NUDT5 (NUDIX hydrolase type 5), also known as NUDIX5, YSA1, YSA1H, hYSAH1, ADP-sugar pyrophosphatase, or HSPC115, is a 219 amino acid protein belonging to the nudix hydrolase family. This enzyme plays a critical role in cellular metabolism through its primary functions:
Hydrolyzes ADP-ribose and ADP-mannose in the presence of magnesium
Exhibits lower activity toward other nucleotide sugars like ADP-glucose and diadenosine diphosphate
Eliminates potentially toxic nucleotide derivatives from cells
Can either function as an ADP-sugar pyrophosphatase in the absence of diphosphate or catalyze ATP synthesis in the presence of diphosphate
NUDT5 functions as a homodimer and is predominantly expressed in the liver, indicating its importance in liver metabolism and broader physiological processes . Recent research has revealed that NUDT5 expression influences chromosome remodeling and is involved in cell adhesion, cancer stem cell maintenance, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells, suggesting its potential role in cancer progression .
Researchers have multiple options for NUDT5 antibodies, varying in host species, clonality, and conjugation status:
When selecting an antibody, consider your experimental requirements including target species, application type, and whether you need a conjugated antibody for direct detection. The binding specificity can also vary, with some antibodies targeting specific amino acid regions (e.g., AA 34-166) of the NUDT5 protein .
FITC-conjugated NUDT5 antibodies are particularly valuable for applications requiring direct fluorescence detection without secondary antibody incubation. Based on validation data, these antibodies excel in:
Allows for direct visualization of NUDT5 cellular localization
Optimal for HeLa cells, which show consistent positive detection with NUDT5 antibodies
Recommended dilution ranges from 1:200-1:800 for optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Enables quantitative analysis of NUDT5 expression in cell populations
Particularly useful for comparing expression levels across different cell types or treatment conditions
FITC emission spectrum (peak ~520nm) allows combination with other fluorophores for co-localization studies
Compatible with common nuclear counterstains like DAPI
When designing experiments using FITC-conjugated NUDT5 antibodies, consider phototoxicity and potential photobleaching of the FITC fluorophore during extended imaging sessions or repeated exposure to excitation light .
Determining optimal antibody dilution is crucial for balancing specific signal detection with background minimization. For NUDT5 antibodies, recommended dilutions vary by application:
| Application | Recommended Dilution Range | Optimization Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:2000-1:12000 | Start at 1:5000 and adjust |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:50-1:500 | Start at 1:200 and adjust |
| Immunofluorescence (IF)/ICC | 1:200-1:800 | Start at 1:400 and adjust |
To systematically determine optimal dilution:
Perform a dilution series experiment with 3-4 concentrations within the recommended range
Include positive controls (cells known to express NUDT5, such as HeLa, L02, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, or T-47D cells)
Include negative controls (secondary antibody only or isotype control)
Evaluate signal intensity, specificity, and background
Select the dilution that provides the strongest specific signal with minimal background
Remember that optimal dilution can be sample-dependent. For example, liver tissue samples (where NUDT5 is highly expressed) may require higher dilutions than tissues with lower expression .
Rigorous control experiments are critical for ensuring reliable and interpretable results with NUDT5 antibodies:
Positive Control: Include cell lines with confirmed NUDT5 expression
Negative Controls:
Secondary antibody only: To assess non-specific binding of the secondary antibody
Isotype control: An antibody of the same isotype but irrelevant specificity
For FITC-conjugated antibodies: Unlabeled cells to establish autofluorescence baseline
Specificity Controls:
Pre-absorption control: Pre-incubate antibody with excess recombinant NUDT5 protein
siRNA knockdown: Cells with NUDT5 expression reduced through RNA interference
CRISPR-Cas9 knockout: Cells with NUDT5 gene knockout for complete validation
Technical Controls:
DAPI nuclear counterstain: To confirm cellular integrity and provide spatial reference
Cytoskeletal marker: To visualize cell boundaries and assess preservation of structure
These controls help distinguish between true NUDT5 signal and technical artifacts, particularly important when studying a protein like NUDT5 that may have varying expression levels across different cellular contexts .
