RBM3 antibodies are pivotal in elucidating the protein’s molecular interactions and biological functions:
Transcriptome Binding Analysis: Immunoprecipitation studies using RBM3 antibodies identified 2,933 unique transcripts bound to RBM3 in skeletal muscle myotubes, revealing associations with translation factor activity, RNA cap binding, and muscle cell development .
Cellular Proliferation and Survival: RBM3 knockdown via siRNA reduced cell viability under serum deprivation, while overexpression rescued viability by restoring translation efficacy, as confirmed through immunoblotting and viability assays .
Stress Response Mechanisms: In hypothermic conditions, RBM3 antibodies detected upregulated protein levels linked to enhanced cell survival, particularly in neurons and myoblasts .
RBM3 antibodies have uncovered dual roles in tumor progression:
Muscle Atrophy Prevention: RBM3 antibodies validated its role in inhibiting disuse atrophy in myotubes and maintaining muscle size during hypertrophy .
Neuroprotection: RBM3 overexpression, detected via immunohistochemistry, mitigates synapse loss in Alzheimer’s models .
Specificity: Antibodies must distinguish RBM3 from homologous proteins (e.g., RBM24) through rigorous validation via knockout controls .
Assay Compatibility: Commonly used in Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) .
Species Reactivity: Most commercial antibodies target human and murine RBM3, critical for translational studies .
Biomarker Potential: RBM3 expression status is being evaluated as a predictive biomarker for chemotherapy response in pancreatic and breast cancers .
Targeted Therapies: siRNA-mediated RBM3 knockdown reduces tumor aggressiveness in preclinical models, highlighting its viability as a therapeutic target .
RBM3 antibodies have been validated for multiple applications, with specific performance characteristics depending on the antibody clone and manufacturer. Based on comprehensive validation data, RBM3 antibodies can be reliably used in:
| Application | Validated Use | Typical Dilution Range |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | Detection of 17-20 kDa RBM3 protein | 1:5000-1:50000 |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | Tissue expression analysis | 1:50-1:500 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF)/ICC | Cellular localization studies | 1:50-1:500 |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | Protein complex isolation | Application-specific |
| RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) | RNA-protein interaction studies | Application-specific |
It is recommended to optimize antibody concentrations for each specific experimental system to obtain optimal results . Sample-dependent variations may require titration to achieve ideal signal-to-noise ratios.
To maintain antibody activity, most RBM3 antibodies should be stored at -20°C in PBS containing 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3. Under these conditions, the antibodies remain stable for approximately one year after shipment. Aliquoting is generally unnecessary for -20°C storage. Some preparations may contain 0.1% BSA in smaller sizes (20μl) . Always refer to the specific storage recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your particular antibody.
For optimal RBM3 detection in tissue sections:
Paraformaldehyde fixation has been successfully employed in cell lines
For FFPE tissue sections, antigen retrieval with TE buffer pH 9.0 is recommended
Alternatively, citrate buffer pH 6.0 may be used for antigen retrieval
These parameters have been validated across multiple tissue types including human testis, lung, brain, kidney, and spleen tissues .
RBM3 shows predominantly nuclear localization in most cell types when detected by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Nuclear expression is particularly associated with favorable prognosis in several cancer types . While cytoplasmic expression can also be observed, it is the nuclear fraction that is typically quantified and correlated with clinical outcomes .
When performing immunofluorescence visualization, RBM3 (green) can be effectively counterstained with cytoskeletal markers such as alpha-tubulin (red) to clearly delineate nuclear versus cytoplasmic localization .
RBM3 shows differential expression patterns:
Upregulated in multiple cancer types compared to corresponding normal tissues
In normal tissues, expression has been documented in multiple organs with varying intensity
Different cancer types show distinct patterns of RBM3 expression
In breast cancer, high nuclear RBM3 expression correlates with:
Low grade tumors (P<0.001)
Smaller tumor size (P<0.001)
Estrogen receptor positivity (P<0.001)
In lung cancer, adenocarcinomas show higher RBM3 expression levels than squamous cell carcinomas (P<0.0001) .
RBM3 is characterized by:
Calculated molecular weight: 17 kDa
Structure: N-terminal RNA recognition motif (RRM) consisting of 84 residues that adopts a βαββαβ topology
C-terminal region: Rich in RGG and YGG motifs and is intrinsically disordered
The solution NMR structure shows that the RRM domain forms the RNA-binding interface through its beta-sheet and two loops. The key interactions between RNA and the RRM domain include hydrogen bonding, pi-pi, and pi-cation interactions .
