RNF6 Antibody is a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody specifically designed to detect and analyze the RING-finger protein 6 (RNF6), an E3 ubiquitin ligase implicated in cancer progression and drug resistance. This antibody is widely utilized in molecular biology research for techniques such as:
Western Blot: Detects RNF6 at ~55 kDa in cell lysates (e.g., SP2/0 cells) at a recommended concentration of 1.0 µg/ml .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Identifies RNF6 localization in paraffin-embedded tissues (e.g., mouse intestine and pancreas) at dilutions of 1:10–1:500 .
Functional Studies: Used to investigate RNF6’s role in cancer pathways, including proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance .
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Host Species | Rabbit |
| Purification | Protein A |
| Formulation | PBS, 2% sucrose, BSA-free |
| Storage | 4°C (short term); -20°C (long term) |
| Validated Applications | Western Blot, IHC, IHC-Paraffin |
Colorectal Cancer: RNF6 antibody was used to confirm RNF6 overexpression in transgenic mice, revealing its role in promoting tumorigenesis via SF3B2-mediated pathways .
Retinoblastoma: Enabled identification of RNF6 upregulation in carboplatin-resistant cells (Y-79/CR and SO-Rb50/CR), linking it to JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation .
Breast Cancer: Facilitated discovery of RNF6’s stabilization of ERα and Bcl-xL, enhancing chemoresistance to doxorubicin .
In retinoblastoma, siRNA-mediated RNF6 knockdown sensitized drug-resistant cells to carboplatin, vincristine, and etoposide .
Key Finding: RNF6 overexpression in breast cancer cells reduced apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-xL, independent of pro-apoptotic Bim-1 .
Western Blot Validation: Demonstrated specificity in SP2/0 cell lysates with clear bands at the expected molecular weight .
IHC Reproducibility: Consistent staining in mouse pancreatic islet cells and intestinal tissues confirmed antibody reliability across tissue types .
Biomarker Utility: RNF6 expression correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer (70% of tumors) and multidrug resistance in retinoblastoma .
Targeted Therapy: Inhibitors like pladienolide B (targeting SF3B2) or USP7 inhibitors (e.g., P5091) show promise in RNF6-high cancers .
RNF6 antibodies have been validated for multiple applications including Western Blot (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence/Immunocytochemistry (IF/ICC), Immunoprecipitation (IP), and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP). When selecting an antibody, consider the validated applications reported by manufacturers and in peer-reviewed literature. For example, the Proteintech RNF6 antibody (20437-1-AP) has been successfully used in all these applications with recommended dilutions of 1:500-1:2000 for WB, 0.5-4.0 μg for 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate for IP, and 1:50-1:500 for IF/ICC . The antibody's versatility across multiple applications makes it valuable for comprehensive RNF6 studies, particularly when investigating both its E3 ligase and transcriptional regulatory functions.
RNF6 expression varies significantly across cell and tissue types, with particularly high expression observed in various cancer cells. According to published studies, colorectal cancer cell lines DLD1 and SW480 express high levels of RNF6, while HCT116 and HT29 cells show lower endogenous RNF6 expression . Positive Western blot detection has been reported in mouse testis tissue and PC-3 prostate cancer cells . RNF6 overexpression has also been documented in leukemia cell lines (K562), multiple myeloma cells (RPMI-8226, LP1), and breast cancer tissue samples . This differential expression pattern makes it essential to select appropriate positive controls when validating RNF6 antibodies. For immunostaining applications, SW480 cells have shown strong positive signals in IF/ICC experiments .
The choice of epitope target significantly impacts an RNF6 antibody's performance in different applications. Commercial RNF6 antibodies target various regions of the protein, including:
N-terminal region antibodies (e.g., ABIN925857) that recognize the coiled-coil domain
C-terminal region antibodies that may interact with the RING-H2 finger domain responsible for ubiquitin ligase activity
Mid-region antibodies targeting amino acids 300-400 (ab204506)
For functional studies, antibodies targeting the C-terminal RING-H2 finger domain might interfere with ubiquitin ligase activity, making them less suitable for certain functional assays but potentially useful for inhibition studies. Antibodies against the N-terminal coiled-coil domain might affect protein-protein interactions. For ChIP applications, antibodies targeting DNA-binding regions might reduce efficiency by competing with DNA for binding. When studying RNF6's dual functions, using antibodies targeting different epitopes may help distinguish between its roles as an E3 ligase and transcription factor . Therefore, selecting antibodies with epitopes appropriate for the specific application is crucial for experimental success.
