in vitro?

To study NSD2 methyltransferase activity in vitro, researchers can employ several methodological approaches:

  • Peptide SPOT array methylation assays: These have been used to investigate substrate sequence specificity of NSD2, revealing strong readout of residues between G33 (-3) and P38 (+2) on the H3K36 sequence .

  • Radiolabeled methyl transfer assays:

    • Purified recombinant NSD2 (typically the catalytic SET domain)

    • Substrate peptides or recombinant histones

    • ^3H-labeled S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) as methyl donor

    • Quantification via scintillation counting

  • MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry:

    • Allows direct detection of methylation state changes

    • Can determine mono-, di-, or trimethylation states

    • Provides precise molecular mass shifts

  • Antibody-based detection methods:

    • Western blotting with antibodies specific to methylated products

    • ELISA-based assays for quantitative assessment

  • Super-substrate approach: Researchers have developed an engineered super-substrate (ssK36) that is methylated approximately 100-fold faster by NSD2 than the natural H3K36 substrate, providing a valuable tool for enhanced activity measurements .

When designing these experiments, it's crucial to include appropriate controls such as catalytically dead NSD2 mutants and to consider the influence of reaction conditions (pH, salt concentration, temperature) on enzymatic activity.

How is NSD2 antibody-based research contributing to our understanding of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)?

NSD2 antibody-based research has provided critical insights into the role of NSD2 in TNBC:

  • Expression correlation with clinical outcomes: Immunohistochemistry using NSD2 antibodies has revealed that 62% of TNBC tumors show strong NSD2 expression compared to only 27% of non-TNBC tumors (p<0.0001). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that NSD2 protein overexpression in TNBC is significantly associated with earlier disease-related death .

  • Molecular pathway identification: Through immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation studies, researchers have discovered that NSD2 regulates TNBC cell survival and invasion by directly controlling the expression and signaling of ADAM9 and EGFR. NSD2 silencing significantly inhibits EGFR and ADAM9 protein expression and reduces both total and phosphorylated forms of EGFR .

  • Cellular function elucidation: Antibody-based detection following NSD2 silencing showed:

    • Decreased proliferation in MB-231 and MB-436 TNBC cell lines

    • Increased apoptosis as measured by TUNEL assay

    • Inhibited invasion capacity in Matrigel transwell assays

    • Reduced cell migration in wound-healing assays

  • Signaling pathway impact: Western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies revealed that NSD2 silencing leads to marked reduction in AKT and STAT3 activation in TNBC cells, suggesting NSD2 is required for the hyperactivation of the EGFR-AKT/STAT3 signaling pathway .

These findings collectively suggest NSD2 as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC, with antibody-based methods providing crucial validation of its role and mechanism.

What are the methodological considerations when using NSD2 antibodies to study its non-histone substrates?

When investigating NSD2's non-histone substrates, researchers should consider several methodological approaches:

  • Substrate identification strategies:

    • Immunoprecipitation with NSD2 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry

    • In vitro methylation assays using recombinant NSD2 and candidate substrate proteins

    • Peptide array screening based on substrate specificity profiles

  • Validation of methylation:

    • Generation of methylation-specific antibodies for the identified sites

    • Mass spectrometry confirmation of methylation sites

    • Mutagenesis of predicted methylation sites (lysine to arginine substitutions)

  • Cellular verification:

    • Co-immunoprecipitation experiments to confirm NSD2-substrate interactions

    • Methylation detection in cells with NSD2 overexpression or knockdown

    • Functional assays to determine the impact of substrate methylation

Recent research has identified ATP-dependent helicase (ATRX) K1033 and Fanconi anemia group M (FANCM) protein K819 as NSD2 protein substrates, demonstrating methylation both in vitro and in cells . These discoveries were made possible by combining specificity profiling of NSD2 with targeted validation assays.

To ensure specificity when studying non-histone substrates, researchers should:

  • Use multiple NSD2 antibodies targeting different epitopes

  • Include catalytically inactive NSD2 mutants as negative controls

  • Compare results with other methyltransferases to confirm specificity to NSD2

How can NSD2 antibodies be used to investigate the role of NSD2 in NF-κB signaling pathways?

