RASGRP2 (CDC25L/MCG7) regulates:
Platelet activation: Critical for integrin-mediated aggregation .
Immune cell adhesion: Facilitates T-lymphocyte/neutrophil adhesion via Rap1 activation .
Apoptosis suppression: Inhibits Bax-induced mitochondrial apoptosis via R-Ras-PI3K-Akt signaling .
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD):
Immune infiltration:
| Immune Cell Type | Correlation with RASGRP2 (r-value) | P-value |
|---|---|---|
| B cells | 0.517 | <0.001 |
| Th1 cells | 0.500 | <0.001 |
| Cytotoxic cells | 0.499 | <0.001 |
| Th2 cells | -0.291 | <0.001 |
High RASGRP2 expression associates with elevated PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4 levels, suggesting responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors .
Endothelial protection:
Diagnostic utility: ROC analysis shows AUC = 0.875 for distinguishing LUAD from normal tissue .
Therapeutic targeting:
RASGRP2, also known as CalDAG-GEFI, CDC25L, and MCG7, belongs to the RASGRP family and functions primarily as a calcium- and diacylglycerol (DAG)-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). It specifically activates Rap through the exchange of bound GDP for GTP and may also activate other GTPases such as RRAS, RRAS2, NRAS, and KRAS, but not HRAS .
RASGRP2 plays critical roles in:
Aggregation of platelets through inside-out integrin activation
Adhesion of T-lymphocytes and neutrophils
The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1/CHRM1 signaling pathway
Suppression of Bax activation-induced apoptosis via R-Ras-PI3K-Akt signaling
The protein has a calculated molecular weight of 69 kDa, though it may be observed at different weights in various experimental contexts (48-69 kDa) .
RASGRP2 antibodies have been validated for multiple experimental applications with specific recommended protocols:
It is strongly recommended that researchers titrate antibodies in their specific testing systems to optimize results, as antibody performance can be sample-dependent .
RASGRP2 expression has been validated in multiple cell types, with particularly robust expression in:
T-lymphocytes (important for adhesion functions)
Neutrophils (regulates β1 and β2 integrin expression and function)
For antibody validation, positive Western blot results have been detected in:
Jurkat cells (T lymphocyte line)
MOLT-4 cells (acute lymphoblastic leukemia)
Recent research has also identified important roles for RASGRP2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), where it functions as a potential immune-related biomarker .
For optimal RASGRP2 antibody stability and performance, the following storage and handling protocols are recommended:
Store at -20°C in the buffer provided (typically PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol, pH 7.3)
Antibodies remain stable for one year after shipment when properly stored
Aliquoting is generally unnecessary for -20°C storage
Some preparations (20μl sizes) may contain 0.1% BSA as a stabilizer
When working with the antibody:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Allow the antibody to equilibrate to room temperature before opening
Centrifuge briefly before use to collect solution at the bottom of the vial
Return to -20°C immediately after use
Antibody precipitation may indicate reduced stability or compromised function, as observed with some RASGRP2 mutants that showed increased precipitation during purification processes .
Thorough validation of RASGRP2 antibodies should include:
Western Blot Validation:
Specificity Testing:
Test reactivity across species (human, mouse) if cross-reactivity is claimed
Validate using peptide blocking experiments with the immunogen
Ideally compare results with multiple RASGRP2 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Functional Validation:
For flow cytometry, compare expression in known positive cells (e.g., Jurkat) versus negative controls
For CoIP experiments, validate interaction partners documented in literature
Consider validating with recombinant RASGRP2 protein as a positive control
Include parallel testing of related proteins (e.g., Rap1, Rasa3) to ensure specificity, as demonstrated in studies of RASGRP2 mutations .
For optimal Western blot detection of RASGRP2, consider the following protocol adjustments:
Sample Preparation:
Gel Electrophoresis:
Antibody Incubation:
Detection Optimization:
For low expression samples, consider enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrates
Secondary antibody selection should match host species (typically anti-rabbit IgG)
Adjust exposure times based on signal intensity
If weak or nonspecific signals are observed, further optimization through antibody titration and adjustment of blocking conditions may be necessary.