Validating RNF6 antibody specificity for ChIP experiments requires a multi-step approach:
Positive and negative control regions: Based on published research, the SF3B2 promoter serves as a known RNF6 binding target for positive control . Design primers for this region and include non-target genomic regions as negative controls.
RNF6 knockdown validation: Perform ChIP in both wild-type and RNF6-knockdown cells. The signal should be significantly reduced in knockdown cells, confirming antibody specificity.
Supershift assay: Use electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) with nuclear extracts, the target DNA sequence as probe, and RNF6 antibody. As demonstrated in colorectal cancer studies, RNF6 antibody addition should cause a supershift of the RNF6-DNA complex, confirming specific binding .
Quantitative assessment: Calculate enrichment using the percent input method as described in previous studies . Compare enrichment at known binding sites versus negative control regions.
ChIP-seq validation: For genome-wide studies, validate peaks at known binding sites and identify the RNF6 binding motif (the core sequence "TTTCCT" has been previously identified from ChIP-seq data) .
These validation steps ensure that ChIP signals truly represent RNF6 binding rather than non-specific interactions or experimental artifacts.
When studying RNF6 auto-ubiquitination, several methodological considerations are critical:
Proteasome inhibition: Treat cells with proteasome inhibitors (MG132 or bortezomib) prior to analysis. Studies have shown that RNF6 protein accumulates markedly after proteasome inhibition but not with lysosomal inhibitors (chloroquine), confirming proteasomal degradation pathway involvement .
Appropriate lysis conditions: Use denaturing lysis conditions with SDS to disrupt protein-protein interactions and capture all ubiquitinated species.
Controls: Include both RNF6 knockdown samples and RNF6 RING domain mutants as negative controls. The RING domain is essential for E3 ligase activity, and mutations in this domain should abolish auto-ubiquitination.
Ubiquitin linkage analysis: Use antibodies specific for different ubiquitin linkages (K48, K63, K6, K27) to characterize the type of auto-ubiquitination. Studies have shown RNF6 can form different types of ubiquitin chains .
In vitro ubiquitination assay: Perform cell-free assays with purified components (E1, E2, RNF6, and ubiquitin) to confirm direct auto-ubiquitination without other E3 ligases present .
USP7 interaction analysis: Investigate the role of deubiquitinating enzyme USP7, which has been shown to prevent RNF6 auto-ubiquitination and stabilize the protein .
This methodological approach provides comprehensive evidence for RNF6 auto-ubiquitination and its regulation.
Optimizing co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) for RNF6 protein interactions requires careful protocol design:
Lysis buffer optimization: Use RIPA buffer for standard interactions, but consider milder NP-40 or Triton X-100 buffers for preserving weaker interactions. Include protease inhibitors and phosphatase inhibitors if phosphorylation might affect interactions.
Proteasome inhibition: Pretreat cells with MG132 (15 μg/ml for 4-6 hours) before harvesting, especially when studying ubiquitination-related interactions. This prevents RNF6 and its partners from degradation .
Antibody quantity optimization: Use 0.5-4.0 μg of RNF6 antibody for 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate as a starting point, then optimize based on results .
Controls: Include IgG control immunoprecipitations, input samples (5-10% of lysate), and RNF6 knockdown samples as controls . For known interactions like RNF6-USP7, include positive control samples.
Reciprocal Co-IP: Confirm interactions by performing reciprocal Co-IP (IP with antibody against the interacting partner, then blot for RNF6) .
Crosslinking: For transient or weak interactions, consider formaldehyde crosslinking followed by glycine quenching .
Detection method: Use sensitive detection methods like enhanced chemiluminescence for Western blot detection of co-immunoprecipitated proteins.
These optimized protocols have successfully demonstrated RNF6 interactions with partners like USP7, USP9x, MST1, and others across different cancer types .
To investigate RNF6's dual functions as both an E3 ligase and transcription factor, implement these specialized approaches:
Subcellular fractionation: Separate nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions to analyze RNF6 distribution. Immunofluorescence staining has revealed RNF6 localization in both compartments, with transcriptional activity primarily in the nucleus .
Domain-specific mutants: Generate constructs with mutations in:
RING domain (C-terminal) to disrupt E3 ligase activity while preserving DNA binding
DNA-binding domains to eliminate transcriptional activity while maintaining E3 ligase function
Function-specific assays:
Transcriptional activity: ChIP-seq, RNA-seq of target genes (SF3B2, BIRC5, MCM7 in colorectal cancer; CCNA1/CREBBP in gastric cancer), reporter assays with promoter constructs, and EMSA
E3 ligase activity: Ubiquitination assays with potential substrates (MST1 in breast cancer), protein stability analyses, and in vitro ubiquitination
Differential inhibition: Use proteasome inhibitors (MG132) which should block effects dependent on protein degradation but not transcriptional effects.
