Target: Phosphorylated RB1 at serine 780 (UniProt: P06400), a key post-translational modification linked to cell cycle progression .
Cell Cycle Dependency: Phosphorylation at S780 increases during G1/S transition, consistent with RB1’s role in E2F regulation .
Cancer Relevance: Elevated phospho-S780 levels correlate with uncontrolled proliferation in leukemia (K562) and other cancers .
Mechanism: Phosphorylation inactivates RB1, releasing E2F transcription factors to drive S-phase entry .
Regulation: Mediated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs); dephosphorylated by calcineurin in response to calcium signaling .
Disease Link: Dysregulation observed in retinoblastoma, osteosarcoma, and bladder cancer .
Specificity: Validated using knockout cell lines and peptide competition assays .
Reproducibility: Consistent performance across ≥3 independent experiments (e.g., WB in K562 and L-929 cells) .
Citations: Supported by 2–42 publications, depending on the product (e.g., ab47763 cited 42 times) .
Cancer Biomarker Studies: Detects RB1 inactivation status in tumor samples .
Cell Cycle Analysis: Tracks phosphorylation dynamics during G1/S transition .
Drug Development: Screens for CDK inhibitors targeting RB1 phosphorylation .
The Phospho-RB1 (S780) recombinant monoclonal antibody is produced through a meticulously controlled process. It begins with the extraction of RB1 antibody genes from immunized rabbits, previously exposed to a synthetic peptide derived from human RB1 protein phosphorylated at S780. These genes are then expertly inserted into expression vectors, which are subsequently introduced into host suspension cells for cultivation. This cultivation process stimulates the production and secretion of the antibodies. The Phospho-RB1 (S780) recombinant monoclonal antibody is then subjected to a rigorous purification process using affinity chromatography, effectively separating the antibody from the surrounding cell culture supernatant. The antibody's functionality is thoroughly validated through a comprehensive suite of assays, including ELISA, IHC, IF, and IP tests, ensuring its ability to interact specifically with human RB1 protein phosphorylated at S780.
Phosphorylation of retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) at S780 is commonly associated with the transition from the G1 phase to the S phase of the cell cycle, a critical stage where cells prepare for DNA replication. Phosphorylation of RB1 at S780 leads to its inactivation, which in turn triggers the release of E2F transcription factors. These factors then promote the transcription of genes essential for cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Notably, dysregulation of RB1 phosphorylation at S780 can contribute to uncontrolled cell proliferation, a hallmark frequently observed in various cancers.
Retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) acts as a tumor suppressor, playing a pivotal role in regulating the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. The hypophosphorylated form of RB1 binds to transcription regulators of the E2F family, effectively preventing the transcription of E2F-responsive genes. This mechanism involves both physically blocking the E2Fs' transactivating domain and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes that actively repress transcription. The phosphorylation of RB1 by cyclins and CDKs leads to its dissociation from E2Fs, consequently activating the transcription of E2F responsive genes and initiating entry into the S phase. Furthermore, RB1 promotes the G0-G1 transition upon phosphorylation and activation by CDK3/cyclin-C.
RB1 is directly involved in heterochromatin formation, contributing to the maintenance of overall chromatin structure, particularly that of constitutive heterochromatin, by stabilizing histone methylation. It recruits and targets histone methyltransferases SUV39H1, KMT5B, and KMT5C, resulting in epigenetic transcriptional repression. Notably, RB1 controls histone H4 'Lys-20' trimethylation and inhibits the intrinsic kinase activity of TAF1.
RB1 mediates transcriptional repression by SMARCA4/BRG1 through the recruitment of a histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex to the c-FOS promoter. In resting neurons, transcription of the c-FOS promoter is inhibited by BRG1-dependent recruitment of a phospho-RB1-HDAC1 repressor complex. Upon calcium influx, RB1 is dephosphorylated by calcineurin, leading to the release of the repressor complex.
In the context of viral infections, interactions with SV40 large T antigen, HPV E7 protein, or adenovirus E1A protein induce the disassembly of the RB1-E2F1 complex, disrupting RB1's activity.
Phosphorylation of RB1 at serine 780 is a crucial regulatory event in cell cycle control. When RB1 is in its hypophosphorylated state, it binds to and inhibits E2F transcription factors, preventing the transcription of genes required for DNA replication and cell cycle progression. Phosphorylation at S780 by cyclin-dependent kinases (particularly CDK4/6-Cyclin D complexes) causes RB1 to release E2F factors, allowing transcription of S-phase genes and cell cycle advancement . This site-specific phosphorylation serves as a molecular switch that helps control the G1/S transition, making it a critical event in both normal cell division and cancer development where this regulation is often disrupted.
