Recombinant Mouse Uncharacterized protein C12orf70 homolog is a protein expressed in Mus musculus with the Uniprot identification number Q9DA21 . It is classified as an uncharacterized protein, meaning its precise biological function remains to be fully elucidated through experimental research. The recombinant form is typically produced in E. coli expression systems to enable laboratory investigations . The full-length protein consists of 347 amino acids, though partial versions are also available for research purposes .
The C12orf70 homolog protein has a specific amino acid sequence that begins with MMSLQLGTAGKERQLAEKSRDLQNVSMTEGSEEVSEMDHISDRPDEKDKPSENLQTDSLY and continues through a series of defined residues . Structural analyses suggest potential functional domains, though these require further experimental validation. Researchers should note that this protein is homologous to the human C12orf70 protein, with conserved regions suggesting evolutionary significance. The amino acid sequence can be used for alignments and structural predictions to guide hypothesis generation in functional studies.
For maximum stability and research reliability, the following storage conditions are recommended:
Lyophilized form has a shelf life of approximately 12 months when stored at -20°C or -80°C
Liquid form maintains stability for approximately 6 months at -20°C or -80°C
Working aliquots should be stored at 4°C for no more than one week
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided to prevent protein degradation
Researchers should centrifuge vials briefly before opening to ensure all content is at the bottom of the tube . For long-term storage, adding glycerol to a final concentration of 50% is recommended, though this percentage can be adjusted based on specific experimental requirements .
When investigating uncharacterized proteins like C12orf70 homolog, researchers should consider the following experimental design approaches:
True Experimental Design:
This approach requires random assignment of subjects to control and treatment groups, with the researcher having control over the treatment variables . For protein function studies, this might involve randomly assigning cell cultures to different treatment conditions (e.g., with or without the protein of interest).
Quasi-Experimental Design:
This is appropriate when true randomization is not feasible for ethical or practical reasons . For example, when studying the protein's effects in pre-existing animal models with specific genetic backgrounds. The key characteristics of quasi-experimental design include:
| True Experimental Design | Quasi-Experimental Design |
|---|---|
| Random assignment to groups | Non-random assignment to groups |
| Researcher designs treatment | Researcher often studies pre-existing conditions |
| Requires control and treatment groups | Control groups not always required (but commonly used) |
Quasi-experimental designs are particularly valuable when studying protein function in complex biological systems where complete control of variables may be impossible .
For optimal experimental results, follow these reconstitution guidelines:
Centrifuge the vial briefly before opening to ensure the protein pellet is at the bottom
Reconstitute in deionized sterile water to achieve a concentration between 0.1-1.0 mg/mL
For long-term storage of reconstituted protein, add glycerol to a final concentration of 5-50%
Aliquot the reconstituted protein to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Validate protein activity after reconstitution using appropriate functional assays
The reconstitution buffer may need optimization based on the specific experimental applications planned, particularly for functional studies that may require specific ionic conditions or pH ranges.
Verification of protein purity and identity is critical for experimental reliability. The following methodological approaches are recommended:
SDS-PAGE Analysis: The commercial recombinant protein typically shows >85% purity by SDS-PAGE . Researchers should run their own validation gels to confirm this specification.
Western Blot Analysis: Using antibodies specific to either the protein itself or to the tag included in the recombinant construct (tag type is determined during the manufacturing process) .
Mass Spectrometry: For precise molecular weight determination and confirmation of post-translational modifications.
Sequence Verification: If necessary, partial sequencing can confirm the identity of the protein.
Functional Assays: Development of activity-based assays, though challenging for uncharacterized proteins, can provide further validation.
Researchers should document all verification procedures in their experimental protocols to ensure reproducibility and reliability of subsequent findings.
When investigating potential interaction partners of this uncharacterized protein, researchers should consider these methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP): Design antibodies against C12orf70 homolog or utilize the tag present in the recombinant construct.
Yeast Two-Hybrid Screening: Particularly useful for initial identification of potential binding partners.
Proximity Labeling: Methods such as BioID or APEX can identify proteins in close proximity to C12orf70 homolog in living cells.
Pull-down Assays: Using the recombinant protein as bait to identify binding partners from cellular lysates.
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR): For quantitative measurement of binding kinetics with candidate interaction partners.
