RASAL2 Antibody, HRP conjugated

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Description

Cancer Biology

  • Prostate Cancer: RASAL2 upregulation correlates with advanced tumor stage and poor survival. HRP-conjugated antibodies helped confirm elevated RASAL2 expression in metastatic lymph nodes via IHC .

  • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): RASAL2 mediates chemotherapy resistance but confers sensitivity to MEK/EGFR inhibitors. WB using HRP-conjugated antibodies validated RASAL2's role in sustaining RAS/EGFR signaling .

  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): RASAL2 promotes proliferation and metastasis via PI3K/AKT activation. siRNA knockdown studies paired with WB demonstrated reduced p-AKT levels upon RASAL2 suppression .

Metabolic and Fibrotic Diseases

  • Hepatic Steatosis: Proteintech’s RASAL2 antibody (22140-1-AP) revealed RASAL2’s role in VLDL secretion through AKT/TET1/MTTP axis modulation .

  • Renal Fibrosis: RASAL2 initiates peritubular capillary rarefaction, as shown in hypoxic kidney models using IHC .

Protocols and Validation Data

  • Western Blot:

    1. Sample Preparation: Use RIPA buffer for protein extraction.

    2. Primary Antibody Dilution: 1:500–1:1,000 in blocking buffer .

    3. Detection: Enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) with HRP substrates .

  • Immunohistochemistry:

    • Fixation: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.

    • Antigen Retrieval: Citrate buffer (pH 6.0) at 95°C for 20 minutes .

Validation:

  • Specificity confirmed via siRNA knockdown in HCC cell lines (HuH-7, HCC-LM3) .

  • Consistent expression patterns observed in TCGA and GEO datasets .

Clinical and Translational Relevance

  • Biomarker Potential: High RASAL2 levels predict poor chemotherapy response in TNBC but sensitize tumors to MEK/EGFR inhibitor combinations .

  • Therapeutic Targeting: RASAL2’s dual role as an oncogene or tumor suppressor (context-dependent) highlights its utility in personalized therapy .

Product Specs

Buffer
Preservative: 0.03% Proclin 300
Constituents: 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
Form
Liquid
Lead Time
Typically, we can ship your order within 1-3 business days of receiving it. Delivery times may vary depending on the purchase method or location. Please consult your local distributor for specific delivery details.
Synonyms
nGAP antibody; NGAP_HUMAN antibody; Ras GTPase-activating protein nGAP antibody; Ras protein activator like 1 antibody; RAS protein activator-like 2 antibody; RASAL2 antibody
Target Names
Uniprot No.

Target Background

Function
RASAL2 is an inhibitory regulator of the Ras-cyclic AMP pathway.
Gene References Into Functions
  1. Overexpression of miR-203 has been shown to have a similar effect to RASAL2 knockdown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. These findings suggest that RASAL2 plays an oncogenic role in HCC and could potentially be targeted for therapeutic intervention. PMID: 28447723
  2. Research indicates that up to 62% of luminal B cancers exhibit loss of expression in at least one of the DAB2IP and RASAL2 genes. However, tumors with loss of both genes are often associated with advanced disease and increased recurrence rates. Notably, this research provides evidence that DAB2IP and RASAL2 can independently function as tumor suppressors in breast cancer. PMID: 27974415
  3. RASAL2 has been shown to inhibit breast cancer tumorigenesis. PMID: 28182001
  4. These results demonstrate that miRNA-136 is a key anti-invasive miRNA and further support the oncogenic role of RASAL2 in triple-negative breast cancer. PMID: 27108696
  5. High RASAL2 expression has been correlated with liver cancer. PMID: 24763612
  6. Findings indicate that activation of a RASAL2/ARHGAP24/RAC1 module contributes to TNBC tumorigenesis and identify a context-dependent role of RASAL2 in breast cancer. PMID: 25384218
  7. Results suggest that RASAL2 functions as an EMT regulator and tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer. Downregulation of RASAL2 promotes ovarian cancer progression. PMID: 25216515
  8. Downregulation of RASAL2 promotes metastatic progression of lung adenocarcinoma. PMID: 25446096
  9. The RasGAP gene, RASAL2, is a tumor and metastasis suppressor. PMID: 24029233
  10. RASAL2 has been identified as an ECT2-interacting protein that regulates RHO activity in astrocytoma cells. PMID: 22683310

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Database Links

HGNC: 9874

OMIM: 606136

KEGG: hsa:9462

STRING: 9606.ENSP00000356621

UniGene: Hs.496139

Q&A

What is RASAL2 and what biological functions does it serve?

