The RNF125 Antibody, Biotin-conjugated, is a polyclonal rabbit-derived immunoglobulin G (IgG) designed for detecting and studying the ubiquitin ligase RNF125 (E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF125, TRAC-1). It is covalently linked to biotin, enabling applications requiring streptavidin-based detection systems, such as ELISA, immunoprecipitation, or signal amplification in immunoassays. This antibody specifically targets the N-terminal region of human RNF125 (amino acids 143–231) and is validated for use in human samples .
The RNF125 Antibody, Biotin-conjugated, is critical for investigating RNF125’s role in:
RNF125 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets substrates for proteasomal degradation. Key findings include:
Regulation of PD-L1: RNF125 promotes K48-linked ubiquitination of PD-L1, marking it for degradation. This interaction is disrupted in cancers with low RNF125 expression, contributing to immune evasion .
Immune Signaling: RNF125 degrades immune checkpoint molecules (e.g., RIG-I, MDA5) and modulates T-cell activation .
BRAF Inhibitor Resistance: Reduced RNF125 expression correlates with elevated JAK1/EGFR signaling in melanoma, driving resistance to BRAF inhibitors. RNF125 depletion increases JAK1 stability, promoting RTK-driven survival .
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): RNF125 downregulates SRSF1-ERK pathways, inhibiting HCC progression .
The antibody’s biotin conjugation enhances sensitivity in applications requiring signal amplification. For example:
ELISA: Detects RNF125 in human lysates with high specificity. Optimal dilution for ELISA is typically 1:500–1:1000, though titration is recommended .
Immunoprecipitation (IP): Validated for co-IP with RNF125 substrates (e.g., PD-L1, JAK1) in HEK293T or HepG2 cells .
Low Endogenous Expression: RNF125 is expressed at very low levels in most cells, necessitating robust detection methods .
Species Specificity: Primarily validated for human samples; cross-reactivity with other species is untested .
The table below contrasts the Biotin-conjugated variant with other RNF125 antibodies:
RNF125 (also known as RING finger protein 125, T-cell RING activation protein 1, or TRAC-1) is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that mediates ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of target proteins . It functions in several key cellular pathways:
It acts as a negative regulator of type I interferon production by mediating ubiquitination of RIG-I at 'Lys-181', which leads to RIG-I degradation
It mediates K48-linked ubiquitination and destabilization of RIG-I, thereby negatively regulating RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling
It can target multiple immune signaling proteins for ubiquitination, including MDA5 and IPS1/MAVS/VISA/Cardif
It mediates ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of p53/TP53 and JAK1
Despite its negative regulation of antiviral pathways, RNF125 acts as a positive regulator of T-cell activation
The diverse functions of RNF125 make it an important target for studying immune regulation, particularly in the context of viral infections and T-cell-mediated immunity.
The RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated is a polyclonal antibody with the following specifications:
Immunogen: Recombinant human E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF125 protein (143-231AA)
Tested Applications: ELISA (not yet tested in other applications)
Storage Buffer: Preservative: 0.03% Proclin 300, Constituents: 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
This biotin-conjugated antibody provides researchers with a tool for detecting and studying RNF125 in human samples, particularly through ELISA-based detection methods.
Proper storage of the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated is crucial for maintaining its activity and specificity:
Long-term Storage: Upon delivery, aliquot the antibody and store at -20°C or -80°C
Critical Consideration: Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they can denature the antibody and reduce its activity
Working Solution: When preparing working dilutions, it's advisable to prepare them fresh on the day of use
Storage Buffer Composition: The antibody is supplied in a storage buffer containing 50% glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), and 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative
The glycerol in the storage buffer helps prevent freeze-damage during storage, while the preservative inhibits microbial growth. For optimal performance in sensitive applications, researchers should adhere strictly to these storage recommendations to ensure the stability and functionality of the antibody.
When designing experiments using the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated, several controls should be implemented to ensure reliable and interpretable results:
Positive Control: Include lysates from cells known to express RNF125 (lymphoid tissues express higher levels of RNF125/TRAC-1)
Negative Control: Use samples from cells where RNF125 is absent or has been knocked down using siRNA (such as siRNF125-3 mentioned in the literature)
Isotype Control: Include a biotin-conjugated rabbit IgG that is not specific to any target to assess non-specific binding
Blocking Peptide Control: Where possible, pre-incubate a portion of the antibody with the immunizing peptide (143-231AA of RNF125) to demonstrate specificity
Antibody Titration: Perform a titration series to determine the optimal antibody concentration that provides the best signal-to-noise ratio
Cross-reactivity Assessment: If working with multiple species, include samples from non-target species to confirm species specificity
These controls help validate experimental findings and provide confidence in the specificity and sensitivity of the detected signals, which is particularly important when studying proteins involved in complex signaling pathways like RNF125.
