UPF0767 is a conserved protein across species, with homologs identified in zebrafish, bovine, and human systems . In mice, it is encoded by the Smim12 gene (UniProt ID: Q78RX3) and spans 92 amino acids (1–92 aa) . Key identifiers include:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Name | Smim12 |
| Synonyms | UPF0767, C1orf212 homolog, SMIM12 |
| UniProt ID | Q78RX3 |
| AA Sequence | MWPVLWTVVRTYAPYVTFPVAFVVGAVGYHLEWFIRGKTPQPVEEEKSILERREDRKLDE MLGKDHTQVVSLKDKLEFAPKAVLNRNRPEKN |
Pathways: SMIM12 is associated with pathways involving membrane protein interactions, though specific mechanisms remain understudied .
Interactions: Direct binding partners are not explicitly documented in available literature, but its small integral membrane structure suggests roles in cellular signaling or trafficking .
Homologs are identified in zebrafish (Danio rerio), bovine, and human systems, indicating evolutionary conservation and potential functional overlap .
The protein is commercially available from multiple vendors, with variations in tags and formulations:
The UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog in mice is encoded by the Smim12 gene (Small integral membrane protein 12). It is a 92-amino acid protein with UniProt ID Q78RX3 . The "UPF" designation indicates it belongs to a family of uncharacterized proteins with functions that remain to be fully elucidated.
Based on manufacturer recommendations, the recombinant protein should be stored according to the following protocol:
| Storage Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Long-term storage | -20°C to -80°C |
| Working aliquots | 4°C for up to one week |
| Buffer composition | Tris/PBS-based buffer, 6% Trehalose, pH 8.0 |
| Reconstitution method | Reconstitute in deionized sterile water to 0.1-1.0 mg/mL |
| Post-reconstitution | Add glycerol to 5-50% final concentration and aliquot for long-term storage |
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided as they may compromise protein integrity . Brief centrifugation is recommended prior to opening the vial to bring contents to the bottom.
The commercially available recombinant Mouse UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog is typically produced in E. coli expression systems with an N-terminal His tag to facilitate purification . This bacterial expression system is widely used due to its cost-effectiveness and relatively high protein yields.
When designing your own expression strategy, consider the following approaches:
Prokaryotic systems (E. coli): Suitable for obtaining substantial quantities of protein for structural studies or antibody production
Eukaryotic systems (mammalian cells, insect cells): May be preferable when post-translational modifications are critical
Cell-free systems: Useful for rapid production and when the protein may be toxic to host cells
The choice of expression system should align with the specific experimental requirements and downstream applications.
Given that commercially available recombinant Mouse UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog typically incorporates a His tag , immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) is the primary purification method. The following purification workflow is recommended:
IMAC purification using Ni-NTA or similar resin
Buffer exchange to remove imidazole
Secondary purification step such as size exclusion chromatography to achieve >90% purity
Quality control by SDS-PAGE to confirm purity (should exceed 90%)
For alternative tag systems, consider the impact of the tag on protein structure and function, and whether tag removal is necessary for your specific application.
When designing in vivo mouse studies to investigate this protein, follow these key principles for reproducible research:
Careful strain selection: Mouse strains exhibit significant variability similar to dog breeds. Select strains based on known characteristics relevant to your hypothesis .
Apply the 3Rs framework: Follow the principles established by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) :
Replacement: Consider alternatives to animal use where possible
Refinement: Minimize potential pain and distress
Reduction: Use methods that enable researchers to obtain comparable levels of information from fewer animals
Statistical power calculation: Ensure adequate sample sizes to detect hypothesized effects while minimizing animal use .
Control for environmental variables: Factors such as housing conditions, diet, and handling can significantly impact experimental outcomes in mouse studies.
Detailed phenotypic characterization: Consider employing comprehensive phenotyping approaches to fully understand the impact of the protein.
To investigate protein-protein interactions for UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog, consider a mixed-methods research approach combining various techniques:
| Qualitative Techniques | Quantitative Techniques | Application to UPF0767 protein C1orf212 |
|---|---|---|
| Co-immunoprecipitation | Surface plasmon resonance | Identify and validate binding partners |
| Proximity labeling (BioID, APEX) | Isothermal titration calorimetry | Map the protein's interactome |
| Yeast two-hybrid screening | Microscale thermophoresis | Discover novel interactions |
| Mammalian two-hybrid assay | FRET/BRET analysis | Validate interactions in cellular context |
As noted in research methodology guidelines, using multiple complementary methods allows for triangulation of data, providing more robust evidence for protein interactions . This mixed-methods approach helps overcome limitations of individual techniques and strengthens the validity of your findings.
Drawing inspiration from other reporter systems used in protein research, such as the dual Ucp1 reporter mouse model described in search result , the following approach could be implemented to study UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog expression:
Genetic reporter systems: Generate knock-in mice expressing luciferase and/or fluorescent proteins (such as iRFP713) under the control of the endogenous promoter of the Smim12 gene. This would allow:
Real-time monitoring of gene expression
Non-invasive imaging of protein expression patterns
Quantitative assessment of expression levels in different tissues
In vitro reporter assays: Develop cell-based reporter systems where luciferase expression is driven by the Smim12 promoter to:
Screen compounds that modulate gene expression
Study transcriptional regulation
Identify key regulatory elements in the promoter region
CRISPR-based approaches: Employ CRISPR-Cas9 to tag the endogenous protein with fluorescent markers to:
Visualize subcellular localization
Track protein dynamics in living cells
Identify potential interaction partners
These approaches would need to be validated to ensure that the reporter activity faithfully represents endogenous gene expression under various physiological and pharmacological conditions.
When analyzing data from UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog experiments, consider these statistical approaches:
For expression studies:
ANOVA for comparing expression levels across multiple conditions
Post-hoc tests (Tukey, Bonferroni) for pairwise comparisons
Linear mixed models for longitudinal studies with repeated measurements
For protein interaction studies:
Bootstrap resampling to estimate confidence intervals for binding affinities
Bayesian methods to incorporate prior knowledge about protein interactions
Multiple testing correction (FDR) for high-throughput interaction screens
For in vivo studies:
Power analysis to determine appropriate sample sizes
Non-parametric tests when normality assumptions are violated
Survival analysis for time-to-event data
When facing contradictory data regarding the function of UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog, implement this methodological framework:
Systematic review of experimental conditions:
Compare protein preparations (tags, expression systems, purification methods)
Analyze differences in buffer compositions and experimental conditions
Assess cell types or animal models used across studies
Replication studies with standardized protocols:
Design experiments that directly compare contradictory results
Include positive and negative controls to validate assay performance
Conduct blinded analyses to minimize bias
Cross-validation with complementary techniques:
Collaborative validation:
Engage with other laboratories to independently verify key findings
Share detailed protocols and reagents to ensure consistency
Consider pre-registered studies for critical experiments
Several cutting-edge technologies hold potential for elucidating the functions of poorly characterized proteins like UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog:
Cryo-electron microscopy: For determining the protein's structure at near-atomic resolution, particularly important for membrane proteins
AlphaFold and other AI-based structure prediction: To generate structural models that can inform functional hypotheses
Single-cell proteomics: To understand the expression patterns across different cell types and states
Spatial transcriptomics and proteomics: To map the distribution of the protein within tissues with high spatial resolution
Genome-wide CRISPR screens: To identify genetic interactions and potential functional pathways
Metabolomics integration: To link protein function to cellular metabolic processes
These technologies, while requiring specialized expertise and equipment, offer unprecedented insights into protein function and can help overcome the limitations of traditional biochemical approaches.
To investigate the potential role of UPF0767 protein C1orf212 homolog in disease pathways, consider the following experimental design framework:
Expression profiling in disease models:
Analyze Smim12 expression in relevant mouse disease models
Compare expression levels between healthy and diseased tissues
Investigate correlation with disease progression markers
Loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches:
Generate conditional knockout mouse models using Cre-lox technology
Develop tissue-specific overexpression systems
Employ CRISPR-Cas9 for precise gene editing
Patient-derived materials:
Analyze protein expression in patient samples when available
Utilize patient-derived cells for functional studies
Compare findings with mouse models to validate disease relevance
High-throughput drug screening:
Develop assays to identify compounds that modulate protein function
Screen for drugs that affect downstream pathways
Validate hits in increasingly complex model systems
This comprehensive approach combines elements of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies , allowing for a nuanced understanding of the protein's role in disease.