Acute depletion of NUP93 using antibodies disrupted NPC integrity and reduced active chromatin markers (e.g., H3K27ac) at enhancers, implicating NUP93 in transcriptional regulation .
NUP93 binding to chromatin correlates with active promoters and cell-type-specific enhancers, suggesting a role in maintaining nuclear transport-dependent signaling .
Overexpression of NUP93 in breast cancer models enhances tumor growth, metastasis, and nuclear import of oncogenic cargoes like β-catenin and MYC .
Biotinylated antibodies enable precise tracking of NUP93’s involvement in TGF-β/SMAD and EGF/ERK signaling pathways, which are hyperactive in aggressive tumors .
Antibodies detect endogenous NUP93 across species (human, mouse, rat) with minimal cross-reactivity to unrelated nucleoporins like Nup214 or Nup98 .
Specificity confirmed via immunoprecipitation and knockout validation in HCT116 and HeLa cells .
Western Blot: Clear detection at 85–93 kDa in human, mouse, and rat tissues (e.g., testis, brain) .
Immunoprecipitation: Efficient pull-down of NUP93-associated proteins (e.g., NUP205, lamin B) .
Depletion of NUP93 disrupts NPC biogenesis, reducing pore density by ~70% and impairing nuclear transport .
NUP93 anchors the p62 complex to the NPC scaffold, enabling proper assembly of the central transport channel .
NUP93 plays a crucial role in nuclear pore complex (NPC) assembly and/or maintenance. It may anchor nucleoporins (excluding NUP153 and TPR) to the NPC. Furthermore, during renal development, NUP93 regulates podocyte migration and proliferation via SMAD4 signaling.
NUP93 (Nucleoporin 93) is a key component of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) that plays critical roles in nuclear transport and cellular function. It forms part of the p62 complex (composed of NUP62 and NUP54) and directly interacts with NUP53, NUP155, NUP205, and lamin B . Recent research has revealed that beyond its structural role in the NPC, NUP93 directly and specifically controls gene transcription by facilitating full BRD4 recruitment to active enhancers . Additionally, NUP93 has been implicated in cancer progression, particularly in aggressive breast cancer subtypes, where its overexpression correlates with poor patient prognosis .
Biotin-conjugated NUP93 antibodies offer several methodological advantages:
Enhanced sensitivity through signal amplification via streptavidin-based detection systems
Increased flexibility in experimental design (compatible with multiple detection methods)
Improved stability in various buffers and experimental conditions
Reduced background in multiplex immunostaining experiments
Compatibility with proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) approaches for studying protein-protein interactions within the NPC context
Validation should include:
Western blot analysis showing a single band at approximately 93 kDa
Comparison with multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of NUP93
Knockdown experiments using siRNA or shRNA against NUP93 (as demonstrated in studies showing reduced viability of cells with NUP93 depletion)
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to confirm binding to expected interaction partners (NUP53, NUP155, NUP205)
Immunofluorescence showing characteristic nuclear envelope/nuclear pore staining pattern with colocalization with established NPC markers like mAb414
For optimal results:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilize with 0.2-0.5% Triton X-100 for 5-10 minutes
For improved nuclear envelope visualization, consider a pre-extraction step using 0.5% Triton X-100 in CSK buffer before fixation
Block with 5-10% normal serum containing 0.1% Triton X-100
For paraffin-embedded tissues, antigen retrieval using high pressure in citrate buffer (pH 6.0) is recommended
Dilution ranges from 1:200 to 1:500 for IHC applications, with optimization required for biotin-conjugated formats
Proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) with NUP93:
Express BirA*-tagged NUP93 in growth-arrested cells (to minimize artifacts from mitotic NPC disassembly)
Add biotin (50 μM) to culture medium for 18 hours to induce biotinylation
Harvest cells and isolate biotinylated proteins using streptavidin pull-down
Analyze by mass spectrometry to identify proximate proteins
For NUP93, expected interaction partners include components of the Nup93 complex (NUP53, NUP155, NUP205, NUP188) and other nucleoporins as shown in this data table :
| Interaction Partners | Percent of Total Adjusted Peptides |
|---|---|
| NUP53 (Bait) | - |
| NUP93 | 0.1 |
| NUP155 | 2.7 |
| NUP205 | 0.3 |
| NUP188 | X |
Optimal Western blot conditions:
Recommended dilution range: 0.04-0.4 μg/mL for primary antibody
Block membranes with 5% non-fat milk or 3-5% BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