For optimal ELISA performance using the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated, consider the following methodological approaches:
Antibody Dilution: Begin with a 1:500 to 1:2000 dilution range and optimize based on signal strength and background levels
Blocking Solution: Use a 3-5% BSA or milk protein solution in TBS/PBS with 0.05% Tween-20 to minimize non-specific binding
Incubation Time and Temperature:
Primary incubation: 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C
Detection system (streptavidin-HRP/AP): 30-60 minutes at room temperature
Washing Protocol: Implement 4-5 washing steps with TBS/PBS containing 0.05% Tween-20 after each antibody incubation
Detection System: Utilize streptavidin-coupled enzymes (HRP or AP) to recognize the biotin conjugate
Substrate Selection: Choose an appropriate substrate based on desired sensitivity (TMB for HRP, pNPP for AP)
Signal Enhancement: Consider amplification systems if detecting low-abundance RNF125
The biotin conjugation provides advantages for detection through strong biotin-streptavidin interactions, potentially enhancing sensitivity compared to conventional detection methods. Researchers should perform preliminary optimization experiments to establish ideal conditions for their specific experimental system.
The RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated can be instrumental in investigating RNF125's regulatory role in RIG-I signaling through several experimental approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation Studies:
Use the antibody to immunoprecipitate RNF125 and analyze its interaction with RIG-I, MDA5, and IPS1 under various stimulation conditions
Investigate how viral infection alters the association between RNF125 and its substrate proteins
Ubiquitination Assays:
Protein Degradation Analysis:
Monitor RIG-I protein levels in relation to RNF125 expression during viral infection
Study how proteasome inhibitors affect this relationship
Signaling Pathway Activation:
Viral Infection Models:
This antibody provides researchers with a tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying RNF125's negative regulation of antiviral signaling, potentially revealing new insights into immune response modulation.
RNF125 functions distinctly from other E3 ligases in the regulation of RIG-I, and the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated can help elucidate these differences:
Opposing Regulatory Functions:
RNF125 mediates K48-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I, leading to its proteasomal degradation and negative regulation of signaling
In contrast, TRIM25 and Riplet/REUL catalyze K63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I at K154, K164, and K172, which positively regulates RIG-I signaling
TRIM4 also mediates K63-linked ubiquitination similar to TRIM25, promoting RIG-I activation
Experimental Approaches to Distinguish Functions:
Co-expression Studies: Use the antibody to detect RNF125 in cells co-expressing different E3 ligases to analyze competitive binding to RIG-I
Ubiquitin Linkage Analysis: Combine with K48-specific and K63-specific ubiquitin antibodies to distinguish the type of ubiquitin chains added by different E3 ligases
Domain-specific Interactions: Map the specific regions of RIG-I targeted by RNF125 versus TRIM25/TRIM4/Riplet
Redundancy Assessment:
Methodological Approach:
Combine RNF125 antibody detection with siRNA knockdown of individual or combinations of E3 ligases
Use the antibody in chromatin immunoprecipitation studies to determine if different E3 ligases regulate RNF125 expression
This antibody provides a valuable tool for dissecting the complex interplay between different E3 ligases in fine-tuning RIG-I signaling during viral infections.
The literature presents an apparent paradox where RNF125 acts as both a positive regulator of T-cell activation and a negative regulator of antiviral signaling . Researchers can employ the following methodological approaches using the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated to resolve these seemingly contradictory functions:
Cell-type Specific Analysis:
Compare RNF125 expression, localization, and binding partners in T cells versus innate immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells, macrophages)
Investigate whether RNF125 targets different substrates in different cell types
Temporal Dynamics Investigation:
Examine RNF125 expression kinetics during T-cell activation versus viral infection
Analyze changes in RNF125 localization and binding partners at different time points after stimulation
Substrate Identification Studies:
Use the antibody for immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify cell-type specific RNF125 substrates
Compare the ubiquitination profiles of various potential targets (RIG-I, MDA5, T-cell signaling components) in different cellular contexts
Pathway Cross-talk Analysis:
Investigate potential cross-regulation between T-cell receptor signaling and antiviral pathways
Examine whether RNF125 serves as a switch between these pathways depending on cellular context
Post-translational Modification Profiling:
Determine if RNF125 itself undergoes different modifications in T cells versus innate immune cells
Analyze how these modifications might alter its substrate specificity or E3 ligase activity
Experimental Design:
Use dual reporter systems to simultaneously monitor T-cell activation and antiviral signaling in the same cells
Apply CRISPR-Cas9 to create domain-specific mutants of RNF125 to identify regions responsible for different functions
Resolving this apparent contradiction would provide significant insights into how a single E3 ligase can perform context-dependent functions in immune regulation, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets for immune modulation.
Researchers using the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated may encounter several technical challenges that require specific troubleshooting approaches:
High Background in Detection Systems:
Cause: Endogenous biotin in biological samples competing with the biotinylated antibody
Solution: Implement a biotin blocking step using streptavidin/avidin followed by free biotin before adding the biotinylated antibody
Methodology: Incubate samples with unconjugated streptavidin (10-20 μg/ml) for 15-20 minutes, followed by excess free biotin (50-100 μg/ml) for 15-20 minutes before antibody application
Weak Signal Despite Expected Expression:
Cause: The biotin conjugation might mask crucial epitopes or alter antibody binding capacity
Solution: Compare with unconjugated RNF125 antibody; optimize antibody concentration; use amplification systems
Alternative Approach: Employ a two-step detection where primary unconjugated anti-RNF125 is followed by biotinylated secondary antibody
Non-specific Binding:
Cause: Cross-reactivity with off-target proteins
Solution: Increase blocking time/concentration; pre-adsorb antibody with irrelevant proteins; optimize washing steps
Validation: Confirm specificity using RNF125 knockdown controls
Inconsistent Results Between Experiments:
Cause: Antibody degradation due to improper storage or handling
Solution: Strictly adhere to storage recommendations; prepare fresh working dilutions; minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Quality Control: Include a standard positive control in each experiment to normalize between runs
Interference with Protein-Protein Interactions:
Cause: Biotin conjugation near binding interfaces can disrupt protein interactions
Solution: For co-immunoprecipitation studies, consider using the antibody for detection rather than precipitation
Alternative Approach: Compare results with unconjugated antibody to assess potential interference
These methodological solutions provide researchers with strategies to optimize experimental conditions and ensure reliable, reproducible results when working with the biotin-conjugated RNF125 antibody.
Distinguishing specific from non-specific signals is critical when analyzing RNF125 in complex biological samples. Here are methodological approaches to ensure signal specificity:
Comprehensive Control Panel Implementation:
Genetic Controls: Compare wild-type samples with RNF125 knockout/knockdown samples (e.g., using siRNF125-3 as mentioned in the literature)
Absorption Controls: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide (143-231AA of RNF125) to block specific binding sites
Isotype Controls: Use biotin-conjugated non-specific rabbit IgG at the same concentration
Secondary-only Controls: Include samples treated only with streptavidin-conjugated detection reagent
Signal Validation Through Multiple Detection Methods:
Orthogonal Techniques: Confirm findings using alternative methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Alternative Antibodies: Validate with antibodies recognizing different epitopes of RNF125
Molecular Weight Verification: Ensure detected bands match the expected molecular weight of RNF125 (~34 kDa)
Biological Validation Strategies:
Expression Modulation: Analyze samples where RNF125 expression is induced (e.g., after T-cell activation)
Stimulus Response: Verify that signal changes correlate with known regulators of RNF125 expression
Co-localization Studies: For imaging applications, confirm co-localization with known RNF125 interacting partners
Technical Optimization:
Titration Series: Perform antibody dilution series to identify concentration that maximizes specific signal while minimizing background
Blocking Optimization: Test different blocking agents (BSA, milk, serum) to reduce non-specific binding
Stringent Washing: Implement additional washing steps with increasing detergent concentrations
Data Analysis Approaches:
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Calculation: Quantify the ratio between specific signal and background
Statistical Validation: Apply appropriate statistical tests to distinguish true signals from random variations
Expression Correlation: Verify that RNF125 signals correlate with expected biological contexts (e.g., inverse correlation with RIG-I levels during viral infection)
These methodological approaches provide a systematic framework for researchers to confidently distinguish genuine RNF125 signals from artifacts, ensuring experimental rigor and reproducibility.
