RRM2 is one of two non-identical subunits (alongside RRM1) that constitute ribonucleotide reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, which is a rate-limiting step in the production of dNTPs required for DNA synthesis and repair .
RRM2's biological functions include:
DNA synthesis during cell replication
Cell cycle regulation (expressed during late G1/early S phase, degraded in late S phase)
The activity of ribonucleotide reductase, and consequently DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, is controlled during the cell cycle by the synthesis and degradation of the RRM2 subunit .
Based on commercial antibody validation data, RRM2 antibodies have been successfully used in multiple applications:
Most antibodies demonstrate strong performance in WB applications, with recommended dilutions typically ranging from 1:1000 to 1:50000 depending on the specific antibody clone .
The calculated molecular weight of RRM2 is approximately 45 kDa, which is consistently observed across western blotting applications using various antibodies . This consistency in observed molecular weight provides a useful validation parameter when testing new RRM2 antibodies in your experimental system.
According to published literature and manufacturer data, RRM2 expression has been detected in:
Normal tissues:
Cancer tissues/cell lines:
Mammary carcinoma
Cervix carcinoma
Leukemic T-cells
Multiple cancer types according to UALCAN database (including BLCA, BRCA, COAD, etc.)
Western blot detection has been validated in multiple cell lines including HeLa, HEK-293, MCF-7, A431, Jurkat, K-562, and THP-1 cells .
Based on protocols provided by antibody manufacturers:
Antigen Retrieval:
Heat-mediated antigen retrieval with Tris-EDTA buffer (pH 9.0) is most commonly recommended
Alternative: citrate buffer pH 6.0 may be used for some tissue types
Incubation Conditions:
Detection Systems:
Polymer-based detection systems like LeicaDS9800 (Bond® Polymer Refine Detection) have shown good results
Counterstain:
Notable Considerations:
Negative/low expression control: human cerebrum has shown minimal RRM2 staining
Positive controls: human colon carcinoma and stomach tissues have shown consistent positive staining
For optimal western blotting results with RRM2 antibodies:
Sample Preparation:
Cell lysates from HeLa, HEK-293, HepG2, and other cancer cell lines provide reliable positive controls
Electrophoresis Conditions:
Transfer and Blocking:
Follow standard protein transfer protocols
Blocking with normal goat serum (10%) combined with 0.3M glycine has been reported for flow cytometry applications and may be applicable to western blotting
Antibody Dilutions:
Primary antibody: Ranges from 1:1000 to 1:50000 depending on specific antibody clone
For higher sensitivity applications, recombinant monoclonal antibodies like EPR11820 may offer advantages
Detection:
Standard HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies with ECL detection systems are suitable
For immunofluorescence applications:
Cell Fixation Methods:
Dilution Range:
Counterstaining:
Validated Cell Lines:
RRM2 has emerged as a significant biomarker in multiple cancer types with important clinical implications:
Breast Cancer:
RRM2 expression (detected by IHC) correlates with molecular subtypes, with higher expression in non-luminal cases
In ER-positive breast cancers, RRM2 expression associates with shorter disease-free survival (borderline significance)
High RRM2 scores are more common in triple-negative breast cancer and HER2-enriched subtypes (71.8% and 86.2% respectively)
Liver Cancer:
Serum RRM2 levels (detected by ELISA) show diagnostic potential for liver cancer
RRM2 serum concentration correlates with AFP (R=0.45, P<0.0001) and CEA (R=0.45, P<0.0001)
ROC analysis shows RRM2 has better diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.863, 95% CI 0.821–0.904) than AFP (AUC: 0.798, 95% CI 0.745–0.851)
Combining RRM2 with AFP improves diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.947, sensitivity 88.7%, specificity 97.0%)
Pan-Cancer Analysis:
RRM2 has emerged as a key protector against ferroptosis, particularly in liver cancer:
Mechanism of Action:
Inhibition of glutathione (GSH) synthesis leads to ferroptosis
RRM2 protects against ferroptosis, and this protection is linked to liver cancer progression
Knockdown of RRM2 significantly increases susceptibility to ferroptosis
Clinical Implications:
