The UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog is part of a family of proteins found in various organisms . Homologs are genes related to each other by descent from a common ancestor . These proteins may have similar functions across different species, although their exact roles can vary .
Research indicates that the homologous CTF4 proteins are specifically expressed in actively dividing cells and young tissues . In plants, CTF4 homologs interact with PRC2 components CLF and SWN, as well as the PRC1 component LHP1 .
Genetic research involving knockout mouse strains has identified numerous genes with strong metabolic phenotypes, some of which were previously unannotated . Further analysis revealed candidate genes associated with metabolic diseases . CFAP206 (Cilia And Flagella Associated Protein 206) is a protein-coding gene, and diseases associated with CFAP206 include Aleutian Mink Disease and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia .
CTF4 in yeast suppresses the formation of DNA double-strand breaks . The rice dwarf-related wd40 protein 1 (DRW1) physically interacts with subunits of a DNA helicase complex and DNA polymerase α, which are required for DNA replication and to prevent DNA damage .
The UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog is part of a family of proteins found in various organisms. As homologs (genes related to each other by descent from a common ancestor), these proteins may have similar functions across different species, though their exact roles can vary. Research indicates that homologous proteins like CTF4 are specifically expressed in actively dividing cells and young tissues, suggesting potential roles in cell proliferation and development. In yeast, the related CTF4 protein suppresses the formation of DNA double-strand breaks, indicating a potential role in DNA maintenance and genome integrity.
The mouse UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog can be located in major biological databases using the following identifiers:
| Database | Identifier |
|---|---|
| KEGG | mmu:69329 |
| STRING | 10090.ENSMUSP00000103771 |
| UniGene | Mm.389548 |
These identifiers allow researchers to access comprehensive information about the protein's sequence, structure, and potential interactions for further investigation.
UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog is evolutionarily related to proteins in other organisms that may serve similar biological functions. In plants, homologous CTF4 proteins interact with Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) components CLF and SWN, as well as the PRC1 component LHP1, suggesting roles in epigenetic regulation. The rice dwarf-related wd40 protein 1 (DRW1), another homolog, physically interacts with subunits of a DNA helicase complex and DNA polymerase α, which are essential for DNA replication and prevention of DNA damage. These relationships indicate that UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog may participate in conserved biological processes related to DNA maintenance, replication, and potentially cell division.
While the search results don't provide specific purification protocols for UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog, researchers can adapt standard recombinant protein methodologies similar to those used for related proteins such as Dkk-1 :
Expression System Selection: Choose between bacterial (E. coli), mammalian, or insect cell expression systems based on requirements for post-translational modifications.
Vector Design: Incorporate affinity tags (His, GST, or FLAG) to facilitate purification while ensuring they don't interfere with protein function.
Purification Strategy:
Initial capture using affinity chromatography
Secondary purification via ion exchange or size exclusion chromatography
Quality control through SDS-PAGE and Western blotting
Reconstitution: Prepare the purified protein in an appropriate buffer, considering stability requirements and downstream applications.
The choice of expression system should consider that mammalian proteins often require proper folding and post-translational modifications for biological activity, which might necessitate mammalian or insect cell expression systems rather than bacterial systems.
Based on successful approaches used for studying related proteins, researchers can implement the following strategy to generate knockout models for UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog :
CRISPR-Cas9 Design:
Design guide RNAs targeting exons of the UPF0704 gene
Validate guide RNA specificity using bioinformatic tools to minimize off-target effects
Consider generating frameshift mutations for complete protein knockout
Model Organism Selection:
Verification of Knockout Efficiency:
Confirm gene editing through DNA sequencing
Verify protein absence using Western blotting or immunostaining
Assess mRNA levels using RT-qPCR
Phenotypic Analysis:
Cell proliferation and division dynamics
DNA damage response assays
Tissue-specific expression patterns and associated phenotypes
This approach follows established methodologies that proved successful in characterizing related proteins like CFAP206 .
Based on successful strategies employed for related proteins, researchers should consider the following immunostaining approach for UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog detection:
Sample Preparation:
Fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-20 minutes for cells; 24 hours for tissue sections
Permeabilization: 0.2% Triton X-100 in PBS for 10 minutes
Antigen retrieval: Citrate buffer pH 6.0 heating for tissue sections
Staining Protocol:
Blocking: 5% normal serum (species-dependent on secondary antibody) for 1 hour
Primary antibody: Anti-UPF0704 protein (1:100-1:500 dilution, optimization required)
Secondary antibody: Species-appropriate fluorophore-conjugated antibody
Nuclear counterstain: DAPI (1:1000)
Co-localization Studies:
Consider co-staining with markers for actively dividing cells
Include markers for DNA replication machinery given potential roles in DNA maintenance
Controls:
Positive control: Tissues known to express UPF0704 (based on actively dividing cells)
Negative control: UPF0704 knockout tissues or antibody omission
Specificity control: Pre-absorption with recombinant protein
This approach parallels methods shown to be effective for CFAP206 detection in sperm cells, where immunostaining successfully demonstrated protein localization and functional relationships .
To comprehensively identify binding partners of UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog, researchers should implement a multi-technique approach:
Affinity Purification-Mass Spectrometry (AP-MS):
Express tagged UPF0704 protein in appropriate cell lines
Perform pull-down using tag-specific antibodies
Identify binding partners through mass spectrometry
Validate key interactions with co-immunoprecipitation and Western blotting
Proximity-Based Labeling:
Generate BioID or TurboID fusion constructs with UPF0704
Express in cell models to enable biotinylation of proximal proteins
Capture biotinylated proteins with streptavidin and identify by MS
Distinguish between direct interactions and proximity-based associations
Yeast Two-Hybrid Screening:
Use UPF0704 as bait against cDNA libraries
Focus on tissue-specific libraries from actively dividing cells
Validate positive interactions in mammalian cell systems
Based on homologous protein interactions, key proteins to evaluate include:
DNA helicase complex components
DNA polymerase α and associated factors
PRC1 and PRC2 complex components (in appropriate contexts)
This approach is informed by successful interaction studies of related proteins where CTF4 homologs in plants were shown to interact with specific chromatin regulatory components.
Given the potential involvement of UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog in DNA maintenance (based on homologous proteins), researchers should consider these approaches:
DNA Damage Induction and Response Assessment:
| Damage Type | Induction Method | Response Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Double-strand breaks | Ionizing radiation (2-10 Gy) | γ-H2AX foci formation |
| Replication stress | Hydroxyurea (0.5-2 mM) | RPA foci, phospho-CHK1 |
| Crosslinking damage | Mitomycin C (10-100 ng/ml) | FANCD2 ubiquitination |
Comparative Analysis in Wild-Type vs. UPF0704-Deficient Models:
Measure repair kinetics through time-course experiments
Assess checkpoint activation through phospho-specific antibodies
Quantify chromosomal abnormalities after damage
Replication Fork Stability Analysis:
DNA fiber assay to measure fork progression and restart
iPOND (isolation of Proteins On Nascent DNA) to identify UPF0704 at replication forks
Assessment of fork collapse in response to replication stress
Epistasis Analysis:
Generate double knockouts with known DNA repair factors
Assess synthetic lethality or rescue phenotypes
Place UPF0704 in established DNA damage response pathways
This experimental strategy leverages the observation that CTF4 in yeast suppresses the formation of DNA double-strand breaks, suggesting similar potential functions for UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog in mammals.
Based on the relationship between UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog and CFAP206 (a protein associated with ciliary development) , researchers can investigate potential roles in ciliary formation through these approaches:
Expression Analysis in Ciliated Tissues:
RT-qPCR quantification in tissues with motile cilia (respiratory epithelium, ependymal cells)
Western blot analysis of protein expression during ciliogenesis
Temporal expression analysis during differentiation of primary ciliated cells
Subcellular Localization Studies:
Immunofluorescence co-staining with ciliary markers (acetylated tubulin, Arl13b)
Super-resolution microscopy to define precise localization within ciliary structures
Electron microscopy to examine ultrastructural defects in knockout models
Functional Assessment of Ciliary Motility:
High-speed video microscopy to analyze ciliary beat frequency and pattern
Mucociliary clearance assays in airway epithelial cultures
Particle tracking to quantify fluid flow generated by cilia
Molecular Interactions with Ciliary Apparatus:
Proximity labeling to identify interactions with established ciliary proteins
Co-immunoprecipitation with radial spoke proteins and dynein arm components
The experimental design should be informed by the established methodology used to demonstrate that CFAP206 deficiency leads to abnormal ciliary beating and sperm flagellum defects , while adapting these approaches to investigate broader ciliary functions of UPF0704 protein.
When encountering conflicting data regarding UPF0704 protein localization, researchers should implement this systematic approach:
Technical Validation:
Evaluate antibody specificity using knockout controls and Western blotting
Compare multiple fixation and permeabilization protocols that may affect epitope accessibility
Utilize multiple detection methods (immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, subcellular fractionation)
Biological Context Analysis:
Assess localization across different cell types and developmental stages
Evaluate effects of cell cycle phase on protein localization
Consider stimulus-dependent translocation possibilities
Resolution of Inconsistencies:
Implement quantitative image analysis with statistical validation
Consider dual-function possibilities with context-dependent localization
Evaluate post-translational modifications that might affect localization
Integration Framework:
| Data Source | Strength of Evidence | Potential Confounding Factors | Integration Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immunofluorescence | Direct visualization | Antibody cross-reactivity | Multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes |
| Fractionation/Western | Biochemical validation | Contamination between fractions | Multiple fractionation methods |
| Tagged protein expression | Controlled system | Overexpression artifacts | Knock-in tags at endogenous loci |
| Proximity labeling | In vivo context | Background biotinylation | Appropriate controls and statistical thresholds |
By systematically addressing discrepancies through this framework, researchers can develop a more nuanced understanding of UPF0704 protein localization patterns across different biological contexts.
When employing computational approaches to predict UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog function, researchers should consider:
Sequence-Based Prediction Methods:
Multiple sequence alignment with CTF4 homologs across species
Domain identification and functional prediction
Conservation analysis of specific residues/motifs
Evaluation of confidence scores for predictions
Structural Prediction Approaches:
Template-based modeling using related proteins with known structures
Ab initio modeling for novel domains
Molecular dynamics simulations to predict functional movements
Binding site prediction for potential interactors
Integration with Experimental Data:
Correlation of predictions with knockout phenotype data
Refinement based on protein-protein interaction data
Validation through directed mutagenesis of predicted functional sites
Machine Learning Enhancement:
Functional Annotation Confidence Assessment:
| Prediction Type | Tools/Databases | Confidence Metrics | Validation Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| GO terms | InterPro, BLAST2GO | Statistical significance | Experimental validation of top predictions |
| Protein-protein interactions | STRING, PrePPI | Confidence scores, conservation | Co-IP validation of high-confidence predictions |
| Pathway involvement | KEGG, Reactome | Enrichment analysis | Targeted disruption of predicted pathway nodes |
| Disease associations | DisGeNET, OMIM | Statistical association | Phenotypic analysis in disease models |
This systematic approach builds upon established methodologies while recognizing the limitations of computational predictions, especially for proteins with limited experimental characterization like UPF0704.
To distinguish direct effects of UPF0704 protein deficiency from indirect consequences, researchers should implement this comprehensive strategy:
Temporal Analysis of Phenotype Development:
Time-course studies following knockout/knockdown
Identification of primary versus secondary effects
Correlation with protein degradation kinetics in inducible systems
Rescue Experiments with Precise Design:
Wild-type protein reintroduction
Domain-specific mutant complementation
Orthologous protein rescue from different species
Temporal control of rescue using inducible systems
Molecular Target Validation:
ChIP-seq or CUT&RUN for chromatin-associated functions
RNA-seq time course to identify earliest transcriptional changes
Phosphoproteomics to identify signaling pathway alterations
Targeted analysis of pathways implicated in CTF4/CFAP functions
Single-Cell Approaches for Heterogeneity Assessment:
Single-cell RNA-seq to identify cell populations most affected
Trajectory analysis to map progression of phenotypic changes
Spatial transcriptomics to identify tissue-specific effects
Mechanistic Dissection Framework:
| Approach | Application | Outcome Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Conditional knockout | Tissue/temporal specific deletion | Identifies direct tissue-specific requirements |
| Separation-of-function mutations | Targeted disruption of specific interactions | Links specific interactions to phenotypes |
| Acute vs. chronic depletion | Comparison of RNAi vs. genetic knockout | Distinguishes adaptive responses from direct effects |
| Epistasis analysis | Double knockouts with pathway components | Places protein in functional pathways |
| Cross-species complementation | Rescue with orthologs of varying divergence | Identifies evolutionarily conserved functions |
This approach draws from successful strategies used in characterizing CFAP206 function in sperm flagellum development , where researchers distinguished direct structural roles from secondary consequences through careful experimental design and phenotypic analysis.
While direct disease associations for UPF0704 protein C6orf165 homolog are not yet established, researchers can explore potential disease relevance based on:
Analysis of Related Protein Disease Associations:
Potential Disease Categories for Investigation:
| Disease Category | Rationale | Research Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Ciliopathies | Homology to ciliary protein CFAP206 | Genotyping in ciliopathy cohorts without known mutations |
| Male infertility | CFAP206 association with sperm flagellum | Analysis in infertility cases with flagellar defects |
| DNA repair disorders | Homology to DNA maintenance proteins | Screening in patients with unexplained genome instability |
| Metabolic disorders | Association with metabolic phenotypes | Analysis in cohorts with unexplained metabolic disease |
Functional Validation in Disease Models:
Analysis of patient-derived cells for UPF0704 expression/function
CRISPR-engineering of patient-specific mutations in cellular models
Phenotypic rescue experiments in patient-derived cells
This approach builds on the established relationship between CFAP206 deficiency and male infertility , while expanding investigation to other potential disease associations based on the functional relatedness to DNA maintenance and ciliary proteins.
To explore potential therapeutic applications related to UPF0704 protein modulation, researchers should consider:
Target Validation Strategy:
Comprehensive phenotypic analysis of tissue-specific knockouts
Evaluation of haploinsufficiency vs. complete loss effects
Identification of specific pathways affected by UPF0704 deficiency
Assessment of temporal requirements through inducible systems
Therapeutic Modulation Approaches:
Small molecule screening for protein stabilization/destabilization
Identification of critical protein-protein interactions for targeted disruption
Antisense oligonucleotide approaches for transcript modulation
Protein replacement strategies for loss-of-function scenarios
Model Systems for Therapeutic Evaluation:
Patient-derived cells with relevant disease phenotypes
Organoid models to assess tissue-specific effects
CRISPR-engineered mouse models with human-equivalent mutations
Functional assays relevant to identified disease associations
Translational Research Implementation:
This systematic approach parallels successful therapeutic development strategies for other proteins involved in DNA maintenance and ciliary function, while acknowledging the early stage of UPF0704 protein characterization.