The current literature indicates a complex interplay between different E3 ligases mediating distinct ubiquitination patterns on RIG-I, with RNF125 promoting K48-linked (degradative) ubiquitination and TRIM4/TRIM25 promoting K63-linked (activating) ubiquitination . Here's a methodological approach to investigate this interplay:
Ubiquitin Linkage-Specific Analysis:
Experimental Design: Utilize the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated alongside linkage-specific antibodies (anti-K48-Ub and anti-K63-Ub)
Methodology: Immunoprecipitate RIG-I and probe with these antibodies under different conditions:
Overexpression of individual E3 ligases (RNF125, TRIM4, TRIM25)
Combinatorial expression of multiple E3 ligases
Viral infection time course
Controls: Include ubiquitin mutants (K48R and K63R) to validate linkage specificity
Competition Assay Development:
Experimental Approach: Design a time-course experiment to track the dynamic competition between these E3 ligases for RIG-I binding
Technique: Use fluorescently-tagged E3 ligases and RIG-I in live-cell imaging with FRET analysis
Quantification: Measure association/dissociation rates and binding affinities between RIG-I and different E3 ligases
Sequential Ubiquitination Analysis:
Hypothesis Testing: Determine if K63-linked ubiquitination by TRIM4/TRIM25 precedes K48-linked ubiquitination by RNF125
Methodology: Perform pulse-chase ubiquitination assays with temporal control of E3 ligase activation
Analysis: Track the transition from activation to degradation signals on individual RIG-I molecules
Site-Specific Ubiquitination Mapping:
Technical Approach: Employ mass spectrometry to identify which lysine residues on RIG-I are preferentially modified by each E3 ligase
Mutational Analysis: Create lysine-to-arginine mutants at positions K154, K164, K172, and K181 to determine if these residues are differentially targeted
Functional Assessment: Correlate site-specific modifications with RIG-I signaling output
Physiological Context Examination:
Viral Infection Models: Compare the dynamics of K48 versus K63 ubiquitination during infection with different RNA viruses
Cell Type Comparison: Analyze this interplay in various immune cell types where these E3 ligases are co-expressed
Cytokine Environment: Determine how type I interferons feed back to regulate the expression and activity of these competing E3 ligases
This methodological framework enables researchers to dissect the complex regulatory mechanism where the same lysine residues on RIG-I may be subject to competing ubiquitination events that determine the balance between activation and degradation of this critical antiviral sensor.
Given RNF125's role as a negative regulator of antiviral signaling and positive regulator of T-cell activation , it presents an intriguing therapeutic target. Here are methodological approaches to investigate its therapeutic potential:
High-Throughput Screening for RNF125 Modulators:
Assay Development: Create cell-based systems where RNF125 activity is linked to reporter gene expression
Screening Platform: Test compound libraries for molecules that inhibit or enhance RNF125 E3 ligase activity
Validation: Use the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated to confirm target engagement through cellular thermal shift assays
Structure-Function Analysis for Rational Drug Design:
Structural Biology Approach: Determine crystal structures of RNF125 RING domain (residues 1-76) alone and in complex with E2 enzymes
Virtual Screening: Identify small molecules that could disrupt the RNF125-E2 interface
Mutagenesis Studies: Focus on cysteine residues 72 and 75, which are critical for ubiquitin ligase activity
Disease Model Testing:
Viral Infection Models: Evaluate how RNF125 modulation affects viral clearance and inflammatory responses in:
RNA virus infection models (influenza, coronavirus)
DNA virus models to assess pathway specificity
Autoimmune Disease Models: Test RNF125 modulation in models of systemic lupus erythematosus or type I interferonopathies
Measurement Parameters: Monitor viral titers, inflammatory markers, and tissue damage
Cell-Specific Targeting Strategies:
Nanotechnology Approach: Develop antibody-conjugated nanoparticles carrying RNF125 modulators
Cell-Type Selectivity: Target delivery to specific immune cell populations
Validation: Use the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated to assess cellular uptake and target modulation
Combinatorial Therapeutic Approaches:
Synergy Testing: Combine RNF125 modulators with existing antivirals or immunomodulators
Sequential Treatment Protocols: Time RNF125 modulation to either enhance initial antiviral response or resolve inflammation
Biomarker Development: Identify predictive biomarkers for treatment response using the antibody
Translational Research Plan:
Ex vivo Human Sample Testing: Use patient-derived cells to validate findings in clinical specimens
Humanized Mouse Models: Test therapeutic approaches in mice with humanized immune systems
Safety Assessment: Evaluate potential consequences of RNF125 modulation on T-cell function and autoimmunity risk
These methodological approaches provide a comprehensive framework for investigating RNF125 as a therapeutic target, potentially leading to novel treatments for infectious diseases or autoimmune conditions through precise modulation of innate immune signaling pathways.
Recent research has identified JAK1 as a target for RNF125-mediated ubiquitination and degradation , suggesting an important role for RNF125 in regulating JAK-STAT signaling. Here's a methodological framework to investigate this cross-talk:
Dynamic Interaction Analysis:
Co-immunoprecipitation Studies: Use the RNF125 Antibody, Biotin conjugated to pull down RNF125 complexes and probe for JAK1 and STAT proteins
Temporal Analysis: Monitor the dynamics of these interactions during cytokine stimulation (e.g., IFN-α/β, IL-6)
Subcellular Localization: Track the co-localization of RNF125 and JAK1 using confocal microscopy during receptor activation
Ubiquitination Profiling:
Site-specific Analysis: Identify the lysine residues on JAK1 targeted by RNF125 using mass spectrometry
Ubiquitin Chain Analysis: Determine if RNF125 mediates K48-linked ubiquitination of JAK1 similar to its action on RIG-I
E2 Enzyme Identification: Identify which E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes cooperate with RNF125 in JAK1 ubiquitination
Signaling Pathway Modulation:
Gain/Loss of Function Studies: Examine how RNF125 overexpression or knockdown affects:
JAK1 protein levels and phosphorylation status
STAT1/STAT3 activation and nuclear translocation
Transcription of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs)
Cytokine Response Profiling: Assess how RNF125 modulation affects cellular responses to type I and II interferons
Feedback Regulation Investigation:
Expression Analysis: Determine if JAK-STAT pathway activation regulates RNF125 expression
Post-translational Modification: Investigate whether RNF125 activity is modulated by JAK-mediated phosphorylation
Protein Stability Assessment: Examine if active JAK-STAT signaling affects RNF125 protein stability
Disease-Relevant Context Testing:
Viral Infection Models: Analyze how the RNF125-JAK1 interaction changes during viral infection
Cytokine Storm Conditions: Examine this regulatory axis under conditions mimicking hyperinflammatory states
Cancer Cell Signaling: Investigate whether this interaction is altered in malignant cells with constitutive JAK-STAT activation
These methodological approaches would provide mechanistic insights into how RNF125 may function as a negative regulator of both RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling and JAK-STAT-mediated cytokine signaling, potentially representing a coordinated mechanism to fine-tune immune responses.
The research indicates that RNF125 mediates K48-linked ubiquitination leading to protein degradation, while other E3 ligases like TRIM4/TRIM25 mediate K63-linked ubiquitination promoting signaling activation . Investigating this balance requires careful methodological considerations:
Ubiquitin Chain-Specific Detection Systems:
Antibody Selection: Use chain-specific antibodies that exclusively recognize K48 or K63 linkages
Ubiquitin Mutants: Employ ubiquitin constructs where only K48 or K63 is available for chain formation
Mass Spectrometry Approach: Develop targeted methods to quantify specific ubiquitin linkages on immunoprecipitated substrates
Competition Analysis Between Ubiquitin Chain Types:
Sequential Ubiquitination Assays: Determine if pre-existing K63 chains protect against or promote K48 chain formation
E3 Ligase Competition Experiments: Analyze how varying concentrations of RNF125 versus TRIM4/TRIM25 affect the balance of ubiquitin chain types
Substrate Modification Sites: Investigate whether the same or different lysine residues are targeted for different ubiquitin chain types
Temporal Dynamics Investigation:
Pulse-Chase Ubiquitination Assays: Track the formation and turnover of different ubiquitin chain types over time
Single-Molecule Approaches: Develop methods to visualize the transition between different ubiquitination states on individual substrate molecules
Computational Modeling: Create predictive models of how the K48/K63 balance shifts under different conditions
Deubiquitinating Enzyme (DUB) Contribution Analysis:
DUB Specificity Testing: Identify DUBs that preferentially remove K48 versus K63 chains from RNF125 targets
DUB Manipulation: Determine how DUB inhibition or overexpression affects the K48/K63 balance
Complex Formation Analysis: Investigate if RNF125 associates with specific DUBs to coordinate ubiquitin chain editing
Physiological Trigger Response:
Viral Infection Time Course: Monitor how the K48/K63 balance on RIG-I changes throughout viral infection
Pathway Activation States: Correlate ubiquitin chain profiles with downstream signaling metrics
Cellular Compartmentalization: Examine whether ubiquitination patterns differ in distinct subcellular locations
Technical Controls and Validations:
Proteasome Inhibition: Use proteasome inhibitors to stabilize K48-ubiquitinated proteins
Linkage-Specific Controls: Include known substrates with well-characterized ubiquitination patterns
Antibody Validation: Regularly validate the specificity of linkage-specific antibodies
These methodological considerations provide a framework for investigating the complex interplay between different ubiquitination types mediated by RNF125 and other E3 ligases, which may reveal important regulatory mechanisms in immune signaling pathways.