RAB5B (Ras-related protein Rab-5B) is a small GTPase that cycles between GTP-bound (active) and GDP-bound (inactive) states to regulate early endosome (EE) fusion, cargo sorting, and vesicular transport . It shares 81% sequence identity with RAB5A and RAB5C, with overlapping but non-redundant functions in endocytic recycling and regulated secretion . RAB5B localizes to the plasma membrane and early endosomes, influencing pathways such as surfactant protein maturation in lung cells and hepatitis B virus (HBV) particle assembly .
Commercial RAB5B antibodies are validated for specificity and reactivity across human, mouse, and rat samples. Below is a comparative analysis of widely used antibodies:
Mechanism: RAB5B facilitates the endocytic recycling of surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C in lung alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells. A de novo RAB5B p.Asp136His variant disrupts EE trafficking, leading to interstitial lung disease (ILD) .
Validation: Lung biopsies and C. elegans models confirmed impaired EE fusion and surfactant maturation in variant carriers .
Function: siRNA screening identified RAB5B as critical for HBV envelope protein (LHBs) transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and multivesicular bodies (MVBs). Depletion increases LHBs accumulation in the ER, enhancing virion release .
Implications: RAB5B regulates late-stage HBV infection, suggesting therapeutic targeting potential .
Immunofluorescence: Antibodies like 27403-1-AP and ab230020 confirmed RAB5B’s plasma membrane and EE localization in HeLa, HepG2, and lung tissues .
Western Blot: Detects a single band at ~24–27 kDa in human/mouse cell lysates .
Key Validation Criteria:
Peer-reviewed citations: Prioritize antibodies with multiple independent publications demonstrating 24-27 kDa detection in human/mouse systems
Knockout validation: Use CRISPR-Cas9 modified cell lines (e.g., HEK-293) to confirm signal absence in RAB5B-/- controls
Multi-tissue validation: Verify consistent band patterns across recommended tissues (lung, liver, colon) using 1:500-1:2000 dilutions
Isoform discrimination: Compare migration patterns against RAB5A (23 kDa) and RAB5C (25 kDa) using pan-RAB5 antibodies as controls
| Cell Line | Observed MW | Signal:Noise Ratio | KO Validation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEK-293 | 27 kDa | 12:1 | Confirmed |
| MLE-15 | 26 kDa | 8:1 | Confirmed |
| NIH/3T3 | 27 kDa | 15:1 | Pending |
Antigen retrieval: Optimize with either:
Dual validation: Combine with RNAscope® in situ hybridization for mRNA co-localization
Disease controls: Include lung tissues from:
| Antibody Clone | AT2 Cell Staining Intensity | Background in Alveolar Macrophages |
|---|---|---|
| 27403-1-AP | +++ | Minimal |
| 17605-1-AP | ++ | Moderate |
| C8B1 | ++++ | High |
Case analysis from recent findings:
The PNAS study (2022) revealed critical differences:
Perform parallel staining with isoform-specific (27403-1-AP) and pan-RAB5 (C8B1) antibodies
Validate findings through:
Temporal resolution: 30-sec interval live imaging (GFP-RAB5B transfection required)
Maturation markers: Co-stain with EEA1 (early endosomes) and LAMP1 (lysosomes)
Functional validation: Brefeldin A treatment controls (blocks ER-Golgi transport)
RAB5B knockdown reduces mature SP-B production by 63% ± 8% (p<0.001)
Trafficking defects show tissue-specificity:
| Tissue Type | Fixation Method | Antigen Retrieval | Signal Preservation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human lung | 4% PFA, 24hr | TE buffer, pH 9.0 | 92 ± 3 |
| Mouse liver | Methanol-Carnoy | Proteinase K | 78 ± 5 |
| 3D spheroids | Ice-cold acetone | None | 65 ± 7 |
Genotyping: Confirm editing efficiency ≥90% via:
T7E1 mismatch detection
Sanger sequencing of TOPO-cloned PCR products
Phenotypic rescue: Co-transfect with:
Trafficking assay: Quantify with:
125I-EGF internalization (RAB5B-dependent pathway)
BODIPY-LacCer accumulation (non-endosomal control)
Isogenic wild-type clones from same transfection
RAB5A/RAB5C double knockouts to exclude compensation