Optimizing signal-to-noise ratio is crucial for clear visualization of NUDT5 localization. Consider these methodological improvements:
For NUDT5 detection, 4% paraformaldehyde (10-15 minutes) followed by 0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 permeabilization (5-10 minutes) typically works well
Methanol fixation may preserve certain epitopes better but can affect FITC fluorescence
Use 5-10% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody
Include 0.1-0.3% BSA and 0.1% Tween-20 in blocking solution
Extend blocking time to 1-2 hours at room temperature
Optimize dilution (typically 1:200-1:800 for NUDT5 IF applications)
Incubate primary antibody overnight at 4°C to maximize specific binding
For FITC-conjugated antibodies, protect from light during all steps
Increase number of washes (5-6 times, 5 minutes each)
Use PBS with 0.1% Tween-20 for more effective removal of unbound antibody
Use anti-fade mounting medium specifically formulated for FITC
Adjust exposure time to capture NUDT5 signal while minimizing background
Consider deconvolution or confocal microscopy for improved resolution
For tissues requiring antigen retrieval, TE buffer pH 9.0 is recommended for NUDT5, with citrate buffer pH 6.0 as an alternative
Implementing these methodological refinements can significantly enhance the quality of NUDT5 immunofluorescence results across different experimental contexts .
Comprehensive validation of NUDT5 antibody specificity is essential for generating reliable research data. Implement these validation approaches:
Compare observed molecular weight (35 kDa) with calculated weight (24 kDa) by Western blot
Subtle differences may reflect post-translational modifications or protein complexes
siRNA knockdown: Confirm reduced signal following NUDT5 siRNA treatment
CRISPR-Cas9 knockout: Generate NUDT5 knockout cells as definitive negative controls
Overexpression: Confirm increased signal in cells transfected with NUDT5 expression vector
For antibodies with defined epitopes (e.g., AA 34-166), verify recognition of recombinant fragments containing these regions
Competitive binding assays with known NUDT5 substrates or inhibitors
Compare staining patterns using antibodies from different vendors or with different epitopes
Both polyclonal (e.g., 27004-1-AP) and monoclonal (e.g., E-4) NUDT5 antibodies should show similar patterns
Correlate NUDT5 antibody staining with ADP-sugar pyrophosphatase activity
Use the NanoBRET assay to confirm target engagement in live cells
These validation approaches collectively provide strong evidence for antibody specificity and support confident interpretation of experimental results involving NUDT5 detection .
NUDT5 exhibits differential functions and expression patterns between normal and cancer cells, providing important research targets:
Functions primarily as an ADP-sugar pyrophosphatase
Hydrolyzes ADP-ribose and ADP-mannose in the presence of magnesium
Eliminates potentially toxic nucleotide derivatives to maintain cellular homeostasis
Predominantly expressed in liver tissue, functioning as a homodimer
Plays roles in basic cellular metabolism and nucleotide pool maintenance
Shows altered expression levels, particularly in breast cancer
Involved in chromosome remodeling processes
Contributes to cell adhesion mechanisms
Supports cancer stem cell maintenance
Facilitates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells
High expression potentially correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients
Comparative immunofluorescence using FITC-conjugated NUDT5 antibodies between normal and cancer cells
Co-localization studies with chromatin markers to investigate remodeling functions
Analysis of NUDT5 expression in paired normal/tumor tissue samples
Functional studies using NUDT5 inhibitors like TH5 to assess cancer-specific vulnerabilities
Understanding these differences provides opportunities for developing targeted therapies and diagnostic approaches for cancers with NUDT5 dysregulation .
