The FITC-conjugated RNF19A antibody enables visualization of RNF19A localization and expression in cellular contexts. Key applications include:
Immunofluorescence (IF): Detecting RNF19A in fixed cells or tissues under fluorescence microscopy.
Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Studying subcellular localization of RNF19A in cultured cells.
RNF19A is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that interacts with E2 enzymes (e.g., UBE2L3) to mediate substrate ubiquitination. Notable findings include:
BARD1 Ubiquitination and PARPi Sensitivity
RNF19A ubiquitinates BARD1, disrupting the BRCA1-BARD1 heterodimer and impairing homologous recombination (HR) repair. This mechanism sensitizes cancer cells to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) .
Catalytically active RNF19A (WT) is required for BARD1 ubiquitination and PARPi sensitivity, as demonstrated in RNF19A-deficient cells reconstituted with WT or catalytically inactive mutants .
Role in Neurodegeneration
Oncogenic Potential in NSCLC
RNF19A (Ring Finger Protein 19A) is a member of the RING-in-between-RING (RBR) E3 ubiquitin ligase family. It functions primarily in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, targeting proteins for degradation through ubiquitination. Recent research has revealed that RNF19A plays critical roles in cancer progression through various mechanisms. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), RNF19A mediates p53 ubiquitin-degradation, promoting cancer growth by reducing p53, p21, and BAX expression while inducing Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, and BCL2 expression . Conversely, in bladder cancer, RNF19A acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating ILK and inactivating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway .
The protein contains specialized domains that facilitate its E3 ligase function, including RING finger domains that are essential for the ubiquitination process. These structural characteristics make it an important target for both basic research and potential therapeutic development.
RNF19A demonstrates broad cross-reactivity across multiple species. According to antibody validation studies, RNF19A shows 100% predicted reactivity in humans, mice, cows, dogs, and horses, with slightly lower reactivity (93%) in guinea pigs and rabbits . This conservation across species suggests fundamental biological roles.
RNF19A antibodies target different regions of the protein depending on the specific product. The search results reveal several antibody options:
N-terminal targeting antibodies: These recognize epitopes at the amino-terminal region of RNF19A, such as the synthetic peptide "IFSTNTSSDN GLTSISKQIG DFIECPLCLL RHSKDRFPDI MTCHHRSCVD"
Mid-region targeting antibodies: Some antibodies target amino acids 108-157
C-terminal targeting antibodies: Others recognize the carboxy-terminal region (AA 741-825)
Epitope selection significantly impacts experimental outcomes. N-terminal antibodies may detect full-length RNF19A but might miss truncated variants. C-terminal antibodies can identify both full-length and C-terminal fragments but might miss N-terminal fragments. For comprehensive detection of all RNF19A forms, researchers should consider using multiple antibodies targeting different regions.
When selecting FITC-conjugated RNF19A antibodies, researchers should consider:
Epitope specificity: Choose antibodies recognizing relevant epitopes based on research questions (N-terminal vs C-terminal)
Validation documentation: Look for antibodies validated in applications similar to your planned experiments
Species reactivity: Ensure compatibility with your experimental model (human, mouse, etc.)
Clonality: Polyclonal antibodies provide broader epitope recognition, while monoclonal antibodies offer higher specificity
Fluorophore characteristics: FITC excites at ~495nm and emits at ~519nm, making it compatible with standard FITC filter sets but susceptible to photobleaching
For FITC-conjugated RNF19A antibodies specifically, consider using those targeting amino acids 741-825, as these have been documented in the search results to be available with FITC conjugation . This region appears to be important for RNF19A function and provides good detection sensitivity.
Optimized Immunofluorescence Protocol for FITC-conjugated RNF19A Antibodies:
Sample preparation:
For cell cultures: Grow cells on coverslips to 60-70% confluence
For tissue sections: Use freshly frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections (5-7μm thickness)
Fixation:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature
For tissues: After deparaffinization and rehydration, perform antigen retrieval (citrate buffer pH 6.0, 95°C for 20 minutes)
Permeabilization and blocking:
Permeabilize with 0.2% Triton X-100 in PBS for 10 minutes
Block with 5% normal serum (matching secondary antibody species) with 1% BSA in PBS for 1 hour
Primary antibody incubation:
Nuclear counterstaining:
Counterstain with DAPI (1μg/ml) for 5 minutes
Mount with anti-fade mounting medium
Controls:
Include a negative control (omitting primary antibody)
For specificity validation, include samples with known RNF19A expression levels
Researchers should optimize this protocol for their specific experimental conditions, including adjusting antibody concentration, incubation time, and washing steps based on signal intensity and background levels.
FITC-conjugated RNF19A antibodies are valuable tools for studying protein-protein interactions through techniques such as:
Culture cells or prepare tissue sections as appropriate
Fix and permeabilize samples
Block with appropriate blocking solution
Incubate with FITC-conjugated RNF19A antibody and an antibody against a potential interacting protein
Follow PLA protocol with appropriate PLA probes
Analyze the proximity signals indicating protein interaction
Co-immunoprecipitation with RNF19A:
Based on the research showing RNF19A interactions with proteins like p53 and ILK , the following protocol can be adapted:
Prepare cell lysates using RIPA buffer containing protease inhibitors
Pre-clear lysates with protein A/G beads
Immunoprecipitate with anti-RNF19A antibody overnight at 4°C
Add protein A/G beads and incubate for 2-4 hours
Wash beads thoroughly and elute proteins
Analyze by Western blot using antibodies against suspected interaction partners
In bladder cancer research, RNF19A was found to directly interact with ILK and promote its ubiquitination and degradation . Similar approaches can be used to investigate other potential RNF19A interacting partners.
RNF19A appears to have context-dependent roles in cancer progression, with opposing functions in different cancer types:
RNF19A is significantly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared to normal lung tissues
Higher RNF19A expression correlates with poor clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients
RNF19A promotes cancer cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in NSCLC
Mechanistically, RNF19A reduces expression of tumor suppressors (p53, p21, BAX) and increases expression of oncogenes (Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, BCL2)
These contrasting roles highlight the importance of tissue-specific context in understanding RNF19A function and suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting RNF19A would need to be cancer type-specific.
RNF19A regulates p53 through direct protein-protein interaction and subsequent ubiquitin-mediated degradation. The detailed mechanism, as revealed in NSCLC research, includes:
Physical interaction: RNF19A directly binds to p53 protein, as demonstrated through co-immunoprecipitation experiments
Reduced p53 half-life: RNF19A shortens the half-life of p53 protein
Ubiquitination: As an E3 ubiquitin ligase, RNF19A mediates p53 ubiquitination, marking it for proteasomal degradation
Downstream effects: Reduced p53 levels lead to decreased expression of p53 target genes (p21, BAX) and increased expression of cell cycle regulators (Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6) and anti-apoptotic factors (BCL2)
This mechanism explains how RNF19A overexpression promotes cancer progression in NSCLC through inhibition of p53-mediated tumor suppression. The functional significance of this regulation was confirmed by rescue experiments showing that p53 silencing partially reversed the inhibitory effects of RNF19A knockdown on cancer cell proliferation .
Design and construction:
Design shRNA sequences targeting RNF19A (e.g., targeting regions with high conservation)
Clone into appropriate lentiviral vectors (e.g., pLKO.1)
Include appropriate controls (scrambled shRNA)
Lentivirus production:
Transfect packaging cells (HEK293T) with lentiviral vector plus packaging plasmids
Collect virus-containing supernatant 48-72h post-transfection
Filter through 0.45μm filter
Target cell infection:
Validation:
Lentiviral-Mediated RNF19A Overexpression Protocol:
Similar to the knockdown approach, but using a lentiviral vector containing the RNF19A coding sequence. Consider using a FLAG-tagged RNF19A construct to facilitate detection and immunoprecipitation experiments .
Plasmid transfection:
Treatment:
44-48 hours post-transfection, treat cells with proteasome inhibitor (MG132, 10μM) for 4-6 hours
Cell lysis:
Lyse cells in denaturing buffer (6M guanidine-HCl, 0.1M Na2HPO4/NaH2PO4, 10mM imidazole, pH 8.0)
Pulldown of ubiquitinated proteins:
Incubate lysates with Ni-NTA beads for 3-4 hours at room temperature
Wash beads extensively with washing buffers of decreasing stringency
Elute ubiquitinated proteins with elution buffer containing imidazole
Analysis:
Separate proteins by SDS-PAGE
Perform Western blot analysis using antibodies against the tag on your target protein
This protocol allows detection of ubiquitinated target proteins while ensuring specificity through the use of tagged proteins and denaturing conditions that disrupt non-covalent interactions.
Problem: FITC is susceptible to photobleaching during extended imaging sessions
Solution: Add anti-fade reagents to mounting medium, minimize exposure to excitation light, use lower intensity for excitation, and consider taking images of control samples first to standardize exposure settings
Problem: Non-specific binding or autofluorescence masking specific signals
Solution:
Optimize blocking (try different blocking agents: 5% BSA, normal serum, or commercial blocking reagents)
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in antibody diluent
Increase washing steps (at least 3x5 minutes with PBS-T)
Use Sudan Black B (0.1% in 70% ethanol) to reduce autofluorescence
Consider shorter primary antibody incubation time or more dilute antibody solution
Problem: Insufficient antibody binding or epitope accessibility
Solution:
Optimize antibody concentration (test range from 1:100 to 1:500)
Ensure proper antigen retrieval for fixed tissues
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Check that storage conditions haven't compromised antibody activity
Verify that target protein is expressed in your samples
Essential Controls for RNF19A Antibody Validation:
Negative Controls:
Primary antibody omission: Replace primary antibody with antibody diluent
Isotype control: Use non-specific IgG from the same species as primary antibody
Blocking peptide competition: Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide before application
Positive Controls:
Knockdown/Knockout Controls:
RNF19A knockdown cells created using shRNA or siRNA
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated RNF19A knockout cells
These controls should show reduced or absent staining
Multiple Antibody Validation:
Quantification Methods for RNF19A Expression:
Western Blot Quantification:
Normalize RNF19A band intensity to loading controls (GAPDH, β-actin)
Use software like ImageJ for densitometry analysis
Present data as relative expression (fold change) compared to control samples
Immunofluorescence Quantification:
Capture images using standardized exposure settings
Measure mean fluorescence intensity within regions of interest
Quantify multiple fields (>5) and cells (>100) per sample
Subtract background fluorescence from non-specific regions
Present data as mean fluorescence intensity or integrated density
qRT-PCR Analysis:
Interpretation Guidelines:
Single-Cell Analysis of RNF19A Expression:
FITC-conjugated RNF19A antibodies could enable flow cytometry and cell sorting based on RNF19A expression
This would facilitate investigation of RNF19A expression heterogeneity within tumors
Potential to identify and characterize RNF19A-high and RNF19A-low subpopulations within cancer tissues
Live Cell Imaging of RNF19A Dynamics:
Using cell-permeable FITC-conjugated antibody fragments to monitor RNF19A localization in real-time
Studying RNF19A redistribution in response to stress, treatment, or cell cycle progression
Correlating dynamic changes with functional outcomes
Multiplex Imaging Approaches:
Combining FITC-RNF19A antibodies with antibodies against interaction partners (p53, ILK)
Using multiplexed imaging to study co-localization and pathway activation states
Correlating RNF19A with markers of ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation
Therapeutic Target Validation:
Leveraging FITC-conjugated antibodies to monitor RNF19A expression changes in response to potential inhibitors
Screening compounds that modulate RNF19A expression or activity
Development of antibody-drug conjugates targeting RNF19A-expressing cells
Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) to visualize RNF19A co-localization with interaction partners at sub-diffraction resolution
Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM) to map precise RNF19A distribution patterns at nanoscale resolution
Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy to visualize RNF19A in specific subcellular compartments
Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM):
Using FITC-conjugated RNF19A antibodies to identify regions of interest for subsequent electron microscopy analysis, providing ultrastructural context for RNF19A localization
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM): Exploiting the fluorescence lifetime properties of FITC to detect subtle changes in the microenvironment of RNF19A, potentially indicating conformational changes or protein-protein interactions