To minimize background from endogenous biotinylated proteins, pre-block with unconjugated streptavidin
Include appropriate controls: positive control (cell lysate known to express NUP93), negative control (NUP93-depleted cell lysate)
For detection, use streptavidin-HRP or streptavidin conjugated to fluorescent dyes
Expected molecular weight: 93 kDa
Recent research has revealed NUP93's direct role in transcriptional regulation . To investigate this:
Combine ChIP-seq using biotin-conjugated NUP93 antibodies with Cut&Run techniques to map NUP93 chromatin association
Compare binding patterns with transcription factors and chromatin modifiers, particularly BRD4
Use PRO-Seq (precision run-on sequencing) to correlate NUP93 binding with active transcription
Implement dCas9 chromatin tethering approaches to test causal relationships between NUP93 binding and gene activation
Analyze NUP93 binding at active promoters and enhancers in different cell types to identify cell-type-specific patterns
Design experiments to test NUP93's impact on RNA polymerase II loading and transcriptional elongation
For studying NPC assembly:
Use biotin-conjugated NUP93 antibodies in conjunction with tracking nanobodies (t-Nbs) that bind soluble Nup complexes and intact NPCs
Implement rapid degradation systems (e.g., auxin-inducible degrons) to study acute depletion effects
Design time-course experiments to track NUP93 incorporation during post-mitotic NPC assembly
Consider the nucleoporin-binding nanobody approach described by researchers that can either track or inhibit nuclear pore complex assembly
For real-time imaging, combine with complementary fluorescently-labeled NPC components
Control for potential steric hindrance issues that might affect detection of assembly intermediates
Resolving contradictory data:
The literature shows variance in NUP93 localization data. Some studies locate it exclusively at the nuclear NPC side (35-55 nm from NE midplane), while others show staining patterns on both sides of the NPC
To address these discrepancies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes of NUP93
Implement higher-resolution techniques like direct gold-coupling of primary antibodies or Fab fragments to reduce signal spread
Compare results from different fixation and sample preparation methods
Consider that different cell types or physiological states may affect NUP93 localization
Account for technical differences between immuno-EM methods that may contribute to these variances
Use complementary approaches like proximity-dependent biotinylation to map the spatial organization of NUP93 relative to other NPC components
Common issues and solutions:
Endogenous biotinylated proteins: Pre-block with unconjugated streptavidin or avidin
Non-specific binding: Optimize blocking conditions (5% BSA or 10% normal serum from the same species as secondary reagent)
Signal amplification issues: Titrate streptavidin-detection reagent concentration
Buffer compatibility problems: Avoid PBS with high biotin content; use TBS when possible
Storage degradation: Aliquot antibody upon receipt and store at -20°C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
For immunohistochemistry applications, include additional blocking steps with avidin-biotin blocking kits
Consider the buffer composition: Tris-citrate/phosphate buffer, pH 7-8 is used for commercial antibody formulations
Optimized co-IP approach:
Use mild lysis conditions (e.g., 0.5-1% NP-40 or 0.5% Triton X-100) to preserve protein-protein interactions
Include appropriate salt concentration (150-300 mM NaCl) to reduce non-specific binding while maintaining complex integrity
For studying NUP93 interactions with NUP53 (which is direct), consider crosslinking approaches
When investigating interactions with other Y-complex components, follow protocols similar to those used for HA-Nup43 and GFP-Y-Nups co-transfection experiments
Utilize streptavidin-coated magnetic beads for efficient pull-down
Include RNase treatment to eliminate RNA-mediated interactions
For detecting transient interactions, consider using chemical crosslinkers before cell lysis
Include appropriate controls: IgG control, input sample, and when possible, samples with NUP93-depleted cells
For multiplexing strategies:
Consider the order of primary antibody application to avoid steric hindrance
If combining with other biotin-conjugated antibodies, sequential detection using different fluorophore-conjugated streptavidins may be required with intervening blocking steps
When co-staining with other NPC components, be aware of potential epitope masking due to the dense structure of the NPC
For co-localization with other NPC markers like mAb414 (which detects FXFG repeat-containing nucleoporins) or anti-Nup153, optimize antibody dilutions to achieve balanced signal intensities
Include appropriate controls for each detection channel
Consider spectral imaging and linear unmixing for closely overlapping fluorophores
For triple labeling, design experiments that include NUP93 along with markers for both the cytoplasmic and nuclear sides of the NPC
Interpretation guidelines:
NUP93 overexpression has been shown to enhance transendothelial migration, matrix invasion, tumor growth, and metastasis
Analyze NUP93 staining patterns in relation to tumor grade and patient outcome data
Consider the interaction between NUP93 and TGF-β signaling pathway components when interpreting results
Assess co-localization with other cancer progression markers
Quantify nuclear envelope versus intranuclear distribution of NUP93 in different tumor stages
Correlate NUP93 levels with patient survival data for prognostic assessment
Compare expression in primary tumors versus metastatic sites to understand its role in cancer progression
Limitations and solutions:
The BioID labeling radius has been measured to be approximately 10-15 nm, which sets spatial constraints on protein detection
False negatives may occur for transient interactions or spatially distant components
The dense structure of the NPC may limit accessibility of the biotin ligase to potential interactors
To address these limitations:
Use multiple BioID fusion constructs targeting different domains of NUP93
Compare results with complementary approaches like conventional IP-MS
Consider split-BioID approaches for detecting specific interaction interfaces
Use the Nup107-160 complex as a molecular ruler for calibrating labeling distances as demonstrated in previous studies
Account for cell cycle effects by conducting experiments in growth-arrested cells
Analytical approaches:
Implement domain-specific mutations that selectively disrupt either NPC incorporation or chromatin binding
Use ChIP-seq and RNA-seq to correlate NUP93 chromatin binding with transcriptional changes
Apply auxin-inducible rapid degradation systems to study acute depletion effects, separating immediate impacts (likely direct) from long-term consequences
Compare NUP93 chromatin association maps with other NPC components to identify unique patterns
Analyze cell cycle-specific effects, as NPC disassembly during mitosis provides a natural separation of functions
Design rescue experiments with domain-specific mutants to attribute phenotypes to specific functions
Consider the temporal dynamics of NUP93's dual roles, as shown in acute depletion studies where transcriptional effects were observed prior to structural consequences
Emerging research avenues:
NPCs show remarkable longevity in post-mitotic neurons, making them potential sites for age-related damage accumulation
Biotin-conjugated NUP93 antibodies can help track NPC integrity in aging neural tissues
Design experiments comparing NUP93 distribution and post-translational modifications in healthy versus diseased brain tissues
Investigate potential correlations between NUP93 alterations and nucleocytoplasmic transport defects observed in neurodegenerative conditions
Develop protocols for multiplexed detection of NUP93 and disease-specific protein aggregates
Implement super-resolution microscopy approaches to detect subtle changes in NPC architecture during disease progression
Future methodological needs:
Development of live-cell imaging approaches using split-fluorescent protein systems fused to NUP93 and chromatin components
Implementation of single-molecule tracking to monitor NUP93 dynamics at specific genomic loci
Advancement of high-resolution chromosome conformation capture methods (Hi-C, HiChIP) to map 3D genome contacts mediated by NUP93
Creation of optogenetic tools to temporally control NUP93 function in specific cellular compartments
Design of CRISPR-based approaches to visualize endogenous NUP93 interactions with specific genomic regions
Development of computational models integrating multiple datasets to predict NUP93's gene regulatory impact
Integrated approaches:
Combine immunoprecipitation using biotin-conjugated NUP93 antibodies with mass spectrometry to identify PTMs
Implement targeted mass spectrometry approaches (MRM/PRM) to quantify specific modifications under different cellular conditions
Compare PTM profiles between normal and disease states to identify functionally relevant modifications
Develop modification-specific antibodies based on MS findings to track specific NUP93 subpopulations
Integrate proteomic data with functional assays to determine how specific modifications affect NUP93's dual roles in NPC structure and gene regulation
Consider crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) approaches to map interaction interfaces as mentioned in NPC organization studies