Selecting appropriate cell lines is crucial for NUDT5 antibody validation. Based on positive detection data, these cell lines are recommended:
For tissue samples, mouse liver tissue has shown positive NUDT5 detection in IHC applications. When validating in this tissue, antigen retrieval with TE buffer pH 9.0 is recommended, with citrate buffer pH 6.0 as an alternative .
For advanced validation, consider using HEK293 cells transfected with NanoLuc-NUDT5 fusion constructs, which enable sensitive detection of target engagement in live-cell assays as demonstrated in recent studies of NUDT5 inhibitors .
NUDT5's involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer makes it a valuable target for studying cancer progression. FITC-conjugated NUDT5 antibodies enable several methodological approaches:
Multiplex immunofluorescence combining NUDT5-FITC with antibodies against EMT markers:
E-cadherin (epithelial marker)
Vimentin (mesenchymal marker)
Snail/Slug/Twist (EMT transcription factors)
Analyze spatial relationships between NUDT5 and these markers during EMT progression
Track NUDT5 expression changes during induced EMT using models such as:
TGF-β treatment of epithelial cell lines
Hypoxia-induced EMT
Oncogene-driven EMT models
Combine NUDT5 immunofluorescence with invasion/migration assays
Correlate NUDT5 expression/localization with invasive capacity
Use NUDT5 inhibition to assess impact on EMT phenotypes
Apply NUDT5-FITC antibodies to patient-derived xenografts or tissue microarrays
Analyze correlation between NUDT5 expression patterns and EMT status
Compare primary tumors with metastatic lesions for NUDT5 expression changes
Since NUDT5 has been implicated in cancer stem cell maintenance, which often correlates with EMT, these approaches can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying metastasis and therapeutic resistance in breast cancer .
Recent research has revealed unexpected interactions between NUDT5 and BTK inhibitors, presenting new research opportunities:
Ibrutinib (1), an FDA-approved Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor used in cancer treatment, has been identified as a hit against NUDT5
This discovery emerged from screening kinase inhibitors in an AMP-Glo assay monitoring NUDT5-mediated conversion of ADPr into AMP and ribose-5-phosphate
Target engagement of ibrutinib with NUDT5 has been confirmed in-cell with an EC50 of 1.23 ± 0.10 μM
Other BTK inhibitors did not show significant activity against NUDT5 (EC50 > 10 μM)
NanoBRET Target Engagement Assay:
Structural Analysis:
X-ray crystallography of NUDT5-ibrutinib complexes
Molecular docking to predict binding modes
Compare with known NUDT5-substrate structures (e.g., with ADP-ribose)
Functional Impact Assessment:
Measure NUDT5 enzymatic activity in presence of BTK inhibitors
Investigate cellular consequences of dual BTK/NUDT5 targeting
Analyze potential synergies in cancer models
This unexpected cross-reactivity between BTK inhibitors and NUDT5 highlights the importance of comprehensive target profiling for kinase inhibitors and may reveal new therapeutic opportunities or mechanisms of action for these compounds .
Optimizing immunofluorescence protocols for NUDT5 detection requires attention to several key methodological aspects:
For cell lines: 4% paraformaldehyde (15 minutes at room temperature) maintains both structural integrity and epitope accessibility
For tissue sections: For NUDT5 IHC, TE buffer pH 9.0 is recommended for antigen retrieval, with citrate buffer pH 6.0 as an alternative
For formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples: Heat-induced epitope retrieval is essential
0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 (10 minutes at room temperature) typically provides sufficient access to NUDT5 epitopes
For nuclear NUDT5 detection, ensure complete nuclear membrane permeabilization
5% normal serum (from same species as secondary antibody) with 1% BSA in PBS
1-hour incubation at room temperature to minimize non-specific binding
For FITC-conjugated NUDT5 antibodies: 1:200-1:800 dilution range
Primary incubation: Overnight at 4°C in humidified chamber (protected from light for FITC conjugates)
For double-staining: Ensure antibodies are from different host species to prevent cross-reactivity
DAPI (1 μg/ml, 5 minutes) for nuclear visualization
Consider phalloidin-TRITC for cytoskeletal context if studying NUDT5 localization
Anti-fade mounting medium specifically formulated for FITC preservation
Allow mounting medium to cure completely before imaging (typically overnight at 4°C)
Excitation: ~495 nm / Emission: ~520 nm for FITC detection
Adjust exposure to avoid photobleaching while capturing sufficient signal
Consider z-stack acquisition for complete cellular distribution analysis
Comprehensive understanding of NUDT5 requires correlating protein expression with enzymatic activity. Consider these methodological approaches:
AMP-Glo Assay:
Immunofluorescence with Activity-Based Probes:
FITC-conjugated NUDT5 antibodies for protein localization
Activity-based probes that bind only to catalytically active NUDT5
Co-localization analysis reveals distribution of active versus inactive protein
NanoBRET Target Engagement Assay:
Combined Biochemical and Cellular Approaches:
Correlate in vitro enzyme kinetics with cellular localization
Analyze how mutations/modifications affect both activity and localization
Study how inhibitors affect both parameters simultaneously
Visualization of Nucleotide Metabolism:
Use fluorescent analogs of ADP-ribose to track substrate utilization
Combine with NUDT5 immunostaining to correlate enzyme presence with activity
These integrated approaches provide deeper insights into NUDT5 biology than either expression or activity studies alone, particularly important when investigating NUDT5's dual functionality as either an ADP-sugar pyrophosphatase or ATP synthesizer depending on cellular conditions .
Multiplex imaging combining NUDT5 detection with other cellular markers provides contextual insights into NUDT5 function. Here's a methodological approach:
| Purpose | NUDT5-FITC Combined With | Emission Color | Biological Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcellular Localization | DAPI | Blue | Nuclear vs. cytoplasmic distribution |
| Phalloidin-TRITC | Red | Relationship to cytoskeleton | |
| Lamin B1 (Far-Red) | Far-Red | Association with nuclear envelope | |
| Pathway Analysis | Phospho-AKT (Cy3) | Orange | Correlation with signaling activation |
| Estrogen Receptor (Cy5) | Far-Red | Relevance in hormone signaling | |
| Cancer Biology | E-cadherin (Cy3) | Orange | EMT status assessment |
| Ki-67 (Far-Red) | Far-Red | Correlation with proliferation |
Antibody Selection:
Choose primary antibodies from different host species to prevent cross-reactivity
For same-species antibodies, use directly conjugated antibodies or sequential immunostaining
Spectral Separation:
FITC (peak emission ~520nm) pairs well with:
DAPI (~461nm)
Cy3/TRITC (~570nm)
Cy5/Alexa647 (~670nm)
Ensure sufficient spectral separation between fluorophores
Optimization Strategy:
Titrate each antibody individually before combining
Validate specificity of each marker separately
Test for potential interference between antibodies
Image Acquisition:
Use sequential scanning to minimize bleed-through
Optimize exposure settings for each channel
Include single-stained controls for spectral unmixing
Analysis Approaches:
Co-localization analysis (Pearson's coefficient, Manders' overlap)
Population segmentation based on multiple markers
Spatial relationship mapping between NUDT5 and other proteins
This multiplex approach enables researchers to investigate NUDT5's functional relationships with cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and cancer progression in a spatially resolved manner .
Recent discoveries about NUDT5 have opened several promising research directions in cancer biology:
NUDT5 in Hormone-Dependent Cancers:
NUDT5 as a Therapeutic Target:
NUDT5 in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition:
NUDT5 in Chromosome Remodeling:
Functional Diversity of NUDT5:
These emerging areas represent significant opportunities for researchers to advance understanding of cancer biology and develop novel therapeutic approaches targeting NUDT5-dependent processes .