NSD2 antibodies are valuable tools for investigating the multilevel regulation of NF-κB signaling by NSD2:

  • Co-immunoprecipitation studies: NSD2 has been immunoprecipitated from cell extracts of KPC1199 and PANC1 cells (treated with TNF-α) and immunoblotted with antibodies against NF-κB components to demonstrate direct interaction between NSD2 and the DNA binding domain of p65 .

  • Chromatin binding analysis:

    • Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) have shown that NSD2 depletion enhances NF-κB binding to the κB site, while NSD2 overexpression decreases it .

    • ChIP-seq assays have revealed that NSD2 overexpression results in reduced intensity of p65 binding signals around gene promoter regions .

    • ChIP-qPCR has been used to validate p65 binding at specific promoters of target genes .

  • Functional impact assessment:

    • NSD2 antibodies can be used in Western blotting to measure changes in NF-κB pathway component expression and activation following NSD2 manipulation.

    • Immunofluorescence can detect changes in nuclear translocation of NF-κB components upon NSD2 overexpression or knockdown.

    • Proximity ligation assays (PLA) can visualize and quantify interactions between NSD2 and NF-κB components in situ.

When designing experiments to study NSD2-NF-κB interactions, researchers should consider both direct protein-protein interactions and the potential effect of NSD2-mediated histone methylation on chromatin accessibility at NF-κB target genes, employing appropriate controls such as NSD2 catalytic mutants to distinguish between these mechanisms.

What are common pitfalls when using NSD2 antibodies and how can they be addressed?

Common pitfalls when working with NSD2 antibodies include:

  • Cross-reactivity with other NSD family members:

    • Problem: NSD1, NSD2, and NSD3 share significant homology in their SET domains.

    • Solution: Validate antibody specificity using NSD2 knockdown or knockout samples . Using antibodies targeting unique regions outside the SET domain can enhance specificity.

  • Isoform detection issues:

    • Problem: NSD2 has multiple isoforms that may not all be recognized by a single antibody.

    • Solution: Review the immunogen sequence of the antibody to determine which isoforms it can detect. Consider using multiple antibodies targeting different regions if comprehensive isoform detection is needed.

  • Fixation sensitivity in immunofluorescence:

    • Problem: Some epitopes may be masked by certain fixation methods.

    • Solution: Compare different fixation protocols (e.g., formaldehyde vs. methanol). Validated protocols show success with formaldehyde-fixed U2OS cells using 2 μg/ml of NSD2 antibody .

  • High background in ChIP experiments:

    • Problem: Non-specific binding can obscure true signals.

    • Solution: Increase washing stringency, optimize antibody concentration (typically 2-5 μg per ChIP), and include appropriate controls including NSD2 knockout samples .

  • Detecting post-translational modifications:

    • Problem: PTMs may affect antibody binding or create unexpected banding patterns.

    • Solution: Use phosphatase treatments on samples to determine if phosphorylation affects antibody recognition.

  • Batch-to-batch variation:

    • Problem: Different lots of the same antibody may perform differently.

    • Solution: Record lot numbers used in successful experiments and validate new lots against previous ones before committing to large studies.

How can researchers validate the specificity of NSD2 antibodies in their experimental systems?

Validating the specificity of NSD2 antibodies is crucial for ensuring reliable experimental results. Recommended validation approaches include:

  • Genetic knockdown or knockout controls:

    • siRNA knockdown of NSD2 should result in reduced signal intensity in Western blots, immunofluorescence, and ChIP experiments .

    • CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout cells provide the most stringent negative control .

  • Blocking peptide competition:

    • Pre-incubate the antibody with excess immunizing peptide/protein

    • A specific antibody will show significantly reduced or eliminated signal

  • Multiple antibody concordance:

    • Use different antibodies targeting distinct epitopes of NSD2

    • Consistent results across different antibodies increase confidence in specificity

  • Recombinant protein controls:

    • Test antibody reactivity against purified recombinant NSD2

    • Include related proteins (NSD1, NSD3) to assess cross-reactivity

  • Immunoprecipitation-Western blot validation:

    • Immunoprecipitate with one NSD2 antibody and blot with another

    • Confirms that both antibodies detect the same protein

  • Mass spectrometry confirmation:

    • Immunoprecipitate NSD2 and verify its identity by mass spectrometry

    • Provides unambiguous identification of the detected protein

Published validation data shows the efficacy of these approaches. For example, Western blot validation of NSD2 antibody using KMS11 whole cell extract shows a clear band at 180 kDa that disappears in extracts from KMS11 cells with NSD2 knocked down via RNAi .