RASGRP2 plays a critical role in suppressing Bax activation-induced apoptosis through a mechanism independent of its well-known Rap1 activation function. Research using BAM7 and anisomycin (apoptosis inducers) has revealed:
R-Ras Activation Mechanism:
Signaling Cascade:
Experimental Evidence:
RASGRP2-stable overexpression in immortalized HUVECs (R cells) showed significant protection against BAM7- and anisomycin-induced apoptosis compared to Mock cells
Importantly, this protection operated independently of the ROS production pathway, distinguishing it from TNF-α-induced apoptosis mechanisms
This pathway represents a novel function of RASGRP2 in cellular protection and suggests that RASGRP2 antibodies may be valuable tools for investigating mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis mechanisms in various disease contexts.
RASGRP2 mutations have been identified as important causes of inherited platelet function disorders characterized by bleeding diathesis. Key findings include:
Clinical Presentation:
Molecular Mechanisms:
Mutations in RASGRP2 impair CalDAG-GEFI expression and/or function
This leads to defective αIIbβ3 integrin activation in platelets
Multiple mutation types have been identified, including:
Functional Consequences:
Geographic Distribution:
RASGRP2 antibodies are valuable tools for characterizing these disorders, particularly for assessing protein expression levels in patient platelets through Western blotting and other techniques.
Recent research has revealed important connections between RASGRP2 and cancer biology, with particular significance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD):
Expression Patterns:
Immune Regulation:
Molecular Mechanisms:
Research Applications:
RASGRP2 antibodies are essential tools for studying these mechanisms
Particularly useful for:
Expression analysis in tumor samples
Correlation with immune cell infiltration markers
Mechanistic studies of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis
These findings suggest RASGRP2 could serve as a potential immune-related biomarker in LUAD and potentially other cancers, making RASGRP2 antibodies valuable tools for cancer immunology research.
When using RASGRP2 antibodies for flow cytometry, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Sample Preparation:
Antibody Selection:
Choose antibodies specifically validated for flow cytometry applications
Consider clone specificity and background signal characteristics
For dual staining experiments, select antibodies with compatible fluorophores and minimal spectral overlap
Protocol Optimization:
Titrate antibody concentrations to determine optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Include proper blocking steps to minimize non-specific binding
Use appropriate isotype controls matched to the primary antibody
Set up compensation properly when using multiple fluorochromes
Data Interpretation:
RASGRP2 should show primarily intracellular localization
Compare expression patterns with known positive controls (e.g., Jurkat cells)
Consider analyzing correlation with activation status in immune cells or platelets
When studying mutations, compare with wild-type expression patterns as reference
Special Considerations:
For platelet studies, careful activation control is critical as activation state affects RASGRP2 localization
For cancer studies, correlation with other markers may provide functional insights
When examining neutrophils, consider concurrent analysis of integrin activation markers
These technical considerations will help ensure reliable and reproducible results when examining RASGRP2 expression and function using flow cytometry.
Researchers may encounter several challenges when working with RASGRP2 antibodies. Here are solutions to common problems:
If protein precipitation occurs during purification or experiments (as observed with some RASGRP2 mutants), this may indicate compromised protein stability and require adjustment of buffer conditions or experimental approach .
Selecting appropriate controls is critical for validating RASGRP2 antibodies across different applications:
Positive Controls:
Cell Lines:
Tissue Samples:
Platelets - High RASGRP2 expression
T-lymphocytes - Known expression
Neutrophils - Validated expression
Recombinant Proteins:
Purified wild-type RASGRP2 protein
Tagged RASGRP2 expression constructs
Negative Controls:
Methodological Controls:
Secondary antibody only
Isotype control antibodies
Pre-immune serum (for polyclonal antibodies)
Genetic Controls:
Blocking Controls:
Pre-incubation of antibody with immunizing peptide
Competition assays with unlabeled antibody
Validation Approaches:
Compare antibody performance across multiple sample types
Verify specificity across species if cross-reactivity is claimed
Confirm detection at expected molecular weight (calculated: 69 kDa, though 48 kDa has been observed with some antibodies)
Test across multiple applications to ensure consistent results
These controls help ensure antibody specificity and reliability across experimental applications.
Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) with RASGRP2 antibodies can provide valuable insights into protein-protein interactions. Here's a methodological approach for effective CoIP experiments:
Antibody Selection:
Sample Preparation:
Cell lysis conditions are critical:
Use gentle, non-ionic detergents (0.5-1% NP-40 or Triton X-100)
Include protease and phosphatase inhibitors
Perform lysis at 4°C to preserve protein-protein interactions
Pre-clear lysates with appropriate control beads/antibodies
Immunoprecipitation Protocol:
Antibody binding:
Incubate antibody with lysate (typically 2-5 μg per 500 μg protein)
Overnight incubation at 4°C with gentle rotation
Capture with protein A/G beads:
1-2 hours incubation with beads
Gentle washing (3-5 times) with cold buffer
Elution:
Gentle elution to preserve interactions
SDS-PAGE sample buffer for Western blot analysis
Controls and Validation:
Analytical Considerations:
Western blot detection of co-precipitated proteins
Consider mass spectrometry for unbiased interaction screening
Functional validation of identified interactions
This approach will help identify and validate RASGRP2 interaction partners, contributing to a better understanding of its role in various signaling pathways, particularly in platelet function and apoptosis regulation.
RASGRP2 is emerging as a potential therapeutic target with several promising research directions:
Platelet Disorders and Bleeding Risk:
RASGRP2 mutations are associated with bleeding disorders characterized by impaired platelet function
Understanding RASGRP2 function could lead to:
Cancer Immunotherapy Connections:
RASGRP2 functions as a potential immune-related biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)
Research indicates RASGRP2 is positively correlated with:
These findings suggest RASGRP2 could be:
A predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response
A target for enhancing immune infiltration in "cold" tumors
Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms:
RASGRP2 inhibits cell proliferation in LUAD through regulation of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis
The R-Ras-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway regulated by RASGRP2 represents a potential therapeutic target
Modulating RASGRP2-dependent hexokinase-2 (HK-2) translocation to mitochondria could offer new approaches to cancer treatment
RASGRP2 antibodies are essential tools for advancing these research directions, particularly for assessing protein expression, localization, and interaction with potential therapeutic targets.
Recent research has expanded our understanding of RASGRP2 mutations and their clinical significance:
These findings highlight the importance of continued research into RASGRP2 mutations for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Different RASGRP2 antibody clones exhibit varying characteristics that can significantly impact research applications:
Comparative Analysis:
Application Suitability:
Species Considerations:
Epitope Recognition:
C-terminal targeting (19745-1-AP) may be advantageous for detecting truncation mutations
Different epitope recognition can affect detection of specific post-translational modifications
Molecular Weight Variations:
When selecting an antibody, researchers should consider these differences and choose the most appropriate clone based on their specific experimental requirements, target species, and detection method.
For effective immunohistochemical (IHC) detection of RASGRP2 in tissue samples, the following protocol is recommended:
Tissue Preparation:
Fixation: 10% neutral buffered formalin (24-48 hours)
Processing: Standard paraffin embedding
Sectioning: 4-5 μm thick sections
Mounting: Positively charged slides
Antigen Retrieval:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER):
Citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
Pressure cooker: 125°C for 3 minutes or
Microwave: 95-98°C for 15-20 minutes
Allow sections to cool to room temperature (20 minutes)
Blocking and Antibody Incubation:
Peroxidase blocking: 3% H₂O₂ (10 minutes)
Protein blocking: 5% normal serum (1 hour)
Primary antibody:
Dilution: Start with manufacturer recommendations; titrate as needed
Incubation: Overnight at 4°C or 1-2 hours at room temperature
Washing: PBS-Tween (3 × 5 minutes)
Secondary antibody: HRP-conjugated (30-60 minutes)
Washing: PBS-Tween (3 × 5 minutes)
Detection and Counterstaining:
DAB chromogen: Apply until signal develops (2-10 minutes)
Counterstain: Hematoxylin (30-60 seconds)
Dehydration: Ascending ethanol series
Clearing: Xylene
Mounting: Permanent mounting medium
Controls and Validation:
Positive tissue controls: Lymphoid tissues, platelets
Negative controls: Primary antibody omission
Isotype controls: Matching antibody isotype
Interpretation Considerations:
This protocol can be further optimized based on specific tissue types and research objectives. For lung adenocarcinoma studies, correlation with immune cell markers may provide valuable insights into the relationship between RASGRP2 expression and immune infiltration.