Genetic rescue experiments: Perform rescue experiments with wild-type RNF6 versus domain-specific mutants to attribute phenotypes to specific functions.
This systematic approach has successfully distinguished RNF6's dual roles across multiple cancer types, revealing context-specific functions that may contribute to its oncogenic potential .
To comprehensively investigate RNF6's role in cancer progression, design experiments that address expression, function, and mechanism:
Expression profiling:
Functional studies:
Mechanistic investigations:
In vivo validation:
This comprehensive experimental design has revealed RNF6's promotion of various cancer types through mechanisms including SF3B2 upregulation in colorectal cancer , YAP pathway regulation in breast cancer , and CCNA1/CREBBP regulation in gastric cancer .
Multiple bands when using RNF6 antibody in Western blot may occur for several reasons:
Post-translational modifications: The most common cause is ubiquitination of RNF6 itself. Studies have shown that proteasome inhibitors like MG132 cause accumulation of polyubiquitinated RNF6, appearing as higher molecular weight bands or smears . The primary band should appear at 78 kDa, with ubiquitinated forms at higher molecular weights.
Proteolytic degradation: RNF6 may undergo partial degradation during sample preparation. To prevent this, use fresh samples, keep them cold throughout processing, and include protease inhibitor cocktails in lysis buffers.
Alternative splicing: While not specifically documented for RNF6 in the search results, alternative splicing can produce protein variants of different sizes. Confirm with RT-PCR whether your experimental system expresses RNF6 splice variants.
Non-specific binding: Some antibodies may cross-react with other RING finger proteins due to structural similarities. Validate specificity using RNF6 knockdown samples as negative controls and RNF6-overexpressing samples as positive controls .
Antibody quality: Batch-to-batch variation or antibody degradation may cause non-specific binding. Always use antibodies within their recommended shelf-life and validate each new lot.
To determine which bands represent true RNF6, compare results with multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes and include appropriate knockdown controls.
For optimal RNF6 detection in immunohistochemistry, follow these methodological guidelines:
Fixation and processing:
Antigen retrieval:
Background reduction:
Antibody optimization:
Start with manufacturer's recommended dilutions and optimize as needed
Incubate primary antibody overnight at 4°C for optimal binding
Use appropriate detection systems (HRP-polymer or avidin-biotin complexes)
Controls:
Include positive controls (tissues known to express RNF6, such as testicular tissue)
Include negative controls (primary antibody omitted or isotype control antibody)
Include RNF6-low tissues as additional controls
Counterstaining and evaluation:
Use hematoxylin for nuclear counterstaining
Evaluate both staining intensity and percentage of positive cells
Consider scoring systems used in published studies for consistency
These optimized protocols have successfully demonstrated RNF6 expression in various cancer tissues, revealing its potential as a prognostic biomarker .
Differentiating between RNF6's nuclear and cytoplasmic functions requires specialized experimental approaches and careful data interpretation:
Subcellular fractionation analysis:
Perform biochemical fractionation to separate nuclear and cytoplasmic components
Verify fraction purity using compartment-specific markers (e.g., GAPDH for cytoplasm, Lamin B for nucleus)
Quantify relative RNF6 distribution between compartments under different conditions
Immunofluorescence imaging:
Domain-specific mutant analysis:
Generate RNF6 constructs with mutated nuclear localization signals (NLS) or nuclear export signals (NES)
Compare phenotypes of cells expressing these mutants versus wild-type RNF6
Compartment-specific interaction studies:
Function-specific readouts:
Temporal dynamics analysis:
Track RNF6 localization changes in response to cellular stress, cell cycle stages, or drug treatments
Correlate localization shifts with changes in nuclear vs. cytoplasmic functions
This approach helps untangle the complex dual roles of RNF6 and interpret seemingly contradictory experimental results across different cancer models.
For robust statistical analysis of RNF6 in clinical contexts, employ these methodological approaches:
Expression comparison between tissue types:
Correlation with clinicopathological features:
Survival analysis:
Employ Kaplan-Meier method to examine the correlation between RNF6 expression and patient survival
Use log-rank tests to determine statistical significance between high and low expression groups
Define cutoff values for high vs. low expression based on:
Median value
ROC curve analysis
Established scoring systems from literature
Multivariate analysis:
Multiple testing correction:
Apply Benjamini-Hochberg or Bonferroni correction when performing multiple comparisons
Set significance threshold at P<0.05 after correction
Software and presentation:
These rigorous statistical approaches have successfully demonstrated RNF6's clinical significance across multiple cancer types.
When encountering conflicting RNF6 results across experimental models, consider these systematic interpretation approaches:
Baseline expression analysis:
Context-dependent interaction networks:
Genetic background differences:
Methodological differences:
Compare knockdown/overexpression efficiencies across studies
Evaluate timing differences (acute vs. stable modulation)
Assess assay sensitivity and specificity
Functional redundancy:
Consider compensatory mechanisms by other RING finger proteins
Evaluate adaptive responses to long-term RNF6 modulation
Integrated data analysis:
Conduct meta-analysis across multiple studies
Focus on consistent patterns despite model-specific variations
Create pathway models that account for context-dependent functions
This systematic approach transforms seemingly conflicting results into a more comprehensive understanding of RNF6's context-dependent functions across cancer types.
To design robust ChIP-seq experiments for discovering RNF6 transcriptional targets:
Antibody validation:
Experimental design:
Use at least 3-4 biological replicates per condition
Include input controls and IgG ChIP negative controls
Consider using spike-in normalization for quantitative comparisons
Protocol optimization:
Sequencing considerations:
Aim for 20-30 million uniquely mapped reads per sample
Use paired-end sequencing for better peak resolution
Include appropriate sequencing controls
Integrative analysis:
Validation approaches:
This comprehensive approach has successfully identified important RNF6 transcriptional targets in colorectal cancer (SF3B2) and gastric cancer (CCNA1/CREBBP) , revealing its context-specific regulatory networks.
When developing RNF6 loss-of-function models, consider these methodological aspects:
Selection of knockdown/knockout strategy:
siRNA: Provides rapid, transient knockdown. Validated sequences include:
shRNA: For stable knockdown delivered via lentiviral vectors
CRISPR-Cas9: For complete knockout, target exons encoding functional domains
Validation of gene modification:
Controls:
Negative controls: Non-targeting siRNA/shRNA or scrambled guide RNA
Rescue controls: Re-expression of RNF6 to confirm specificity of observed phenotypes
Domain mutants: Expression of specific domain mutants for functional dissection
Phenotypic characterization:
Target validation:
Assess expression of known RNF6 targets (SF3B2, MST1, CCNA1)
Perform ubiquitination assays on known substrates
Evaluate transcriptional activity at target promoters
In vivo validation:
Xenograft models with knockdown/knockout cells
Comparison of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis
Studies using these approaches have demonstrated that RNF6 depletion suppresses cancer cell proliferation and invasion across multiple cancer types, confirming its oncogenic roles .
For robust in vivo validation of RNF6's role in tumorigenesis, implement these design elements:
Model selection:
Xenograft models: Inject RNF6-modulated cancer cells subcutaneously or orthotopically
Genetic models: Generate tissue-specific RNF6 transgenic or knockout mice
Experimental design:
Group size: Use power analysis to determine minimum sample size (typically 8-10 animals per group)
Randomization: Randomly assign animals to experimental groups when tumors reach ~50mm³
Blinding: Ensure investigators measuring outcomes are blinded to group assignment
Controls: Include appropriate vector controls, wild-type littermates, and sham-treated groups
Tumor induction approaches:
Measurement parameters:
Histological and molecular analyses:
Therapeutic intervention studies:
These comprehensive in vivo approaches have successfully demonstrated RNF6's promotion of tumor growth, providing strong preclinical evidence for its oncogenic functions .
To comprehensively investigate RNF6 regulation at transcriptional and post-translational levels:
Transcriptional regulation analysis:
Promoter mapping: Create a series of truncated RNF6 regulatory region constructs in luciferase reporter systems
Key regulatory elements: Studies identified the region between −144 and −99 upstream of the RNF6 transcription start site as critical, containing a PBX1 recognition element (PRE)
Transcription factor identification: "PBX1 modulated RNF6 expression by binding to the specific PRE. When PRE was mutated, RNF6 transcription was completely abolished"
Co-regulator analysis: "PBX1 collaborated with PREP1 but not MEIS1 to modulate RNF6 expression"
Post-translational regulation studies:
Protein stability assessment: Treat cells with cycloheximide to block protein synthesis and monitor RNF6 degradation kinetics
Degradation pathway identification: Compare effects of proteasome inhibitors (MG132, bortezomib) versus lysosomal inhibitors (chloroquine)
Ubiquitination analysis: Immunoprecipitate RNF6 and probe for ubiquitin by Western blot
Auto-ubiquitination mechanism:
In vitro ubiquitination assays: Use purified components to demonstrate direct RNF6 auto-ubiquitination
RING domain mutants: Create mutants lacking E3 ligase activity to abolish auto-ubiquitination
Deubiquitinating enzyme studies: