PPP1R13L (also known as iASPP) functions as a critical regulator in apoptosis and transcription pathways through its interactions with two key proteins:
It binds to NF-kappa-B and inhibits its transcriptional activity
It interacts with p53/TP53, potentially preventing associations between p53/TP53 and ASPP1 or ASPP2, thereby suppressing apoptosis activation
Additional biological functions include:
Blocking HIV-1 virus transcription by inhibiting both NF-kappa-B and SP1 action
Potentially acting as an oncoprotein, with overexpression accelerating tumor formation in RAS/E1A transformed cells
This multifunctional nature makes PPP1R13L an important target for research in oncology, virology, and cell death pathways.
For optimal results with FITC-conjugated PPP1R13L antibodies in immunofluorescence applications:
Sample Preparation Protocol:
Fix cells in Solution A fixative for 15 minutes at room temperature
Wash in PBS buffer
Permeabilize with 0.25% Triton X-100 for 15 minutes
Wash in PBS buffer
Add FITC-conjugated anti-PPP1R13L antibody at 1:50-200 dilution
Incubate for 30 minutes at room temperature
Wash in PBS buffer
Counter-stain nuclei with DAPI (200 ng/ml)
Mount and visualize using appropriate fluorescence microscopy settings for FITC detection
Optimization Notes:
Signal intensity can be confirmed by flow cytometry using median fluorescence intensity (MFI) comparison to isotype controls
When analyzing subcellular localization, co-staining with organelle markers (such as KDEL for ER, GOLGA2/GM130 for Golgi) may be helpful
For tissue sections, antigen retrieval with TE buffer pH 9.0 is recommended
When encountering issues with PPP1R13L antibody performance in Western blotting:
Troubleshooting Weak Signals:
Adjust concentration: Use dilution ranges between 1:500-1:2000 for most applications
Consider protein abundance: PPP1R13L is expressed predominantly in epithelial cells, skin, testis, heart, and stomach tissues
Verify expected molecular weight: Look for bands approximately 100 kDa (isoform 1) and 50 kDa (isoform 2)
Observed molecular weight may appear as 110 kDa in some cell types
Reducing Non-specific Binding:
Use affinity-purified antibodies that have been validated against the specific epitope
Include appropriate blocking agents (BSA or non-fat milk)
Increase washing steps and duration
Consider positive controls: HEK-293 cells and human heart tissue show reliable detection
For accurate controls, use proteasome inhibitor MG132 with PPP1R13L-overexpressing cells, which characteristically shows p53 accumulation .
FITC-Conjugated PPP1R13L Antibodies:
Advantages:
Direct detection without secondary antibody requirements
Reduced protocol time and fewer washing steps
Elimination of potential cross-reactivity from secondary antibodies
Suitable for multicolor immunofluorescence when combined with other differently-conjugated primary antibodies
Effective for flow cytometry applications with minimal background
Limitations:
Fixed fluorophore with specific excitation/emission properties
Cannot leverage signal amplification via secondary antibodies
May have reduced sensitivity compared to enzyme-based detection systems
Unconjugated PPP1R13L Antibodies:
Advantages:
Versatility across multiple detection methods (WB, ELISA, IHC, IF)
Signal amplification possible through optimized secondary antibody systems
Compatible with various detection methods (chemiluminescence, colorimetric)
Generally longer shelf-life without photobleaching concerns
Limitations:
Requires additional incubation steps and reagents
Potential for cross-reactivity with secondary antibodies
Application-Specific Selection Guide:
Choose FITC-conjugated for direct immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, or multi-color staining
Select unconjugated for western blotting, where signal amplification is beneficial, or when greater flexibility in detection methods is needed
Comprehensive Antibody Validation Strategy:
Genetic Approaches:
Epitope Mapping Verification:
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Test across multiple species (human, mouse, rat) if cross-reactivity is claimed
Perform peptide competition assays with the immunizing peptide
Functional Validation:
Application-Specific Controls:
For FITC-conjugated antibodies, include isotype control with matched FITC:protein ratio
For immunoprecipitation, perform reverse IP and validate with mass spectrometry
Key Expected Observations for Valid Antibodies:
In Western blot: Bands at approximately 100 kDa and 50 kDa corresponding to isoforms 1 and 2
In co-immunoprecipitation: Detection of PPP1R13L interactions with Atg5–Atg12 and Atg16L1 complexes
In overexpression studies: Inhibition of p53-dependent apoptosis pathways
When designing experiments to investigate PPP1R13L's role in apoptosis:
Experimental Design Framework:
Cell Model Selection:
Manipulation Approaches:
Key Markers to Monitor:
Control Conditions:
Specific Analytical Methods:
Co-immunoprecipitation to detect PPP1R13L interactions with p53 and NF-κB
Immunofluorescence to track subcellular localization during apoptosis induction
Western blotting to monitor protein expression levels and cleavage products
Flow cytometry with FITC-conjugated anti-PPP1R13L to quantify expression levels in apoptotic versus non-apoptotic populations
PPP1R13L appears to have significant oncogenic properties based on several lines of research:
Expression Patterns in Cancer:
Overexpression detected in eight human breast carcinomas expressing wild-type p53
Expression frequently upregulated in multiple human cancer types
Functional Impact on Tumorigenesis:
Overexpression of PPP1R13L strongly accelerates tumor formation by RAS/E1A transformed cells
Creates phenotype with multiple tumor nodes consistent with increased metastasis
Modulates both p53-dependent and -independent apoptosis pathways
Optimal Antibody-Based Approaches:
Tissue Microarray Analysis:
In vivo Tumor Models:
Mechanistic Studies:
Research Applications Table:
| Technique | Antibody Dilution | Key Endpoint Measurements | Advantage in Cancer Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHC | 1:50-1:500 | Expression patterns in tumor tissue | Correlate with clinical outcomes |
| WB | 1:500-1:2000 | Protein level quantification | Compare across cell lines and patient samples |
| IF (FITC) | 1:50-200 | Subcellular localization | Visualize in tumor sections |
| IP | Variable | Protein-protein interactions | Identify cancer-specific binding partners |
For successful co-immunoprecipitation of PPP1R13L and its binding partners:
Optimized Co-IP Protocol:
Cell Lysis:
Immunoprecipitation:
Precipitation and Washing:
Detection:
Subject immunoprecipitates to SDS-PAGE
Perform Western blot analysis for PPP1R13L and interacting partners
Quantification Method:
For quantitative analysis of binding interactions, calculate the percentage of proteins in complex using densitometry values:
Percentage of Atg5 bound to PPP1R13L/iASPP = [(Atg5 IP/Atg5 input)/(iASPP IP/iASPP input)×100]
Percentage of Atg5 bound to Atg16L1 = [(Atg5 IP/Atg5 input)/(Atg16L1 IP/Atg16L1 input)×100]
Key Interacting Partners to Study:
p53/TP53 (tumor suppressor)
NF-κB p65/RelA (transcription factor)
Atg5–Atg12 complex (autophagy machinery)
Atg16L1 (autophagy machinery)
Fixation and antigen retrieval significantly impact PPP1R13L antibody performance in immunohistochemistry:
Fixation Methods Comparison:
Antigen Retrieval Optimization:
Heat-Induced Epitope Retrieval (HIER):
Enzymatic Retrieval:
Generally less effective for PPP1R13L detection
May be tested if HIER methods fail
Critical Factors Affecting Performance:
Epitope Accessibility:
PPP1R13L antibodies targeting different regions (e.g., AA 775-800 vs. AA 83-102) may require different retrieval methods
Tissue Type Considerations:
Detection Systems:
DAB-based systems for brightfield microscopy
Fluorescent secondary antibodies for immunofluorescence
For FITC-conjugated antibodies, ensure fixation methods don't compromise fluorophore activity
Validation Approach:
Include a gradient of antibody dilutions (1:50, 1:100, 1:250, 1:500) and multiple antigen retrieval methods on serial sections of the same tissue to identify optimal conditions for each specific application.
When investigating PPP1R13L's role as an autophagy inhibitor:
Experimental Design Considerations:
Cell Model Selection:
Autophagy Induction Methods:
Nutrient starvation (serum-free medium)
Chemical inducers (rapamycin, torin)
Differentiation-induced autophagy
Key Markers to Monitor:
Antibody-Based Methodologies:
Immunofluorescence Protocol for LC3B Labeling:
Co-immunoprecipitation for PPP1R13L-Autophagy Protein Interactions:
Molecular Mechanisms to Investigate:
PPP1R13L competition with Atg16L1 for binding to Atg5–Atg12 complex
Impact on autophagosome formation
Effect on autophagic flux
Controls and Validation:
Include rapamycin treatment as positive control for autophagy induction
Monitor mTOR pathway activity (phospho-S6, phospho-4E-BP1, phospho-mTOR)
Compare autophagy in differentiated versus undifferentiated cells
Include Beclin-1 detection as additional autophagy marker
This detailed approach will enable researchers to comprehensively characterize PPP1R13L's role in autophagy regulation using antibody-based techniques.