Each approach requires careful experimental controls, including:
Negative controls using unrelated proteins of similar size/structure
Validation of interactions using multiple independent methods
Consideration of tag interference with protein interactions
Assessment of biological relevance of identified interactions
When analyzing experimental data for uncharacterized proteins like C12orf70 homolog, researchers should employ rigorous statistical methods:
For Comparative Studies:
Use t-tests for comparing two conditions (e.g., wild-type vs. knockout)
Employ ANOVA for multiple condition comparisons with appropriate post-hoc tests
Consider non-parametric alternatives when data does not meet normality assumptions
For Correlation Studies:
Use Pearson's correlation for parametric data or Spearman's rank correlation for non-parametric data
Employ regression analysis to identify potential functional relationships
For High-Throughput Data (e.g., from proteomics or transcriptomics):
Multiple testing correction methods (e.g., Benjamini-Hochberg procedure)
Clustering analysis to identify patterns of coregulation
Principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality and identify major sources of variation
For Reproducibility:
Calculate confidence intervals to indicate precision of estimates
Report effect sizes along with p-values
Consider power analysis for appropriate sample size determination
Functional prediction for uncharacterized proteins should follow a systematic approach:
Sequence-Based Analysis:
Homology detection through BLAST and HMM-based searches
Domain prediction using databases like Pfam, SMART, and InterPro
Secondary structure prediction
Structural Analysis:
Homology modeling based on known structures of related proteins
Ab initio modeling for novel folds
Molecular dynamics simulations to predict dynamic behavior
Experimental Validation:
Target selected predicted functions for experimental testing
Design experiments with appropriate positive and negative controls
Use multiple orthogonal approaches to validate predictions
Integration with Omics Data:
Gene expression correlation analysis
Protein-protein interaction network analysis
Phenotypic data from knockout/knockdown models
It's crucial to document both confirmed and refuted functional predictions to build a comprehensive understanding of the protein's role.
Researchers face several methodological challenges when working with uncharacterized proteins:
Lack of Known Function:
Approach: Employ computational prediction tools followed by targeted experimental validation
Method: Use comparative genomics to identify conserved features suggesting functional importance
Limited Reagent Availability:
Approach: Develop and validate custom antibodies or utilize epitope tags
Method: Share resources through research consortia and collaborations
Solubility and Stability Issues:
Approach: Optimize buffer conditions systematically
Method: Consider expression of subdomains if the full-length protein proves problematic
Determining Physiological Relevance:
Approach: Use gene editing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 to study the protein in its native context
Method: Compare phenotypes across multiple model systems
Reproducibility Concerns:
Approach: Standardize experimental protocols rigorously
Method: Implement blinding and randomization when possible
When faced with contradictory results, follow this systematic resolution approach:
Methodological Evaluation:
Scrutinize experimental conditions including protein quality, concentration, and buffer composition
Validate all reagents used, including antibodies and expression constructs
Statistical Reassessment:
Review statistical power and sample sizes
Consider biological vs. technical replication strategies
Context Dependency:
Investigate whether contradictions arise from different cellular contexts or experimental conditions
Determine if post-translational modifications might explain functional differences
Independent Validation:
Employ orthogonal techniques to test the same hypothesis
Consider collaborative validation with other laboratories
Literature Reassessment:
Conduct systematic review of similar proteins for insight
Consider contacting authors of conflicting studies for clarification
Contradictory results often reveal important regulatory mechanisms or context-dependent functions that may be biologically significant rather than experimental artifacts.
Cutting-edge methodologies that researchers should consider include:
Cryo-Electron Microscopy:
Enables structural determination without crystallization
Particularly valuable for membrane-associated or large protein complexes
Single-Cell Proteomics:
Reveals cell-type specific expression and function
Helps identify rare cell populations where the protein may have critical functions
Protein Engineering Approaches:
Systematic mutagenesis to map functional domains
Creation of optogenetic or chemically-inducible variants for temporal control
Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis:
Combining proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics data
Network-based approaches to position the protein within cellular pathways
Advanced Computational Methods:
Machine learning for function prediction from sequence and structure
Molecular dynamics simulations at extended timescales
These emerging methodologies can provide complementary insights when traditional approaches yield limited information about uncharacterized proteins.
Longitudinal studies require careful experimental design:
Time Course Experimental Design:
Select appropriate time points based on biological processes of interest
Ensure statistical power at each time point with adequate replication
Sample Collection and Preservation:
Standardize collection protocols to minimize technical variation
Consider parallel processing vs. batch processing trade-offs
Dynamic Protein Modification Tracking:
Employ pulse-chase labeling to track protein turnover
Use phospho-specific antibodies or mass spectrometry to monitor post-translational modifications
Statistical Analysis for Longitudinal Data:
Apply repeated measures ANOVA or mixed-effects models
Consider time series analysis methods for identifying patterns
Systems-Level Integration:
Correlate protein dynamics with transcriptomic or phenotypic changes
Model feedback and regulatory mechanisms
Longitudinal studies are particularly valuable for understanding protein function in development, aging, or disease progression contexts.