What are the key differences between antibodies targeting different domains of NSD2, and how do they impact experimental outcomes?

Different NSD2 antibodies target distinct domains of the protein, which can significantly impact experimental outcomes:

Antibody Target RegionAdvantagesLimitationsBest Applications
N-terminal region (aa 1-647) Detects most NSD2 isoforms; Good for total NSD2 detectionMay not distinguish between functionally distinct isoformsWestern blotting for total NSD2; Immunoprecipitation
C-terminal/SET domain region (aa 959-1365) Focuses on catalytically active region; May better correlate with methyltransferase activityMight miss N-terminal truncated isoformsChIP assays; Functional studies of catalytic activity
Internal regionsCan be isoform-specific; Useful for distinguishing splice variantsMay have more limited applicationsIsoform-specific detection; Localization studies

Impact on experimental outcomes:

  • Isoform detection differences:

    • The NSD2 gene can produce multiple isoforms through alternative splicing

    • N-terminal antibodies typically detect most isoforms

    • Domain-specific antibodies may provide insights into isoform-specific functions

  • Functional correlation variations:

    • SET domain-targeting antibodies may better correlate with methyltransferase activity

    • Antibodies against regulatory domains might better reflect activation state

  • Epitope accessibility considerations:

    • In fixed samples or native protein conformations, certain epitopes may be masked

    • C-terminal epitopes may be more accessible in ChIP experiments due to protein orientation on chromatin

  • Post-translational modification interference:

    • Antibodies targeting regions subject to PTMs may show reduced binding when the site is modified

    • This can be exploited to study regulation but may complicate interpretation of results

When designing experiments, researchers should select antibodies based on the specific research question. For total NSD2 detection, N-terminal antibodies are often preferred, while functional studies may benefit from SET domain-specific antibodies. For comprehensive characterization, using multiple antibodies targeting different domains provides the most complete picture.

How can NSD2 antibodies be leveraged in drug discovery research targeting NSD2 in cancer?

NSD2 antibodies are invaluable tools in drug discovery efforts targeting NSD2 in cancer:

  • High-throughput screening (HTS) assay development:

    • NSD2 antibodies can be used in AlphaLISA or TR-FRET assays to detect methylation activity

    • These assays can screen compound libraries for inhibitors of NSD2 enzymatic activity

    • Western blotting with NSD2 antibodies can validate hits from primary screens by assessing effects on NSD2 expression and downstream targets

  • Target engagement validation:

    • Cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) using NSD2 antibodies can confirm direct binding of compounds to NSD2 in cells

    • Immunoprecipitation with NSD2 antibodies followed by drug competition assays can assess binding affinity

    • ChIP assays can determine if inhibitors disrupt NSD2 chromatin binding

  • Pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker development:

    • Antibodies against NSD2 and its substrate H3K36me2 can monitor target inhibition

    • Immunohistochemistry of patient samples can assess NSD2 expression levels to identify potential responders

    • Sequential tumor biopsies can be analyzed to confirm on-target activity during clinical trials

  • Combination therapy rationale:

    • Pathway analysis following NSD2 inhibition can identify synergistic targets

    • For instance, research showing NSD2 regulation of EGFR-AKT/STAT3 signaling in TNBC suggests potential synergy with EGFR inhibitors

    • NSD2 antibodies can monitor pathway modulation in these combination approaches

  • Resistance mechanism studies:

    • Antibody-based proteomics can identify adaptive responses to NSD2 inhibition

    • ChIP-seq with NSD2 antibodies can map changes in chromatin binding patterns in resistant cells

Given that NSD2 overexpression is associated with poor survival in TNBC and other cancers , developing effective inhibitors represents an important therapeutic opportunity, with antibody-based methods providing crucial tools throughout the drug discovery pipeline.

What are the considerations for using NSD2 antibodies in multiplex immunofluorescence or mass cytometry experiments?

When incorporating NSD2 antibodies into multiplex immunofluorescence or mass cytometry experiments, researchers should consider:

  • Antibody compatibility and panel design:

    • Ensure primary antibodies are from different host species to avoid cross-reactivity

    • For mass cytometry, verify that metal conjugation doesn't interfere with NSD2 epitope recognition

    • When designing panels, include markers that provide biological context for NSD2 function (e.g., cell cycle markers, other epigenetic modifiers)

  • Signal optimization strategies:

    • Titrate antibody concentrations to minimize background while maintaining specific signal

    • For IF, recommended starting dilutions of 1-2 μg/ml have been validated

    • Optimize fixation and permeabilization protocols to ensure epitope accessibility while preserving cellular morphology

  • Controls for multiplex experiments:

    • Single-stain controls to assess spectral overlap and establish compensation

    • FMO (fluorescence minus one) controls to set accurate gating thresholds

    • Biological positive and negative controls (e.g., NSD2 knockdown cells)

    • Isotype controls to assess non-specific binding

  • Subcellular localization considerations:

    • NSD2 primarily localizes to the nucleus, so nuclear segmentation is crucial

    • Co-staining with nuclear markers (DAPI, Hoechst) enables accurate quantification

    • Z-stack imaging may be necessary to capture the full nuclear volume

  • Data analysis approaches:

    • Single-cell analysis allows correlation of NSD2 levels with other markers

    • Machine learning algorithms can identify cell subpopulations based on marker patterns

    • Spatial analysis can reveal relationships between NSD2-expressing cells and their microenvironment

These advanced approaches allow researchers to contextualize NSD2 expression and function within heterogeneous cell populations, providing insights into its role in complex biological systems like tumors.

How can researchers integrate ChIP-seq data generated with NSD2 antibodies with other epigenomic datasets?

Integrating NSD2 ChIP-seq data with other epigenomic datasets enables comprehensive understanding of NSD2's role in chromatin regulation:

  • Multi-omics data integration strategies:

    • Compare NSD2 binding sites with histone modification patterns (H3K36me2, H3K4me3, H3K27ac)

    • Correlate with transcriptomic data (RNA-seq) to identify direct transcriptional targets

    • Overlap with chromatin accessibility data (ATAC-seq, DNase-seq) to assess impact on chromatin structure

    • Integrate with 3D genome organization data (Hi-C, ChIA-PET) to understand higher-order chromatin effects

  • Computational analysis approaches:

    • Peak calling using MACS2 or similar algorithms to identify significant NSD2 binding sites

    • Motif analysis to identify DNA sequences enriched at NSD2 binding sites

    • Gene ontology and pathway analysis of NSD2-bound genes

    • Differential binding analysis between conditions (e.g., treatment vs. control)

  • Validation experiments:

    • ChIP-qPCR to validate binding at specific loci of interest

    • Sequential ChIP (Re-ChIP) to determine co-occupancy with other factors

    • CUT&RUN or CUT&Tag as complementary approaches with potentially higher resolution

  • Biological context considerations:

    • Cell type-specific binding patterns may reveal context-dependent functions

    • Treatment conditions (e.g., TNF-α stimulation) can reveal dynamic regulatory mechanisms

    • Disease state comparisons may identify pathological alterations in NSD2 function

  • Visualization and interpretation tools:

    • Genome browsers (IGV, UCSC) for visualizing binding patterns

    • Heatmaps and aggregate plots to summarize binding relative to genomic features

    • Network analysis to identify cooperating factors and pathways

A powerful example from the literature shows how ChIP-seq analyses revealed that NSD2 overexpression results in reduction of p65 binding signal intensity around gene promoter regions, providing mechanistic insights into NSD2's role in suppressing NF-κB signaling . Such integrated approaches generate testable hypotheses about NSD2's functional roles in normal and disease states.

What emerging techniques might enhance the utility of NSD2 antibodies in epigenetic research?

Several emerging techniques promise to enhance the utility of NSD2 antibodies in epigenetic research:

  • CUT&Tag and CUT&RUN technologies:

    • These techniques offer higher signal-to-noise ratios than traditional ChIP

    • Require fewer cells (as few as 1,000 compared to millions for ChIP-seq)

    • Can be performed in single cells to assess heterogeneity

    • NSD2 antibodies could be adapted to these protocols for improved chromatin profiling

  • Proximity labeling approaches:

    • APEX2 or BioID fused to NSD2 can identify proximal interacting proteins

    • When combined with NSD2 antibodies for validation, provides comprehensive interactome mapping

    • Can reveal transient interactions missed by traditional immunoprecipitation

  • Live-cell imaging of NSD2:

    • Nano-antibodies or intrabodies against NSD2 could enable live tracking

    • Reveals dynamic behavior and response to cellular stimuli

    • Can be combined with super-resolution microscopy for detailed localization studies

  • Single-cell epigenomics:

    • Adaptation of NSD2 antibodies for single-cell CUT&Tag

    • Reveals cell-to-cell variation in NSD2 chromatin occupancy

    • Integration with single-cell transcriptomics for comprehensive understanding

  • Targeted protein degradation tools:

    • NSD2 antibodies can validate degradation by PROTAC or molecular glue approaches

    • Enables acute depletion studies to distinguish direct from indirect effects

    • Provides alternative therapeutic strategy to enzymatic inhibition

These emerging techniques will allow researchers to gain increasingly sophisticated insights into NSD2 function, potentially revealing new therapeutic opportunities in cancer and other diseases where NSD2 dysregulation plays a role.

How might research on NSD2 non-histone substrates transform our understanding of its role in disease?

Research on NSD2 non-histone substrates could fundamentally transform our understanding of its role in disease:

  • Expanded functional landscape:

    • Recent research has identified ATP-dependent helicase (ATRX) K1033 and Fanconi anemia group M (FANCM) protein K819 as NSD2 protein substrates in vitro and in cells

    • These discoveries suggest NSD2 function extends beyond histone modification to regulate diverse cellular processes

  • Novel pathogenic mechanisms:

    • Methylation of non-histone proteins may alter their:

      • Stability and turnover rates

      • Protein-protein interaction capabilities

      • Subcellular localization

      • Enzymatic activities

    • These changes could represent previously unrecognized disease mechanisms

  • Therapeutic implications:

    • Targeting NSD2's interaction with specific non-histone substrates might allow more precise interventions

    • Could enable selective disruption of pathogenic functions while preserving normal ones

    • May explain differential effectiveness of NSD2 inhibition across cancer types

  • Methodological advances needed:

    • Development of substrate-specific methylation antibodies

    • Proteome-wide mapping of lysine methylation changes upon NSD2 modulation

    • Structural studies of NSD2 in complex with non-histone substrates

    • Functional characterization of methylation-deficient mutants of identified substrates

  • Integration with cancer biology:

    • The discovery of NSD2's role in regulating ADAM9 and EGFR expression raises the possibility that direct methylation of components in these pathways might occur

    • NSD2's interference with NF-κB binding suggests potential direct methylation of NF-κB components

As research progresses, a more complete picture of NSD2's "methylome" may emerge, potentially revealing unexpected connections to disease processes and providing new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

What unanswered questions about NSD2 should researchers prioritize investigating?

Several critical unanswered questions about NSD2 warrant prioritized investigation:

  • Isoform-specific functions and localization:

    • How do different NSD2 isoforms contribute to normal development versus pathological states?

    • Do specific isoforms preferentially methylate certain substrates or localize to particular chromatin regions?

    • Can isoform-specific antibodies be developed to distinguish their unique roles?

  • Regulatory mechanisms controlling NSD2 activity:

    • What post-translational modifications regulate NSD2 catalytic activity or substrate selection?

    • How is NSD2 recruitment to chromatin dynamically controlled in response to cellular signals?

    • What protein complexes contain NSD2, and how do they modulate its function?

  • Comprehensive substrate profiling:

    • Beyond the recently identified ATRX K1033 and FANCM K819 , what is the complete repertoire of NSD2 non-histone substrates?

    • How does substrate specificity differ between NSD family members (NSD1, NSD2, NSD3)?

    • What is the functional significance of each methylation event?

  • Therapeutic targeting strategies:

    • Can effective and selective NSD2 inhibitors be developed for cancer therapy?

    • Would targeting NSD2's catalytic activity or protein-protein interactions be more effective?

    • How can patient populations likely to respond to NSD2-targeted therapy be identified?

  • Context-dependent roles in different cancer types:

    • Why is NSD2 particularly important in TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes ?

    • Does NSD2 drive similar or different pathways across cancer types where it is overexpressed?

    • Are there cancer-specific vulnerabilities created by NSD2 overexpression?

  • Connection to broader epigenetic networks:

    • How does NSD2-mediated H3K36 methylation interact with other histone modifications?

    • What is the relationship between NSD2 activity and DNA methylation patterns?

    • How does NSD2 contribute to higher-order chromatin organization?

Addressing these questions will require innovative experimental approaches and integration of multiple technologies, with NSD2 antibodies remaining essential tools throughout this journey of discovery.

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