RB1 phosphorylation at S780 shows distinct patterns throughout the cell cycle:
Cell Cycle Phase | RB1-S780 Phosphorylation State | Functional Consequence |
---|---|---|
G0 (quiescence) | Hypophosphorylated | E2F bound and inhibited; cell cycle arrested |
Early G1 | Begins to be phosphorylated | Partial release of E2F repression |
Late G1/S transition | Hyperphosphorylated | Complete E2F activation; commitment to S phase |
S/G2/M | Remains phosphorylated | Continued cell cycle progression |
Mitotic exit | Rapidly dephosphorylated | Return to hypophosphorylated state for next cycle |
This cyclic pattern of phosphorylation is consistent with findings that demonstrate cell-cycle dependent regulation of RB1 S780 phosphorylation . In cancer cells or following mitogenic stimulation, elevated levels of phosphorylated RB1 at S780 are typically observed, indicating increased cell proliferation.
Phospho-RB1 (S780) antibodies have diverse applications in cellular and molecular research:
Western Blotting (WB): Detection of phosphorylated RB1 protein levels in cell or tissue lysates, typically observed at approximately 106 kDa molecular weight .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Visualization of RB1 phosphorylation in tissue sections, particularly useful for analyzing tumor samples and correlating with clinical parameters .
Immunofluorescence (IF): Examination of subcellular localization and expression patterns of phosphorylated RB1 .
ELISA: Quantitative measurement of phospho-RB1 (S780) levels in biological samples .
Cell Cycle Analysis: Assessment of proliferation status and cell cycle progression in experimental models .
Cancer Research: Evaluation of tumor aggressiveness and response to therapy, particularly CDK4/6 inhibitors .
Proper experimental controls are essential for reliable interpretation of results with Phospho-RB1 (S780) antibodies:
Positive Control: Cell lines known to express high levels of phospho-RB1 (S780), such as proliferating cancer cell lines (e.g., K-562 cells) or serum-stimulated cells .
Negative Control:
Serum-starved cells (G0/G1 arrested) with minimal RB1 phosphorylation
Cells treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors that prevent RB1 phosphorylation
Lambda phosphatase-treated lysates to remove phosphorylation
Specificity Controls:
Blocking peptide competition assays to confirm antibody specificity
Validation in RB1-knockout or RB1-mutant cell lines
Comparison with total RB1 antibody staining patterns
Loading Control: Detection of housekeeping proteins (e.g., GAPDH, β-actin) or total RB1 to normalize phosphorylated RB1 levels.
These controls help ensure that observed signals genuinely represent phosphorylation at the S780 site rather than non-specific binding or technical artifacts.
Phosphoprotein preservation requires careful sample handling:
Cell/Tissue Collection:
Harvest samples rapidly to minimize phosphatase activity
Include phosphatase inhibitors (e.g., sodium fluoride, sodium orthovanadate) in all buffers
Maintain cold temperatures throughout processing
Lysis Methods:
Storage:
Aliquot lysates to avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Store at -80°C for long-term preservation
Process samples consistently across experimental conditions
Fixation for IHC/IF:
Careful adherence to these protocols helps maintain the native phosphorylation state of RB1 and ensures reliable detection of S780 phosphorylation.
Optimal conditions vary by application and specific antibody:
These recommendations provide starting points that should be optimized for each specific experimental setting and antibody lot .
Phospho-RB1 (S780) antibodies have proven valuable in tumor classification and prognostication:
Quantitative Assessment: Digital imaging and automated analysis can convert immunohistochemical staining into objective measurements, as demonstrated in meningioma research where phospho-RB1 (S780) levels distinguished grade 1.5 tumors from other grades .
Scoring Systems: Quartile grouping of staining intensity (low, medium, high) with defined cutoff values (e.g., ratio > 0.088 considered high) enables objective classification of tumors .
Correlation with Clinical Outcomes: Phospho-RB1 (S780) levels can be analyzed in relation to:
Tumor grade and histological features
Response to therapy
Recurrence rates
Patient survival
Multivariate Analysis: When combined with other molecular markers, phospho-RB1 (S780) contributes to comprehensive tumor characterization .
In research settings, these approaches help identify subgroups of tumors with distinct biological behaviors and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities, contributing to our understanding of cancer progression mechanisms.
Different antibody formats offer distinct advantages in research applications:
Antibody Type | Characteristics | Optimal Applications | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|
Recombinant Monoclonal | Highest consistency between lots, defined epitope recognition, reproducible results | Quantitative applications, longitudinal studies, clinical research | May recognize a more limited epitope range |
Traditional Monoclonal | Good specificity, consistent lot-to-lot | Western blotting, IHC, routine detection | Some batch variation possible |
Polyclonal | Recognizes multiple epitopes around the phospho-site, potentially higher sensitivity | Detection in challenging samples, certain IHC applications | Higher background in some applications, greater lot-to-lot variation |
Recombinant monoclonal antibodies, generated using recombinant DNA technology, represent the newest generation with enhanced batch-to-batch reproducibility and defined specificity . Polyclonal antibodies may offer advantages in certain applications due to their ability to recognize multiple epitopes around the phosphorylation site .
Integration of Phospho-RB1 (S780) analysis into broader phosphoproteomic studies enables comprehensive pathway analysis:
Phosphoproteome Profiling: Phospho-RB1 (S780) can serve as a readout for CDK4/6 activity in global phosphoproteomic datasets, connecting cell cycle regulation to broader signaling networks .
Kinome Analysis: STK PamChip peptide chip arrays and similar technologies can assess kinase activity profiles alongside RB1 phosphorylation, revealing upstream regulators .
Computational Integration:
Prediction of kinase phosphorylation using tools like GPS 2.1 and PhosphoNet Kinexus
Pathway analysis through platforms such as Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA)
Correlation of RB1 phosphorylation with broader phosphorylation networks
Multi-omic Approaches: Combining phospho-RB1 (S780) analysis with:
Transcriptomic data on E2F-responsive genes
Proteomic analysis of cell cycle regulators
Genomic alterations in RB1 and related pathway components
This integrated approach allows researchers to place RB1 phosphorylation in context with other signaling events, providing a systems-level understanding of cell cycle regulation in normal and disease states .
Discrepancies between total and phosphorylated RB1 signals require careful analysis:
Relative Abundance Assessment:
Calculate the ratio of phospho-RB1 to total RB1 to normalize for expression differences
Consider that phospho-epitopes represent a subset of total protein
Common Scenarios and Interpretations:
Observation | Possible Interpretations | Verification Approach |
---|---|---|
High total RB1, low phospho-RB1 | Cell cycle arrest, active tumor suppression, CDK4/6 inhibition | Cell cycle analysis, CDK activity assays |
Low total RB1, high phospho-RB1 | Sample degradation, antibody cross-reactivity, epitope masking | Fresh sample preparation, alternative antibodies |
High phospho-RB1 despite RB1 mutation | Antibody cross-reactivity, partial RB1 expression | Sequence verification, knockout controls |
Variable results across techniques | Method-specific artifacts, epitope accessibility differences | Compare multiple detection methods |
Technical Considerations:
Phospho-epitopes are often more sensitive to sample handling than total protein detection
Different antibodies may recognize distinct conformations of RB1
Sample preparation methods can differentially affect epitope preservation
Biological Variability:
Cell cycle phase distribution within the sample
Heterogeneity of tumor tissues
Post-translational modifications beyond phosphorylation
Careful validation with multiple techniques and appropriate controls helps resolve these discrepancies and leads to more accurate interpretation of results.
When encountering problems with phospho-RB1 (S780) detection, consider these systematic troubleshooting approaches:
For Weak or Absent Signal:
For Excessive Background:
Increase blocking time/concentration
Optimize antibody dilution
Use more stringent washing
Try alternative blocking agents
Consider using monoclonal rather than polyclonal antibodies
For Multiple Bands in Western Blot:
For Inconsistent Results:
Standardize sample collection and processing
Include consistent positive and negative controls
Ensure uniform cell density/confluence across experiments
Consider batch effects in antibodies or reagents
For Method-Specific Issues:
IHC: Optimize antigen retrieval conditions
IF: Adjust fixation protocol to preserve phospho-epitopes
WB: Try different membrane types and transfer conditions
Systematic evaluation of these factors usually identifies the source of unexpected results and leads to protocol optimization.
Phospho-RB1 (S780) antibodies serve as valuable pharmacodynamic markers for CDK4/6 inhibitor efficacy:
Treatment Monitoring:
Baseline phospho-RB1 (S780) levels may predict sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors
Reduction in phospho-RB1 (S780) following treatment indicates target engagement
Persistent phosphorylation despite treatment suggests resistance mechanisms
Experimental Approaches:
Sequential tissue biopsies before and after treatment
Time-course studies in cell line and animal models
Correlation with other markers of cell cycle arrest
Quantitative Assessment:
Digital image analysis of IHC staining intensity
Western blot quantification with normalization to total RB1
Flow cytometry for single-cell analysis of phospho-RB1 levels
Combined Biomarker Strategies:
Integrate phospho-RB1 (S780) with other CDK4/6 pathway components
Correlate with Ki-67 or other proliferation markers
Analyze alongside E2F target gene expression
These approaches provide mechanistic insights into CDK4/6 inhibitor action and may help identify patients most likely to benefit from these therapies.
Heterogeneous phospho-RB1 (S780) staining within tumors provides important biological insights:
Tumor Heterogeneity Assessment:
Spatial patterns of phospho-RB1 (S780) may identify distinct tumor subpopulations
Quantification of heterogeneity using digital pathology approaches
Correlation with regions of invasion or metastatic potential
Cell Cycle Dynamics:
Heterogeneous staining often reflects asynchronous cell cycling within the tumor
Differential proliferation rates in tumor regions
Correlation with hypoxic or nutrient-deprived regions
Analytical Approaches:
Clinical Implications:
Regions with high phospho-RB1 (S780) may represent more aggressive tumor components
Potential for sampling error in small biopsies
Implications for targeted therapy response
Understanding this heterogeneity provides insights into tumor biology and may guide more precise therapeutic strategies targeting the most aggressive tumor components.