RASAL2 (RAS Protein Activator Like 2) is a RAS-GTPase-activating protein (RAS-GAP) that regulates RAS signaling pathways by promoting GTP hydrolysis of RAS proteins, effectively inactivating them. RASAL2 contains a characteristic GRD (GAP-related domain) and a coiled-coil structure at the C-terminus . This protein plays crucial roles in several cellular processes including:

  • Regulation of RAS-mediated signal transduction

  • Modulation of cell proliferation and metastasis pathways

  • Involvement in chemotherapy resistance mechanisms, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

  • Alteration of RAS signaling homeostasis with implications for EGFR upregulation

RASAL2 can function as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene depending on the cellular context, making it a complex target for research.

What are the key technical specifications of commercially available RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated)?

The RASAL2 Antibody conjugated with HRP is characterized by specific technical parameters essential for experimental planning:

ParameterSpecificationNotes
Target EpitopeAA 611-710 of RASAL2Specific binding region on target protein
Host SpeciesRabbitCommon for polyclonal antibody production
ClonalityPolyclonalRecognizes multiple epitopes
ReactivityHuman, MouseCross-species applications possible
ConjugateHorseradish Peroxidase (HRP)Enables direct detection without secondary antibody
ApplicationsWestern Blotting, ELISAValidated applications
Recommended Dilution1:300-1:5000 for WBOptimization may be required for specific samples
ImmunogenKLH conjugated synthetic peptide derived from human RASAL2Origin of antibody development
Purification MethodProtein AStandard purification technique

These specifications provide a foundation for experimental design and troubleshooting.

How does RASAL2 contribute to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance?

RASAL2 demonstrates context-dependent roles in cancer progression:

In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), RASAL2 functions as a mediator of chemotherapy resistance. Mechanistically, RASAL2 GAP activity is required to confer kinase inhibitor sensitivity, as RASAL2-high TNBCs sustain basal RAS activity through suppression of negative feedback regulators SPRY1/2, together with EGFR upregulation . This altered signaling creates a vulnerability to combination therapies targeting MEK1/2 and EGFR pathways.

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), upregulated RASAL2 promotes proliferation and metastasis, indicating an oncogenic role in this context . The expression of RASAL2 is higher in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for this cancer type.

High RASAL2 levels predict clinical chemotherapy response and long-term outcomes in TNBC patients and are associated with activated oncogenic Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) through direct transcriptional regulation .

What are the optimal protocols for using RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) in Western Blotting experiments?

For optimal Western Blotting results with RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated), researchers should follow this protocol:

  • Sample Preparation:

    • Extract proteins from cells or tissues using standard lysis buffers containing protease inhibitors

    • Quantify protein concentration (Bradford/BCA assay)

    • Prepare samples containing 20-50 μg of total protein per lane

    • Denature samples in Laemmli buffer at 95°C for 5 minutes

  • Gel Electrophoresis:

    • Use 8-10% SDS-PAGE gels due to RASAL2's high molecular weight (observed at 140-150 kDa)

    • Include molecular weight markers and positive controls (HeLa cell lysate is recommended)

  • Transfer and Blocking:

    • Transfer proteins to PVDF membrane (recommended over nitrocellulose for high MW proteins)

    • Block membranes with 3-5% BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature

  • Antibody Incubation:

    • Dilute RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) at 1:1000 in blocking buffer (starting point, optimize as needed)

    • Incubate membrane overnight at 4°C with gentle rocking

    • Wash 3-5 times with TBST, 5 minutes each

  • Detection:

    • Apply HRP substrate (ECL solution) directly to membrane

    • No secondary antibody is needed due to HRP conjugation

    • Expose to X-ray film or image using a digital imager

    • Expected band size: 140-150 kDa

Optimization tips: If background is high, increase washing time/stringency or further dilute primary antibody. If signal is weak, decrease antibody dilution or increase protein load.

How can researchers effectively validate RASAL2 antibody specificity to ensure experimental reliability?