To investigate RASGRP2's role in apoptotic pathways, particularly its anti-apoptotic function via R-Ras-PI3K-Akt signaling, consider the following experimental design:
Expression Modulation Studies:
Overexpression System:
Knockdown/Knockout Approaches:
siRNA/shRNA targeting RASGRP2
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knockout
Validate knockdown/knockout efficiency by Western blot with RASGRP2 antibodies
Apoptosis Induction and Assessment:
Inducers:
Measurement Methods:
Flow cytometry for Annexin V/PI staining
Caspase activity assays (Caspase 3/7)
TUNEL assay for DNA fragmentation
Western blot for cleaved PARP and cleaved caspases
Pathway Analysis:
R-Ras Activation:
PI3K-Akt Signaling:
Western blot for phosphorylated Akt
PI3K inhibitors (e.g., LY294002) to block pathway
Akt inhibitors to confirm downstream effects
Mitochondrial Function Assessment:
Bax Translocation:
Subcellular fractionation and Western blot
Immunofluorescence microscopy for Bax localization
Hexokinase-2 (HK-2) Translocation:
Mitochondrial fractionation
Co-immunoprecipitation with mitochondrial markers
Immunofluorescence for co-localization
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential:
Validation in Disease Models:
These experimental approaches will help elucidate RASGRP2's role in apoptotic regulation and potentially identify new therapeutic targets for diseases involving dysregulated apoptosis.
To investigate RASGRP2's role in immune cell infiltration in cancer, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma where it serves as a potential immune-related biomarker, researchers can employ the following methodological approaches:
Expression Analysis in Clinical Samples:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC):
Multi-staining approaches combining RASGRP2 with immune cell markers
Quantitative image analysis of staining patterns and co-localization
Correlation with patient outcomes and treatment responses
Transcriptomic Analysis:
Computational Approaches:
ESTIMATE Algorithm:
Single-Cell Analysis:
Single-cell RNA sequencing of tumor-infiltrating immune cells
Compare RASGRP2 expression across different immune populations
Identify cell-specific roles and regulatory mechanisms
Functional Validation:
Co-culture Systems:
Establish co-cultures of cancer cells with immune components
Modulate RASGRP2 expression to assess effects on immune cell recruitment
Measure changes in cytokine/chemokine production
Migration and Adhesion Assays:
Molecular Mechanisms:
Immune Checkpoint Expression:
Chemokine Regulation:
Analyze expression of chemokines (CCL14, CXCR5, CCR7) in relation to RASGRP2
Chemokine receptor signaling studies
Chemotaxis assays with conditioned media
In Vivo Models:
Syngeneic Mouse Models:
Establish tumors with varying RASGRP2 expression levels
Analyze immune infiltration by flow cytometry and IHC
Test combination with immunotherapy approaches
Patient-Derived Xenografts:
Humanized mouse models to study human immune interactions
Correlation of RASGRP2 expression with infiltration patterns
Therapeutic intervention studies
These methodological approaches provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how RASGRP2 influences immune cell infiltration in cancer, potentially identifying new strategies for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy in patients with varying RASGRP2 expression levels.
When selecting a RASGRP2 antibody for research, consider these essential factors:
Application Compatibility:
Western Blot: Most antibodies are validated; recommended dilutions range from 1:1000-1:6000
Flow Cytometry: Requires antibodies specifically validated for intracellular staining
Co-IP: Select antibodies validated for maintaining protein-protein interactions
Species Reactivity:
Antibody Format:
Epitope Consideration:
Validation Status:
Technical Specifications: