Gene ID: SPBC13G1.14c
Organism: Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Protein Function:
Component of the Exon Junction Complex (EJC), critical for RNA splicing, surveillance, and nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) .
Interacts with RNA-binding proteins involved in meiotic mRNA elimination .
Domain Features:
Contains RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) for binding spliced mRNAs.
Associates with MTREC/Red5 complex components, linking splicing to RNA degradation .
Antibodies targeting epitope tags (e.g., GFP, HA, Myc) fused to SPBC13G1.14c are used for detection:
| Tag | Antibody | Application | Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| GFP | Monoclonal anti-GFP (Takara) | Western blotting | |
| HA | Anti-HA (Covance, MMS-101P) | Protein expression validation | |
| Myc | Anti-Myc (commercial) | Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) |
SPBC13G1.14c interacts with Red5 (MTREC complex) via Co-IP, confirmed using anti-Myc antibodies .
Western blotting with anti-GFP antibodies demonstrated stable expression of SPBC13G1.14c-sfGFP fusions under meiotic conditions .
Role in EJC: SPBC13G1.14c ensures maturation of spliced transcripts by recruiting decay factors to aberrant mRNAs .
Genetic Interactions: Deletion mutants show synthetic lethality with mmi1 and red5, implicating it in RNA surveillance pathways .
Co-purifies with components of the Mmi1/Red1 complex, which targets meiotic mRNAs for elimination during vegetative growth .
Loss of SPBC13G1.14c disrupts selective degradation of non-coding RNAs, leading to meiotic defects .
SPBC13G1.14c is part of protein interaction networks involving:
Table 1: Select Interacting Partners Identified via Yeast Two-Hybrid Screens
| Gene | Function | Interaction Score |
|---|---|---|
| SPBC16H5.07c | RNA helicase | High |
| SPCC24B10.08c | Splicing factor | Moderate |
| SPAC1834.04 | NMD complex component | High |
Epitope Tagging: SPBC13G1.14c is often C-terminally tagged with GFP/HA for localization and pull-down assays .
Antibody Limitations: No native antibody exists; reliance on tagged constructs may obscure endogenous protein dynamics.
KEGG: spo:SPBC13G1.14c
STRING: 4896.SPBC13G1.14c.1
SPBC13G1.14c refers to a specific gene locus in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The protein encoded by this gene has the UniProt accession number Q1MTR2. This protein is studied in the context of S. pombe biology, which serves as an important model organism for understanding eukaryotic cell processes, particularly cell division and chromosome dynamics. While the specific function may still be under investigation, its study contributes to our understanding of conserved cellular mechanisms in eukaryotes.
The SPBC13G1.14c Antibody is a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits against a recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972/ATCC 24843) SPBC13G1.14c protein . The generation process involves immunizing rabbits with the purified recombinant protein, collecting serum after a sufficient immune response, and purifying the antibodies using antigen affinity purification methods . This approach ensures the final antibody preparation contains a diverse population of antibodies that recognize different epitopes on the target protein, providing robust detection capabilities.
According to the product information, SPBC13G1.14c Antibody should be stored at -20°C or -80°C upon receipt . The antibody is provided in liquid form with a storage buffer containing 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative, 50% Glycerol, and 0.01M PBS at pH 7.4 . Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided as they can lead to denaturation and loss of antibody activity. For optimal preservation of activity, it is recommended to aliquot the antibody into smaller volumes before freezing to minimize the number of freeze-thaw cycles.
The SPBC13G1.14c Antibody has been validated for ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Western Blot (WB) applications . These validations ensure that the antibody can successfully identify the target antigen in these specific experimental contexts. The antibody is designated "for research use only" and not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic applications . Researchers should perform additional validation when adapting the antibody for applications beyond those specifically listed in the technical documentation.
Optimizing Western blot protocols for SPBC13G1.14c Antibody requires systematic testing of several parameters:
Sample Preparation:
Extract proteins from S. pombe cells in mid-logarithmic growth phase
Use a lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors to prevent protein degradation
Determine protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay
Electrophoresis and Transfer:
Load 20-50 μg of total protein per lane
Use fresh transfer buffer and optimize transfer time (typically 1-2 hours at 100V)
Consider using PVDF membranes for higher protein binding capacity
Antibody Incubation:
Start with a 1:1000 dilution of the primary antibody
Incubate membranes overnight at 4°C for optimal binding
Use a compatible secondary antibody (anti-rabbit IgG) at 1:5000-1:10000 dilution
Detection Optimization:
Test both chemiluminescent and fluorescent detection methods
For weak signals, consider extended exposure times or signal enhancement reagents
Include positive and negative controls to validate specificity
A typical titration experiment comparing different antibody dilutions might yield results as shown in this table:
| Antibody Dilution | Signal Intensity | Background | Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:500 | High | High | Moderate |
| 1:1000 | Strong | Low | Excellent |
| 1:2000 | Moderate | Very Low | Good |
| 1:5000 | Weak | Very Low | Poor |
Implementing appropriate controls is crucial for interpreting results with SPBC13G1.14c Antibody:
Positive Controls:
Wild-type S. pombe cell lysate expressing SPBC13G1.14c
Recombinant SPBC13G1.14c protein (if available)
Negative Controls:
SPBC13G1.14c knockout/deletion strain lysate
Non-related species lysate (e.g., S. cerevisiae)
Pre-immune serum control
Procedural Controls:
Secondary antibody-only control to assess non-specific binding
Loading control (e.g., anti-tubulin antibody) to normalize protein amounts
Peptide competition assay where the antibody is pre-incubated with excess antigen
Determining the optimal dilution for SPBC13G1.14c Antibody requires a systematic titration approach:
For Western Blotting:
Prepare identical membrane strips with the same samples
Test a range of antibody dilutions (e.g., 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000)
Process all strips identically (same blocking, washing, secondary antibody)
Analyze signal intensity and background for each dilution
Select the dilution that provides the best signal-to-noise ratio
For ELISA:
Coat plate wells with serial dilutions of the antigen
For each antigen dilution, test multiple antibody dilutions
Create a two-dimensional titration matrix
Measure absorbance values and calculate signal-to-noise ratios
Determine the optimal working range where signal correlates linearly with antigen concentration
Different applications typically require different dilutions, and batch-to-batch variations may necessitate re-optimization. The product documentation states that optimal dilutions should be determined by each laboratory for each application .
Recent advances in computational approaches for antibody research suggest the potential for applying machine learning to predict antibody specificity:
Model Training Considerations:
Deep learning models can be trained to distinguish between antibodies to different targets based on sequence features
Biophysics-informed models can disentangle multiple binding modes associated with specific ligands
Training requires large datasets of antibody sequences with known specificities
Practical Implementation:
Extract sequence features from SPBC13G1.14c Antibody (if sequence available)
Apply trained models to predict:
Potential cross-reactivity with related proteins
Epitope regions on the target protein
Binding affinity estimates
Validation Requirements:
Computational predictions should be validated experimentally
Compare predicted specificity with actual binding profiles
Use predictions to guide experimental design rather than replace validation
Research demonstrates that deep learning models can accurately distinguish between antibodies to different targets, such as SARS-CoV-2 spike protein versus influenza hemagglutinin protein . Similar approaches could potentially be applied to predict SPBC13G1.14c Antibody binding characteristics.
High background in immunostaining with SPBC13G1.14c Antibody can stem from multiple sources:
Common Causes and Solutions:
Insufficient Blocking:
Extend blocking time to 2 hours at room temperature
Try different blocking agents (BSA, normal serum, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking agent concentration to 5-10%
Antibody Concentration Issues:
Further dilute primary antibody (try 1:2000 instead of 1:1000)
Reduce secondary antibody concentration
Perform sequential dilution series to identify optimal concentration
Fixation Problems:
Test different fixatives (4% PFA, methanol, or combinations)
Optimize fixation time to preserve epitope accessibility
Include permeabilization step with 0.1-0.5% Triton X-100
Non-specific Binding:
Pre-adsorb antibody with acetone powder from a different species
Add 0.1-0.2% Tween-20 to antibody dilution buffer
Increase salt concentration in wash buffers (up to 500 mM NaCl)
Implementing a systematic troubleshooting approach by changing one variable at a time will help identify the source of high background and improve experimental outcomes.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for experimental rigor and reproducibility:
Genetic Validation:
Test antibody reactivity in wild-type versus SPBC13G1.14c knockout/deletion strains
Use CRISPR/Cas9-edited strains with epitope tags to confirm co-localization
Employ siRNA/RNAi knockdown to demonstrate signal reduction correlating with protein depletion
Biochemical Validation:
Perform peptide competition assays where excessive antigen blocks specific binding
Analyze reactivity against recombinant full-length protein and fragments
Compare reactivity pattern with antibodies against different epitopes of the same protein
Analytical Validation:
Mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated material
Correlation of signal with protein expression levels in different conditions
Multi-method confirmation (e.g., if Western blot shows a band of expected size, confirm by IP-MS)
Methodological Controls:
Include secondary-only controls
Test cross-reactivity with related proteins
Analyze non-specific binding to common contaminants
Antibody activity can decrease during storage due to various factors. Here's a systematic approach to address and prevent this issue:
Immediate Troubleshooting:
Centrifuge the antibody (10,000g for 5 minutes) to remove any aggregates
Verify appearance – cloudiness may indicate denaturation
Test activity at multiple dilutions – reduced activity may be compensated by using higher concentration
Preventive Measures:
Proper aliquoting:
Divide antibody into single-use aliquots (10-20 μL)
Use screw-cap microcentrifuge tubes with O-rings to prevent evaporation
Label with date, concentrations, and freeze/thaw count
Optimal storage conditions:
Handling precautions:
Never vortex antibodies (gentle mixing only)
Allow to warm to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation
Use low-retention pipette tips to minimize loss
The product documentation specifies that the antibody should maintain stability for 12 months from date of receipt at -20°C to -70°C as supplied, 1 month at 2-8°C under sterile conditions after reconstitution, and 6 months at -20°C to -70°C under sterile conditions after reconstitution .
Non-specific binding is a common challenge that can be addressed through multiple approaches:
Buffer Optimization:
Increase blocking agent concentration (5% BSA or milk)
Add 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 to washing and incubation buffers
Include 0.1-0.5 M NaCl in washing buffers to disrupt ionic interactions
Add 0.1% SDS to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Antibody Handling:
Pre-adsorb antibody against cell/tissue extracts lacking the target
Optimize antibody concentration through titration experiments
Reduce incubation time or temperature
Sample Preparation:
Extensive pre-clearing of lysates with Protein A/G beads
Use detergent-compatible extraction methods
Implement additional purification steps for complex samples
Protocol Modifications:
Extend washing steps (increase number and duration)
Use more stringent washing conditions progressively
Implement a two-step detection system with enhanced specificity
The following table shows common non-specific binding issues and their solutions:
| Non-Specific Binding Pattern | Likely Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple bands on Western blot | Cross-reactivity | Pre-adsorption, increased washing stringency |
| High background on all sample types | Excessive antibody concentration | Antibody titration, increased blocking |
| Non-specific nuclear staining | Ionic interactions with DNA | Increase salt concentration in buffers |
| Membrane-associated artifacts | Hydrophobic interactions | Add 0.05-0.1% SDS to wash buffers |
SPBC13G1.14c Antibody can be leveraged for studying protein-protein interactions through several advanced techniques:
Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Optimize IP conditions for SPBC13G1.14c Antibody
Use physiological buffer conditions to preserve native interactions
Analyze co-precipitated proteins by:
Western blotting for suspected interaction partners
Mass spectrometry for unbiased identification
Targeted proteomics for quantitative assessment
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA):
Use SPBC13G1.14c Antibody with antibodies against suspected interaction partners
The technique generates fluorescent spots only when proteins are within 40 nm
Provides spatial information about interactions within cells
Quantify interaction frequency under different conditions
Immunofluorescence Co-localization:
Perform dual immunofluorescence with SPBC13G1.14c Antibody and partner protein antibodies
Analyze co-localization using confocal microscopy
Calculate Pearson's correlation coefficient or Manders' overlap coefficient
Perform time-lapse imaging to detect dynamic interactions
Data interpretation should consider factors like antibody interference with binding sites, transient interactions, and subcellular compartmentalization. These approaches can help elucidate the functional role of SPBC13G1.14c in cellular processes.
Investigating post-translational modifications (PTMs) of SPBC13G1.14c requires specialized approaches:
Modification-Specific Detection:
Immunoprecipitate SPBC13G1.14c using the antibody
Probe with modification-specific antibodies (phospho-, acetyl-, ubiquitin-specific)
Alternatively, analyze by mass spectrometry to identify PTMs
Compare modification patterns under different cellular conditions
Functional Analysis:
Correlate modifications with protein activity or localization
Treat cells with modifying enzyme inhibitors to assess effects on SPBC13G1.14c
Create mutant forms of the protein where modification sites are altered
Compare wild-type and mutant protein behavior
Kinetics Studies:
Perform time-course experiments following cell stimulation
Track the appearance and disappearance of specific modifications
Correlate with cellular events or cell cycle phases
Identify the enzymes responsible for adding/removing modifications
When studying PTMs, it's crucial to consider whether the antibody's epitope might be masked by certain modifications, potentially leading to false-negative results in some experimental conditions.
Fission yeast (S. pombe) is a powerful model for cell cycle studies, and SPBC13G1.14c Antibody can be applied in several sophisticated approaches:
Cell Cycle-Synchronized Analysis:
Synchronize cells using:
Temperature-sensitive cdc mutants
Nitrogen starvation and release
Lactose gradient centrifugation
Collect samples at defined cell cycle stages
Analyze SPBC13G1.14c protein levels, localization, and modifications
Correlate changes with cell cycle markers (e.g., Cdc13, Cdc2 activity)
Genetic Interaction Studies:
Examine SPBC13G1.14c in wild-type and mutant backgrounds
Analyze synthetic lethal or enhancing interactions
Determine epistatic relationships with known cell cycle regulators
Map SPBC13G1.14c function within regulatory networks
Localization Dynamics:
Track SPBC13G1.14c localization throughout the cell cycle
Co-stain with markers for specific subcellular structures
Analyze relocalization in response to cell cycle checkpoints
Quantify nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution ratios
Results might be analyzed in a cell cycle phase-specific manner, creating a comprehensive profile of SPBC13G1.14c behavior throughout the cell division cycle. This approach can provide insights into the protein's functional role in normal cell cycle progression.
Computational methods can help identify potential epitopes recognized by the antibody:
Sequence-Based Prediction:
Analyze the SPBC13G1.14c protein sequence for:
Hydrophilicity profiles
Surface accessibility prediction
Antigenic propensity scores
Secondary structure elements
Apply epitope prediction algorithms (BepiPred, DiscoTope, etc.)
Identify linear and conformational epitope candidates
Structural Analysis:
Use homology modeling to predict SPBC13G1.14c structure if crystal structure unavailable
Identify surface-exposed regions as potential epitopes
Calculate electrostatic properties and solvent accessibility
Identify regions with high B-factors (flexibility) which often make good epitopes
Integration with Experimental Data:
Combine predictions with peptide mapping experiments
Use competition assays to test predicted epitopes
Create site-directed mutations in predicted epitope regions and test binding
Compare with known epitopes of related proteins
Recent advances in machine learning approaches have significantly improved epitope prediction accuracy. As demonstrated in search result , biophysics-informed models can be trained on experimentally selected antibodies to predict binding modes associated with specific ligands, which could be applied to better understand SPBC13G1.14c Antibody binding properties.
When comparing antibodies against different S. pombe proteins, several factors should be considered:
Technical Characteristics:
Antibody type (polyclonal vs. monoclonal)
Host species (rabbit, mouse, etc.)
Purification method (affinity purification vs. whole serum)
Validated applications (WB, IF, IP, etc.)
Performance Metrics:
Sensitivity (minimum detectable protein amount)
Specificity (cross-reactivity with related proteins)
Background levels in different applications
Reproducibility across different experimental conditions
Experimental Considerations:
Compatibility with different fixation methods
Performance in different buffer systems
Stability and storage requirements
Batch-to-batch consistency
The polyclonal nature of SPBC13G1.14c Antibody provides advantages in terms of recognizing multiple epitopes but may have different specificity characteristics compared to monoclonal antibodies against other S. pombe proteins. When designing multi-protein studies, these differences should be accounted for in experimental design and data interpretation.
Integrating antibody-based findings with public datasets enhances research depth and impact:
Data Integration Approaches:
Compare protein expression patterns with transcriptomic data
Correlate protein localization with ChIP-seq or Hi-C data
Integrate protein interaction findings with published interactome datasets
Connect phenotypic observations with genetic screening datasets
Public Resources:
PomBase for S. pombe-specific genomic and proteomic data
Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for transcriptomic datasets
ProteomeXchange for mass spectrometry data
BioGRID for protein-protein interaction networks
Integration Methodology:
Normalize data across different platforms
Apply statistical methods to identify significant correlations
Use visualization tools to identify patterns
Implement machine learning approaches for complex data integration
This integrative approach places antibody-based observations in a broader biological context and can reveal functional relationships not evident from single-technique studies.