This protein is a lipid particle-localized triacylglycerol (TAG) lipase. Lipid droplets/particles serve as energy storage compartments and provide building blocks for membrane lipid biosynthesis. This lipase is involved in mobilizing the non-polar storage lipids, triacylglycerols (TAGs), from lipid particles through TAG hydrolysis. This process releases fatty acids, supplying them to relevant metabolic pathways.
KEGG: spo:SPCC1450.16c
STRING: 4896.SPCC1450.16c.1
In genomic databases, SPCC1450.16c is classified as follows:
Database | Identifier/Classification |
---|---|
UniProt | Q9Y7P3 |
Gene Names/ORF Names | SPCC1450.16c, ptl1 |
Protein Names | Uncharacterized protein C1450.16c, Triacylglycerol lipase ptl1 |
EC Number | 3.1.1.- (hydrolase class) |
Several studies have detected SPCC1450.16c expression in various experimental conditions:
Gene expression profiling studies have identified SPCC1450.16c among the differentially expressed genes in S. pombe under various stress conditions .
In Upf1 target identification studies, SPCC1450.16c (listed as SPCC1450.01c in Table 3) was identified as a pseudogene that is potentially regulated by the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway .
Microarray analyses of S. pombe under various conditions have detected expression of this gene, suggesting it is transcriptionally active in certain cellular states .
Analysis of global gene expression profiles has revealed that SPCC1450.16c expression changes under various experimental conditions:
Stress Response: While not specifically highlighted in the provided search results, studies of stress responses in S. pombe have identified numerous genes with altered expression, including potentially SPCC1450.16c .
Cell Cycle Regulation: The expression may be cell cycle-regulated, as extensive studies have been performed to identify periodically expressed genes in S. pombe .
Nutrient Conditions: Some genes related to SPCC1450.16c function have shown differential expression under nitrogen starvation conditions, suggesting potential involvement in metabolic adaptation .
Genetic Perturbations: Experiments using mutant strains such as the Spc1 kinase overexpression have identified numerous differentially expressed genes in the S. pombe genome, which could include SPCC1450.16c depending on its function in relevant pathways .
Key points about its predicted enzymatic activity:
The presence of conserved catalytic domains typical of lipases suggests it may catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds, particularly in lipids.
The protein likely participates in lipid metabolism pathways, potentially involving the breakdown of storage lipids or modification of membrane lipids.
Experimental validation of this enzymatic activity would require:
Expression and purification of the recombinant protein
Enzyme activity assays using appropriate lipid substrates
Determination of substrate specificity and kinetic parameters
Analysis of the effects of pH, temperature, and potential inhibitors
Lipid metabolism enzymes and regulators
Membrane-associated protein complexes
Lipid transport proteins
Signaling pathways related to metabolic regulation
To identify interaction partners experimentally, researchers could employ:
Yeast two-hybrid screening
Co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Proximity-dependent biotin labeling methods
Genetic interaction screens using S. pombe deletion libraries
Based on the available information for commercially produced recombinant SPCC1450.16c:
Expression Systems:
E. coli has been successfully used for heterologous expression
Yeast expression systems may also be suitable, particularly for obtaining post-translational modifications
Expression Constructs:
His-tagged versions (typically N-terminal) have been reported
Full-length constructs (1-513 amino acids) have been successfully expressed
Purification Approach:
Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) using the His-tag
Buffer optimization, typically using Tris-based buffers (pH 8.0)
Recommended Storage:
Store at -20°C/-80°C upon receipt
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Several methodological approaches can be employed to study SPCC1450.16c function in vivo:
Gene Deletion/Knockout:
CRISPR-Cas9 editing in S. pombe
Homologous recombination-based gene replacement
Analysis of resulting phenotypes under various conditions
Expression Modulation:
Localization Studies:
Fluorescent protein tagging (GFP, mCherry)
Immunofluorescence microscopy with specific antibodies
Genetic Interaction Screens:
Synthetic genetic array (SGA) analysis
Suppressor screens to identify functional relationships
Transcriptome Analysis:
Several methods are available for detection and quantification of SPCC1450.16c:
Antibody-Based Methods:
Mass Spectrometry:
Targeted proteomics approaches such as selected reaction monitoring (SRM)
Label-free quantification or isotope labeling methods (SILAC, TMT)
mRNA Quantification:
RT-qPCR for transcript level quantification
RNA-seq for genome-wide expression analysis and comparison
Recombinant Protein Standards:
Using purified recombinant protein as standards for quantification curves
Ensuring proper normalization and controls
To determine the involvement of SPCC1450.16c in specific cellular pathways, researchers can employ multiple complementary approaches:
Functional Genomics:
Analysis of genetic interactions using deletion libraries or synthetic genetic arrays
Phenotypic profiling under various conditions (stress, nutrient limitation)
Transcriptomics:
Metabolomics:
Analysis of lipid profiles if SPCC1450.16c functions as a lipase
Comparison of metabolite levels between wild-type and mutant strains
Integration with Existing Data:
Bioinformatic Analysis:
Protein domain analysis and functional prediction
Comparison with characterized proteins in other organisms
When facing contradictory findings about SPCC1450.16c function, researchers should consider:
Experimental Conditions:
Different growth conditions might reveal different aspects of protein function
Stress conditions versus normal growth conditions may affect results
Temperature, nutrient availability, and growth phase should be controlled
Strain Background Effects:
Genetic background differences between laboratory strains
Potential suppressor mutations or genetic modifiers
Methodology Validation:
Independent verification using multiple techniques
Controls for antibody specificity or tag interference
Validation of knockout/knockdown efficiency
Temporal and Spatial Considerations:
Integrated Analysis:
Combining genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches
Meta-analysis of multiple independent studies
Consultation with S. pombe research community and databases
Genome-wide approaches provide powerful tools for understanding SPCC1450.16c function in broader cellular contexts:
Transcriptome Analysis:
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Studies:
Genetic Interaction Mapping:
Synthetic genetic array (SGA) analysis to identify genetic interactions
E-MAP (Epistatic Miniarray Profile) for quantitative interaction mapping
Proteomics Approaches:
Mass spectrometry-based identification of interaction partners
Global proteome changes in response to SPCC1450.16c manipulation
Metabolomics:
Comprehensive lipid profiling if SPCC1450.16c functions as predicted lipase
Metabolic flux analysis to determine effects on cellular metabolism
Comparative Genomics:
Analysis of conservation and divergence across yeast species
Identification of functional homologs in other organisms