RRM2 serum levels may serve as a biomarker not only for cancer diagnosis but also for predicting ferroptosis resistance
This could help identify patients who might benefit from ferroptosis-based treatments
Research Applications:
RRM2 antibodies can be used to study ferroptosis mechanisms in cancer cells
Immunoblotting or IHC for RRM2 in cancer tissues may help predict response to ferroptosis-inducing therapies
Combined with other ferroptosis markers, RRM2 detection could provide a more comprehensive understanding of ferroptosis resistance in tumors
Recent pan-cancer analyses have revealed important relationships between RRM2 and immune parameters:
Correlation with Immune Cells:
RRM2 expression significantly associates with Natural Killer T (NKT) cell infiltration
Positive correlation with immune scores in several cancer types
Immunotherapy Implications:
RRM2 levels positively correlate with:
Research Applications:
Using RRM2 antibodies in multiplex IHC alongside immune markers may help predict immunotherapy response
Detection of RRM2 in patient samples could potentially identify candidates who would benefit from immunotherapy
Combined RRM2/immune checkpoint analysis may offer improved predictive value
To ensure antibody specificity:
Positive Controls:
Use established cell lines with confirmed RRM2 expression:
Negative Controls:
Human cerebrum tissue shows minimal RRM2 expression (suitable negative control for IHC)
Use appropriate isotype controls for all applications
When possible, include RRM2 knockdown samples as specificity controls
Expected Results:
Western blot: Single band at approximately 45 kDa
IHC/IF: Predominantly cytoplasmic staining pattern
The staining intensity should correlate with cell proliferation status (higher in actively dividing cells)
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
While most antibodies are validated for human RRM2, some may cross-react with other species
Check sequence homology before using human RRM2 antibodies on non-human samples
Monoclonal Antibodies:
Advantages:
Consistent lot-to-lot reproducibility
High specificity for single epitope
Lower background in most applications
Best applications:
Polyclonal Antibodies:
Available from multiple vendors including Proteintech (11661-1-AP)
Advantages:
Recognition of multiple epitopes
Often higher sensitivity for low-abundance targets
May be more robust to protein denaturation/modifications
Best applications:
Recombinant Antibodies:
Advantages:
Combines specificity of monoclonals with consistent reproducibility
No batch-to-batch variation
Often higher affinity and specificity
Ideal for:
RRM2 expression is tightly regulated during the cell cycle:
Only expressed during late G1/early S phase
Degraded in late S phase
Activity of ribonucleotide reductase is controlled by synthesis and degradation of RRM2
Research Applications:
Use RRM2 antibodies in combination with cell cycle markers to study cell cycle progression
Flow cytometry with RRM2 antibodies can help identify cells in S phase
Monitor RRM2 expression changes after cell cycle-disrupting drugs
Study the mechanisms of RRM2 degradation in late S phase
Experimental Approach:
Synchronize cells at different cell cycle stages
Perform western blot or flow cytometry with RRM2 antibodies
Correlate RRM2 expression with established cell cycle markers
Use RRM2 knockdown to study effects on cell cycle progression (significant decrease in proliferation during S phase has been reported)
RRM2 has been implicated in drug resistance mechanisms, particularly for tamoxifen in breast cancer:
Tamoxifen Resistance:
RRM2 is involved in tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer by regulating cell growth and DNA damage via protein kinase B (AKT) pathway reversal
Inhibition of RRM2 can reverse tamoxifen resistance in vivo and reduce invasive potential in vitro
Research Applications:
Use RRM2 antibodies to monitor expression changes in drug-resistant vs. sensitive cells
Correlate RRM2 expression with treatment response in patient samples
Study the relationship between RRM2 and AKT pathway activation in resistant cells
Investigate the potential of RRM2 inhibitors as adjuvant therapy in resistant tumors
Experimental Design:
Develop drug-resistant cell lines through continuous exposure
Compare RRM2 expression between parent and resistant lines using various antibody-based methods
Perform RRM2 knockdown experiments to assess reversal of resistance
Use antibodies for co-IP studies to identify RRM2 interaction partners in resistance mechanisms