RAD23B (RAD23 homolog B) is a 43-kDa protein (predicted molecular weight) with observed sizes ranging from 53–58 kDa due to post-translational modifications or isoforms . It functions as:
DNA Repair Component: Stabilizes XPC protein in the XPC complex, enabling recognition of DNA damage during global genome NER .
Proteasome Shuttle: Binds polyubiquitinated substrates via its UBA domains and interacts with the 19S proteasome subunit PSMD4, facilitating degradation of misfolded proteins .
The RAD23B monoclonal antibody is used to probe its expression, localization, and interactions in experimental models.
Application | Dilution Range | Source |
---|---|---|
Western Blot | 1:500–1:50,000 | |
Immunohistochemistry | 1:50–1:4,000 | |
Immunofluorescence | 1:400–1:1,600 |
WB Optimization: RAD23B isoforms may produce dual bands (e.g., 43 kDa and 35 kDa) .
IHC: Antigen retrieval with TE or citrate buffer is recommended .
DNA Repair:
Proteasome Degradation:
Developmental and Disease Roles:
RAD23B, also known as p58, hHR23B, or HR23B, belongs to the RAD23 family and serves as a critical component in multiple cellular pathways. It plays a central role in both proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins and DNA repair mechanisms . As a key component of nucleotide excision repair (NER), RAD23B interacts with the NER factor Rad4, and this dimer can bind damaged DNA . Additionally, RAD23B serves as a central component of a complex required to couple deglycosylation and proteasome-mediated degradation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum that undergo retrotranslocation .
RAD23B monoclonal antibodies have been validated for multiple research applications:
These applications allow researchers to examine RAD23B expression, localization, and interactions in various experimental contexts .
Although the calculated molecular weight of RAD23B is 43 kDa (409 amino acids), the observed molecular weight in SDS-PAGE and Western blot applications is consistently reported as 58 kDa . This discrepancy between calculated and observed molecular weights is common for many proteins and may result from post-translational modifications, structural features that affect migration in gels, or the presence of unprocessed regions. When validating a new RAD23B antibody, researchers should expect to observe a band at approximately 58 kDa rather than at the calculated 43 kDa position .
Commercial RAD23B monoclonal antibodies demonstrate cross-reactivity with multiple species:
Antibody Catalog Number | Confirmed Reactivity | Host/Isotype | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
67988-1-Ig | Human, Mouse, Rat, Pig | Mouse/IgG2a | |
12121-1-AP | Human, Mouse, Rat | Rabbit/IgG | |
RAB03773 | Human | Rabbit/IgG |
This cross-reactivity information is crucial when designing experiments using tissue or cells from different species. Researchers should verify the specific reactivity pattern of their selected antibody before proceeding with experiments .
RAD23B's dual functionality creates unique experimental challenges and opportunities. Studies have demonstrated that RAD23B participates in two distinct NER events. The interaction between RAD23B and Rad4 is critical for stabilizing Rad4, and a small amino acid domain (the R4B domain) is sufficient for this interaction . This domain alone can stabilize Rad4 and promote NER.
Additionally, genetic studies indicate that RAD23B functions in a separate but concurrent activity in NER that involves interaction with the proteasome. This proteasome-related activity is distinct from its role in stabilizing Rad4 . Remarkably, simultaneous expression of both mutant forms of the RAD23B protein can restore full resistance to UV light, suggesting complementary functions.
When designing experiments to study either function, researchers should consider:
Using domain-specific antibodies to discriminate between protein degradation and DNA repair functions
Employing cellular stress that specifically activates one pathway (e.g., proteasome inhibitors versus UV damage)
Creating function-specific knockouts rather than complete RAD23B deletion
For optimal antigen retrieval in RAD23B immunohistochemistry applications, the following protocols have been validated:
The choice between these retrieval methods may depend on tissue type, fixation protocol, and specific antibody used. For mouse brain tissue, TE buffer at pH 9.0 is generally recommended as the primary approach, with citrate buffer at pH 6.0 serving as an alternative when necessary . For human breast cancer tissue, citrate buffer at pH 6.0 has been successfully employed . Researchers should optimize the antigen retrieval protocol for their specific tissue type and fixation conditions.
Optimizing immunoblotting for RAD23B requires attention to several technical parameters that vary by sample type:
Sample preparation: For cellular samples (e.g., HeLa, HEK-293), standard RIPA buffer with protease inhibitors is effective. For tissue samples (e.g., brain tissue), additional mechanical homogenization may be necessary .
Dilution optimization:
Detection considerations:
Buffer system: PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3 has been reported as effective for antibody stability
Careful optimization of these parameters will help ensure specific detection of RAD23B across different experimental systems.
When designing immunoprecipitation experiments with RAD23B antibodies, the following controls are essential:
Input control: Reserve 5-10% of the pre-immunoprecipitation lysate to verify protein expression and loading .
Negative controls:
Positive controls:
Validation of specificity:
For detection of immunoprecipitated complexes, follow established protocols using anti-FLAG, anti-myc, or specific antibodies for interacting proteins, and employ a 1:2000 dilution of goat anti-mouse horseradish peroxidase conjugate with enhanced chemiluminescence reagents for visualization .
The discrepancy between RAD23B's calculated molecular weight (43 kDa) and observed molecular weight (58 kDa) requires careful consideration in experimental design and data interpretation :
Experimental verification approaches:
Run positive control samples alongside experimental samples
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes to confirm the 58 kDa band's identity
Consider using tagged recombinant RAD23B as an additional size reference
If available, include samples from RAD23B knockout models as negative controls
Technical explanations to consider:
Post-translational modifications: RAD23B undergoes modifications that affect migration
Structural elements: Certain domains may resist complete denaturation
Splice variants: Alternative splicing may result in larger protein species
Experimental conditions: SDS-PAGE parameters (buffer composition, gel percentage) can affect migration
Documentation requirements:
Always report both calculated and observed molecular weights in publications
Specify the antibody clone, dilution, and detection method used
Include complete Western blot images with molecular weight markers visible
Understanding this consistent size discrepancy is important for accurate data interpretation and experimental troubleshooting .
For investigating RAD23B interactions through multiplexed detection approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting:
Prepare cellular extracts using binding buffer (composition should be optimized for specific interaction)
Perform immunoprecipitation with beads linked to specific antibodies
Use SDS-8% PAGE for separation
Conduct sequential immunoblotting with anti-FLAG, anti-myc, or other epitope tag antibodies
For proteasome interactions, probe with anti-Rpt5 antibodies in addition to RAD23B-specific antibodies
Immunofluorescence co-localization:
Flow cytometry approach:
These approaches allow investigation of RAD23B's diverse interactions in both the DNA repair and protein degradation pathways.
Validating RAD23B specificity in immunofluorescence requires multiple approaches:
Positive and negative controls:
Antibody validation strategies:
Co-localization approaches:
Technical optimization:
Test multiple fixation methods (paraformaldehyde, methanol)
Optimize permeabilization conditions
Include appropriate blocking reagents to minimize non-specific binding
Successful immunofluorescence applications with RAD23B antibodies have been reported in HeLa cells, providing a reliable positive control system for protocol optimization .
Multiple factors can influence RAD23B protein levels, which researchers should consider when designing experiments:
Cell cycle and stress conditions:
DNA damage (particularly UV exposure) may alter RAD23B expression or localization
Proteasome inhibitors can affect RAD23B stability and function in protein degradation pathways
Cell cycle phase may influence expression levels
Genetic factors:
Experimental variables:
Extraction methods influence recovery (e.g., RIPA buffer vs. specialized extraction protocols)
Sample handling (freeze-thaw cycles, protease inhibitor inclusion) affects degradation
Culture conditions for cell lines (confluency, passage number) may alter expression
Tissue-specific considerations:
Understanding these variables is essential for proper experimental design and interpretation of RAD23B detection results.
To distinguish between RAD23B's dual functions, consider these experimental approaches:
Domain-specific disruption:
Pathway-specific assays:
UV sensitivity assays primarily reflect DNA repair function
Proteotoxic stress response assays highlight protein degradation role
Measure nucleotide excision repair capacity versus proteasomal degradation separately
Interaction-specific analysis:
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify context-specific binding partners
Use differential conditions (UV exposure versus proteasome inhibition) to shift interaction profiles
Employ proximity labeling approaches to identify microenvironment-specific interactions
Genetic complementation:
These approaches can help delineate the mechanistic details of RAD23B's dual functionality in experimental systems .
Recent methodological advances have expanded our ability to study RAD23B:
Immuno-MRM (multiple reaction monitoring):
Advanced imaging approaches:
Super-resolution microscopy enables visualization of RAD23B in multiprotein complexes
Live-cell imaging with fluorescently tagged RAD23B reveals dynamic interactions
FRET/BRET approaches can detect direct protein-protein interactions in living cells
Single-cell technologies:
Structural biology integration:
Antibody epitope mapping combined with structural information
Integration of crosslinking mass spectrometry with antibody-based detection
Structure-guided antibody development for specific functional domains
These emerging methodologies provide researchers with powerful tools to investigate RAD23B biology at unprecedented resolution and specificity .