As a cold-shock protein, RBM3 exhibits interesting temperature-dependent properties:
Oligomerization of RBM3 is favored by decreased temperature, which may be linked to its function as a cold-shock protein
Temperature-dependent NMR studies reveal that the oligomerization of the RRM domain occurs via nonspecific interactions
RBM3 enhances global protein synthesis at both physiological and mild hypothermic temperatures
When studying temperature effects on RBM3, experimental design should account for potential oligomerization artifacts
These temperature-dependent properties may be particularly relevant for researchers studying neuroprotection or hypothermia-related cellular processes, as high levels of RBM3 expression correlate with improved outcomes in hypothermia-treated stroke and trauma patients .
Comprehensive validation of RBM3 antibodies should include multiple complementary approaches:
siRNA gene silencing to confirm signal reduction
Western blotting to confirm specific band detection at 17-20 kDa
Immunohistochemistry on known positive/negative tissue controls
Cell line panels with differential expression patterns
Epitope mapping using:
In published studies, correlation between antibodies from different sources provides additional validation. For example, in colorectal cancer cohorts, two different antibodies (one polyclonal and one monoclonal) showed high correlation (R=0.81, p<0.001) .
RBM3 has emerged as a significant prognostic marker across multiple cancer types:
An interesting discrepancy exists between mRNA and protein expression levels of RBM3 in cancer studies:
This discrepancy highlights the importance of protein-level analyses, particularly examining subcellular localization, when investigating RBM3 as a biomarker.
RBM3 has been implicated in modulating response to cisplatin treatment:
RBM3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in the cisplatin-sensitive A2780 cell line compared to the cisplatin-resistant A2780-Cp70 derivative
siRNA-mediated silencing of RBM3 in A2780 cells resulted in decreased sensitivity to cisplatin as demonstrated by:
These findings suggest RBM3 may serve as both a prognostic marker and a potential predictor of treatment response
This mechanism may explain why high RBM3 expression correlates with better clinical outcomes in several cancer types, potentially through enhanced sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy regimens.
The RNA-binding properties of RBM3 are central to its biological functions:
The N-terminal RRM domain forms the primary RNA-binding interface via its beta-sheet and two loops
Key interactions between RNA and the RRM domain include hydrogen bonding, pi-pi, and pi-cation interactions
RBM3 can reduce the relative abundance of microRNAs when overexpressed
It enhances phosphorylation of translation initiation factors and promotes active polysome formation
The protein participates in synaptic plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory
Understanding the specific RNA targets and binding mechanisms of RBM3 is an active area of research that may explain its diverse roles in cellular processes and disease states.
When encountering inconsistent results with different RBM3 antibodies:
Compare epitope specificity - different antibodies may target distinct regions of RBM3:
Validate each antibody using multiple approaches:
Western blotting to confirm the correct molecular weight (17-20 kDa)
siRNA knockdown to demonstrate specificity
Use positive and negative control tissues/cell lines
Consider performing correlation analyses between antibodies:
Document and report the specific clone and catalog number in publications to enhance reproducibility
For consistent and reproducible evaluation of RBM3 expression in tissue samples:
Use a combined scoring approach that considers both:
Consider different scoring thresholds for different histological subtypes:
Employ digital image analysis when possible to reduce subjectivity
Validate scoring methods through:
Independent observer assessment
Correlation with clinical outcomes
Comparison with established biomarkers
In multivariate analyses, control for relevant clinical variables such as stage, grade, treatment, and patient characteristics
The cold-shock properties of RBM3 present intriguing therapeutic possibilities:
Neuroprotection strategies:
Cancer therapy approaches:
Therapeutic temperature modulation:
Local or systemic temperature modulation might alter RBM3 expression and function in targeted tissues
This could potentially enhance chemosensitivity in tumors or provide protection in normal tissues
Synaptic plasticity and cognitive enhancement:
Future research should examine how these temperature-dependent properties might be selectively modulated in different tissue contexts.
The divergent prognostic implications of RBM3 across different tissue types present an intriguing research question:
In lung cancer, high RBM3 expression is associated with better outcomes in adenocarcinoma but shows a trend toward worse outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma
Potential explanations requiring further investigation include:
Tissue-specific RNA targets and binding partners
Different post-translational modifications in different cellular contexts
Varying subcellular localization patterns
Interaction with tissue-specific transcription factors or signaling pathways
Future research directions should include:
Comprehensive RNA-binding studies in different tissue contexts
Identification of tissue-specific interaction partners
Analysis of post-translational modifications across tissue types
Integration with tissue-specific gene expression programs
Understanding these tissue-specific effects will be crucial for developing targeted therapeutic approaches based on RBM3 modulation.