Validating antibody specificity is crucial for generating reliable data. For RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated), consider these validation approaches:

  • Knockout/Knockdown Controls:

    • Perform siRNA or CRISPR-mediated knockdown/knockout of RASAL2

    • Compare signal between wildtype and KO/KD samples in Western blot

    • A specific antibody will show significantly reduced or absent signal in KO/KD samples

  • Overexpression Validation:

    • Transfect cells with RASAL2 expression vectors

    • Verify increased signal intensity in overexpressing cells

    • This confirms the antibody recognizes the target protein

  • Peptide Competition Assay:

    • Pre-incubate antibody with excess immunogenic peptide (AA 611-710)

    • Apply to duplicate blots/samples

    • Specific binding will be blocked by peptide, resulting in signal reduction

  • Cross-reactivity Assessment:

    • Test antibody on samples from different species (validated for human and mouse)

    • Compare observed patterns with expected expression profiles

    • Confirm molecular weight is consistent across samples (140-150 kDa)

  • Reproducibility Testing:

    • Repeat experiments under varying conditions

    • Use multiple detection methods (WB and ELISA)

    • Results should be consistent across different experimental setups

Documentation of these validation steps should be maintained and reported in publications to enhance experimental credibility.

What are the key considerations when using RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) for ELISA applications?

When using RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) for ELISA applications, researchers should consider these critical factors:

  • Assay Format Selection:

    • Direct ELISA: Immobilize antigen directly on plate

    • Sandwich ELISA: Requires a capture antibody (non-HRP conjugated RASAL2 antibody)

    • The HRP-conjugated format is particularly suitable for direct ELISA applications

  • Protocol Optimization:

    • Coating concentration: Titrate antigen (0.1-10 μg/ml) to determine optimal coating

    • Antibody dilution: Start at 1:1000 and optimize based on signal-to-noise ratio

    • Blocking buffer: 3% BSA in PBS is recommended to minimize background

    • Incubation times: 2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C for primary antibody

  • Controls to Include:

    • Positive control: Recombinant RASAL2 protein or lysate from cells known to express RASAL2

    • Negative control: Lysate from RASAL2 knockout cells

    • Background control: Wells with no antigen but treated with all reagents

    • Standard curve: Serial dilutions of recombinant RASAL2 for quantitative analysis

  • Signal Development:

    • Use TMB substrate for HRP detection

    • Monitor reaction kinetics to determine optimal development time

    • Stop reaction with 2N H₂SO₄ when appropriate signal intensity is achieved

    • Measure absorbance at 450 nm with reference at 570 nm

  • Troubleshooting Common Issues:

    • High background: Increase blocking time or washing stringency

    • Weak signal: Decrease antibody dilution or increase substrate incubation time

    • Inconsistent results: Standardize incubation temperatures and times

Adapting these considerations will help ensure reliable and reproducible ELISA results for RASAL2 detection.

How can RASAL2 expression patterns be correlated with chemotherapy resistance in cancer research models?

Investigating RASAL2's role in chemotherapy resistance requires sophisticated experimental approaches:

  • Expression Analysis in Resistant vs. Sensitive Models:

    • Quantify RASAL2 protein levels via Western blotting with HRP-conjugated antibody in:

      • Paired sensitive/resistant cell lines

      • Patient-derived xenografts before and after treatment

      • Clinical samples from responders vs. non-responders

    • Correlate RASAL2 expression with established resistance markers

  • Mechanistic Investigation:

    • Evaluate RASAL2 GAP activity using Ras-GTP pulldown assays

    • Assess downstream effectors (phospho-ERK, phospho-AKT)

    • Monitor negative feedback regulators SPRY1/2 as they are suppressed in RASAL2-high TNBCs

    • Analyze EGFR expression levels, which are typically upregulated in RASAL2-high scenarios

  • Functional Validation:

    • Generate stable RASAL2-overexpressing and knockdown cell lines

    • Subject to various chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, carboplatin, etc.)

    • Measure cell viability, apoptosis, and DNA damage markers

    • Test combination therapies with MEK1/2 and EGFR inhibitors, which show synergistic effects in RASAL2-high TNBCs

  • Clinical Correlation:

    • Analyze tissue microarrays with RASAL2 immunostaining

    • Correlate with treatment response data

    • Consider YAP activation status, as RASAL2 is associated with activated oncogenic YAP

Research has shown that in TNBC, high RASAL2 levels predict clinical chemotherapy response and long-term outcomes, with chemorefractory models exhibiting YAP activation and high RASAL2 expression . This suggests RASAL2 as a potential biomarker for treatment selection.

What experimental approaches can delineate the dual roles of RASAL2 as both tumor suppressor and oncogene in different cancer contexts?

The context-dependent function of RASAL2 requires careful experimental design:

  • Comparative Expression Analysis:

    • Quantify RASAL2 protein levels across multiple cancer types using HRP-conjugated antibody

    • Perform subcellular fractionation to determine localization patterns

    • Compare with normal tissue counterparts to establish baseline expression

  • Functional Genomics Approach:

    • Conduct CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout in multiple cancer cell lines

    • Perform parallel overexpression studies with wildtype RASAL2

    • Assess phenotypic changes in:

      • Proliferation rates (cell counting, EdU incorporation)

      • Invasion/migration (transwell assays, wound healing)

      • Anchorage-independent growth (soft agar assays)

      • In vivo tumorigenicity

  • Pathway Analysis:

    • Examine Ras pathway activity using Ras-GTP pulldown assays

    • Monitor MAPK and PI3K pathway activation via phospho-specific antibodies

    • Assess YAP activation status, a known RASAL2-associated factor

    • Perform RNA-seq to identify differentially regulated pathways

  • Mutational and Domain Analysis:

    • Generate GAP-deficient RASAL2 mutants

    • Create domain-specific deletions to identify critical functional regions

    • Test these constructs in rescue experiments

  • Tissue-Specific Models:

    • Develop conditional knockout mice for tissue-specific RASAL2 deletion

    • Cross with established cancer models to observe effects on tumor initiation/progression

    • Compare phenotypes across different tissue types

Research has demonstrated that RASAL2 acts as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma, promoting proliferation and metastasis , while functioning as a mediator of chemotherapy resistance but conferring sensitivity to targeted therapies in TNBC . These contrasting roles highlight the importance of cellular context in RASAL2 function.

How can researchers utilize RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) to investigate the relationship between RASAL2 and the EGFR/MEK signaling axis?

To investigate the RASAL2-EGFR/MEK relationship using RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated):

  • Co-expression Analysis:

    • Perform immunoblotting with RASAL2 (HRP-conjugated) antibody alongside EGFR, MEK, and downstream effectors

    • Create a protein expression correlation matrix across cell lines or patient samples

    • Use fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry to visualize co-expression patterns in tissue sections

  • Signaling Dynamics Assessment:

    • Treat cells with EGFR/MEK inhibitors at various timepoints

    • Monitor RASAL2 expression changes via Western blotting

    • Assess phosphorylation status of pathway components

    • Design pulse-chase experiments to determine temporal relationships

  • Feedback Mechanism Investigation:

    • Evaluate expression of feedback regulators (SPRY1/2, DUSP family)

    • Measure RAS activity after RASAL2 modulation using RAS-GTP pulldown assays

    • Quantify changes in EGFR surface expression and turnover rates

  • Combination Therapy Testing:

    • Establish RASAL2 high/low experimental models

    • Apply MEK inhibitors (trametinib, selumetinib) alone and in combination with EGFR inhibitors (erlotinib, gefitinib)

    • Monitor apoptotic response via cleaved PARP/caspase-3 detection

    • Analyze synergistic effects using combination index calculations

  • In vivo Validation:

    • Develop xenograft models with varied RASAL2 expression

    • Treat with MEK/EGFR inhibitor combinations

    • Monitor tumor regression and perform pharmacodynamic studies

    • Use western blotting with HRP-conjugated RASAL2 antibody on tumor lysates to confirm expression

Research has demonstrated that RASAL2-high TNBCs sustain basal RAS activity through suppression of negative feedback regulators SPRY1/2, together with EGFR upregulation . This creates vulnerability to combined MEK1/2 and EGFR inhibition, resulting in synergistic apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo.

What troubleshooting approaches should be considered when RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) yields inconsistent Western blot results?

When facing inconsistent results with RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) in Western blotting:

  • Sample Preparation Issues:

    • Problem: Protein degradation

    • Solution: Use fresh samples, add protease inhibitors, maintain cold chain

    • Problem: Inefficient protein extraction

    • Solution: Optimize lysis buffer composition, extend lysis time for membrane proteins

  • Electrophoresis and Transfer Challenges:

    • Problem: Poor resolution of high molecular weight proteins (RASAL2: 140-150 kDa)

    • Solution: Use lower percentage gels (8%), extend running time, implement gradient gels

    • Problem: Inefficient transfer

    • Solution: Extend transfer time, use wet transfer for large proteins, add SDS to transfer buffer

  • Antibody-Specific Considerations:

    • Problem: Non-specific binding

    • Solution: Increase antibody dilution (test range from 1:500 to 1:5000) , use more stringent washing

    • Problem: Weak signal

    • Solution: Decrease dilution, extend incubation time, ensure antibody is stored properly

    • Problem: Multiple bands

    • Solution: Verify isoforms, check for degradation products, confirm with knockdown controls

  • Detection System Factors:

    • Problem: Over-saturation

    • Solution: Shorten exposure time, reduce substrate volume

    • Problem: High background

    • Solution: Increase blocking time, use alternative blocking reagents (5% milk vs. 3% BSA)

    • Problem: Rapid signal decay

    • Solution: Use enhanced chemiluminescence reagents with extended activity

  • Systematic Approach to Optimization:

    • Test multiple positive control cell lines (HeLa cells are recommended)

    • Create a dilution matrix to optimize antibody concentration

    • Document all experimental conditions meticulously

    • Implement one change at a time to identify problematic variables

These troubleshooting strategies ensure reproducible detection of RASAL2 protein in complex biological samples.

How should researchers address cross-reactivity concerns when using RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) in multi-protein detection systems?

Managing cross-reactivity in multi-protein detection systems requires strategic approaches:

  • Sequential Detection Strategy:

    • Strip and reprobe membranes sequentially rather than attempting simultaneous detection

    • Start with HRP-conjugated RASAL2 antibody

    • Thoroughly strip membrane using commercial stripping buffer (verify complete removal)

    • Block again before applying subsequent antibodies

    • Document signal before and after stripping to ensure complete removal

  • Antibody Compatibility Assessment:

    • Test RASAL2 Antibody (HRP conjugated) alongside other primary antibodies individually

    • Create a compatibility matrix noting any cross-reactivity patterns

    • Use fluorescent multiplexing instead of chemiluminescence when possible

    • Consider species of origin for all antibodies to avoid secondary antibody cross-reactivity

  • Sample Preparation Modifications:

    • Implement subcellular fractionation to separate proteins by location

    • Use immunoprecipitation to isolate RASAL2 specifically before analysis

    • Apply gradient gels to better separate proteins of similar molecular weights

  • Control Implementation:

    • Include lysates from RASAL2 knockout cells

    • Prepare competition controls with immunizing peptide (AA 611-710)

    • Use recombinant RASAL2 protein as positive control

    • Test in systems where confounding proteins are absent

  • Data Analysis Approaches:

    • Apply computational methods to deconvolute overlapping signals

    • Normalize signals to multiple housekeeping proteins

    • Implement replicate averaging to minimize random cross-reactivity effects

    • Document all observed cross-reactivity in methods sections of publications

Following these strategies minimizes cross-reactivity issues and enhances data reliability in complex protein detection scenarios.

What are the critical considerations when designing immunoprecipitation experiments using RASAL2 Antibody for protein-protein interaction studies?

Designing effective immunoprecipitation (IP) experiments for RASAL2 protein-protein interaction studies:

  • Antibody Selection Criteria:

    • Note: HRP-conjugated antibodies are generally not ideal for IP applications

    • Use unconjugated RASAL2 antibodies for IP (e.g., catalog 22140-1-AP)

    • Ensure antibody recognizes native (non-denatured) protein

    • Validate antibody in IP applications with known RASAL2 interaction partners

  • Experimental Design Considerations:

    • Cell lysis conditions:

      • Use non-denaturing buffers (RIPA or NP-40-based)

      • Include protease and phosphatase inhibitors

      • Maintain cold chain throughout

    • Pre-clearing strategy:

      • Pre-clear lysate with Protein A/G beads before antibody addition

      • Reduces non-specific binding

    • Controls to include:

      • IgG isotype control from same species (rabbit)

      • Input sample (5-10% of lysate used for IP)

      • RASAL2 knockdown/knockout lysate

  • Optimization Parameters:

    • Antibody amount: Titrate from 1-5 μg per mg of total protein

    • Incubation conditions: Test both 4-hour and overnight incubation at 4°C

    • Washing stringency: Balance between maintaining interactions and reducing background

    • Elution method: Compare acidic elution vs. boiling in sample buffer

  • Detection Strategy for Interacting Partners:

    • Western blot using HRP-conjugated RASAL2 antibody for confirming IP success

    • Probe for suspected interaction partners (EGFR, RAS family proteins, YAP)

    • Consider mass spectrometry for unbiased interaction screening

    • Verify interactions with reverse IP (immunoprecipitate partner, detect RASAL2)

  • Functional Validation Approaches:

    • Confirm biological relevance of interactions with functional assays

    • Generate interaction-deficient mutants

    • Test effects of disrupting interactions on signaling pathways

    • Correlate interaction strength with cellular phenotypes

These considerations will help researchers design robust IP experiments to investigate RASAL2's protein interaction network and its relevance to cancer biology and therapeutic response.

How can RASAL2 expression patterns be leveraged to develop predictive biomarkers for treatment response in triple-negative breast cancer?

Developing RASAL2-based predictive biomarkers for TNBC requires systematic investigation:

  • Clinical Sample Analysis Framework:

    • Perform immunohistochemistry with validated RASAL2 antibodies on TNBC tissue microarrays

    • Correlate expression with treatment response data (pathological complete response rates)

    • Establish quantitative scoring methods (H-score, Allred score)

    • Determine optimal cutoff values for "RASAL2-high" vs. "RASAL2-low" designation

  • Multi-marker Panel Development:

    • Combine RASAL2 with other predictive markers:

      • YAP activation status (direct transcriptional regulator of RASAL2)

      • EGFR expression levels (upregulated in RASAL2-high contexts)

      • SPRY1/2 expression (suppressed in RASAL2-high TNBCs)

    • Apply machine learning algorithms to optimize marker combinations

    • Validate in independent cohorts

  • Liquid Biopsy Applications:

    • Develop protocols to detect RASAL2 in circulating tumor cells

    • Establish correlation between tissue and liquid biopsy RASAL2 levels

    • Monitor changes during treatment as potential early response indicator

    • Design multiplexed detection systems with other biomarkers

  • Functional Testing Platform:

    • Create patient-derived organoid models

    • Test MEK/EGFR inhibitor combinations based on RASAL2 expression

    • Establish ex vivo predictive assay protocols

    • Correlate with in vivo response data

  • Clinical Trial Implementation Strategy:

    • Design prospective trials stratifying patients by RASAL2 expression

    • Test MEK1/2 and EGFR inhibitor combinations in RASAL2-high cohorts

    • Implement sequential biopsy protocols to monitor dynamic changes

    • Correlate outcomes with baseline and on-treatment biomarkers

Research has demonstrated that high RASAL2 levels predict clinical chemotherapy response and long-term outcomes in TNBC patients . Furthermore, RASAL2-high tumors show profound collateral sensitivity to combination MEK1/2 and EGFR inhibitors despite well-tolerated intermittent dosing , suggesting promising therapeutic opportunities.

What methodological approaches can effectively study the regulation of RASAL2 by miR-203 in hepatocellular carcinoma research models?

To investigate miR-203 regulation of RASAL2 in hepatocellular carcinoma:

  • Expression Correlation Analysis:

    • Quantify RASAL2 protein levels via Western blotting with HRP-conjugated antibody

    • Measure miR-203 expression by qRT-PCR in matched samples

    • Perform correlation analysis across HCC cell lines and patient samples

    • Compare expression patterns in tumor vs. adjacent normal tissues

  • Direct Regulation Validation:

    • Identify putative miR-203 binding sites in RASAL2 3'UTR using bioinformatic tools

    • Construct luciferase reporters containing wildtype and mutated binding sites

    • Perform luciferase assays after miR-203 mimic/inhibitor transfection

    • Conduct RNA immunoprecipitation with Ago2 to capture miRNA-target interactions

  • Functional Impact Assessment:

    • Modulate miR-203 levels (mimics, inhibitors) and measure RASAL2 protein expression

    • Perform rescue experiments:

      • Overexpress miR-203-resistant RASAL2 (lacking 3'UTR) in miR-203 overexpressing cells

      • Assess reversal of phenotypes (proliferation, metastasis)

    • Monitor downstream RAS pathway activity using phospho-specific antibodies

  • In vivo Modeling:

    • Develop xenograft models with modified miR-203/RASAL2 expression

    • Analyze tumor growth, metastasis formation, and RASAL2 expression in situ

    • Test therapeutic approaches targeting this axis

    • Correlate findings with patient outcomes

  • Clinical Translation:

    • Analyze miR-203 and RASAL2 expression in patient cohorts

    • Stratify patients based on expression patterns

    • Correlate with clinical parameters and outcomes

    • Assess potential as prognostic or predictive biomarkers

Research has shown that RASAL2 is upregulated in HCC tissues compared to normal liver tissues and promotes proliferation and metastasis . The targeting of RASAL2 by miR-203 represents a potential regulatory mechanism that could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.

What are the latest methodological advancements for studying RASAL2's role in altering RAS signaling homeostasis and EGFR upregulation?

Cutting-edge approaches to investigate RASAL2's impact on RAS signaling and EGFR regulation:

  • Advanced Live-Cell Imaging Techniques:

    • FRET-based RAS activity biosensors to monitor real-time RAS activation

    • Fluorescently-tagged RASAL2 to track subcellular localization

    • Dual-color imaging to visualize RASAL2-EGFR co-localization patterns

    • Photoactivatable RAS proteins to study spatiotemporal regulation by RASAL2

  • Systems Biology Approaches:

    • Phosphoproteomics to capture global signaling changes upon RASAL2 modulation

    • Computational modeling of feedback loops in RAS-MAPK pathways

    • Network analysis to identify critical nodes influenced by RASAL2

    • Single-cell RNA-seq to capture heterogeneity in response to RASAL2 alteration

  • CRISPR-Based Functional Genomics:

    • CRISPR activation/interference for endogenous RASAL2 modulation

    • CRISPR screens to identify synthetic lethal interactions with RASAL2

    • Base editing to introduce specific RASAL2 mutations

    • CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair for tagging endogenous RASAL2

  • Advanced Protein Interaction Analysis:

    • Proximity labeling (BioID, APEX) to identify RASAL2 interaction partners

    • Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to map interaction interfaces

    • Co-immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative proteomics

    • In situ proximity ligation assays to visualize endogenous protein interactions

  • Translational Model Systems:

    • Patient-derived organoids with RASAL2 modifications

    • Humanized mouse models for testing targeted therapies

    • Ex vivo tissue slice cultures to maintain tumor microenvironment

    • Microfluidic "tumor-on-a-chip" models for drug response studies

Research has revealed that RASAL2-high TNBCs sustain basal RAS activity through suppression of negative feedback regulators SPRY1/2, together with EGFR upregulation . This altered signaling homeostasis creates a vulnerability to combined MEK1/2 and EGFR inhibition. These advanced methodologies can further elucidate the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and identify additional therapeutic targets.

How might emerging research on RASAL2 influence future therapeutic targeting strategies for cancer treatment?

The evolving understanding of RASAL2 biology suggests several promising therapeutic directions:

  • Precision Medicine Applications:

    • RASAL2 expression profiling as a patient stratification biomarker

    • Customized treatment protocols based on RASAL2 status:

      • MEK/EGFR inhibitor combinations for RASAL2-high TNBC

      • Conventional chemotherapy for RASAL2-low tumors

    • Monitoring RASAL2 levels during treatment to predict acquired resistance

  • Novel Drug Development Opportunities:

    • Direct targeting of RASAL2's GAP activity

    • Disruption of RASAL2-EGFR regulatory axis

    • Modulation of YAP-RASAL2 transcriptional regulation

    • Development of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for RASAL2 degradation

  • Combination Therapy Optimization:

    • Intermittent dosing schedules for MEK/EGFR inhibitors based on RASAL2 expression

    • Triple combinations incorporating YAP inhibitors

    • Sequential therapy approaches to prevent resistance development

    • Chemotherapy sensitization strategies targeting RASAL2-mediated pathways

  • Immunotherapy Integration:

    • Exploration of RASAL2's impact on tumor immune microenvironment

    • Development of combinatorial approaches with immune checkpoint inhibitors

    • Investigation of RASAL2's role in immunogenic cell death mechanisms

    • Potential for CAR-T approaches targeting RASAL2-regulated surface proteins

  • RNA Therapeutics Potential:

    • miRNA-based therapies targeting RASAL2 (e.g., miR-203 mimics for HCC)

    • siRNA delivery systems for RASAL2 silencing

    • mRNA vaccines incorporating RASAL2 epitopes

    • Antisense oligonucleotides targeting RASAL2 splicing variants

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