RPL6 antibodies target the ribosomal protein L6, which has dual functions:
RPL6 translocates to DNA damage sites in a PARP-dependent manner .
Knockdown of RPL6 reduces recruitment of repair proteins (e.g., 53BP1, BRCA1) to damage sites .
Antibodies validated via immunofluorescence and siRNA experiments .
Lung Cancer:
Gastric Cancer:
RPL6 stabilizes p53 by inhibiting HDM2-mediated ubiquitination .
Overexpression induces G1/G2 arrest in p53-dependent cells (e.g., A549, HCT116) .
Detects a ~33–34 kDa band across species (human, mouse, rat) .
Validated in cell lines: Jurkat, HEK293T, A549, and HCT116 .
Strong nuclear/nucleolar staining in human lung cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues .
Targeting RPL6:
Biomarker Potential:
Cell-Type Specificity: Effects of RPL6 depletion vary between cancer types (e.g., p53-dependent vs. independent mechanisms) .
Antibody Cross-Reactivity: Limited data for non-mammalian species .
RPL6 antibodies are utilized across multiple research applications including:
Western Blotting (WB): Typically used at dilutions of 1:2000-1:10000
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Recommended dilutions range from 1:50-1:500
Immunofluorescence (IF)/Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Used at dilutions of 1:50-1:500 for standard antibodies and 1:300-1:1200 for fluorophore-conjugated variants
Flow Cytometry (FC): For intracellular detection, approximately 0.20 μg per 10^6 cells in a 100 μl suspension
These applications facilitate the investigation of RPL6 expression, localization, and interactions in various experimental contexts.
Most commercially available RPL6 antibodies show cross-reactivity across multiple mammalian species:
This cross-species reactivity is particularly valuable for comparative studies and model organism research, allowing consistent experimental approaches across different biological systems.
RPL6 plays a sophisticated role in DNA damage response that extends beyond its canonical ribosomal functions. When DNA damage occurs, RPL6 is recruited to damage sites in a PARP-dependent manner, where it interacts with histone H2A . This interaction facilitates several critical downstream events:
Promotes the interaction between MDC1 (mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1) and γH2AX
Facilitates the accumulation of MDC1 at DNA damage sites
Enhances the recruitment of RNF168 (ring finger protein 168)
Increases H2A Lys-15 ubiquitination (H2AK15ub)
These molecular events subsequently enable the recruitment of downstream repair proteins, including TP53BP1 (tumor protein P53-binding protein 1) and BRCA1 (BRCA1, DNA repair-associated) . When RPL6 is depleted, these processes are impaired, resulting in defects in DNA damage-induced G2-M checkpoint activation, compromised DNA damage repair, and reduced cell survival.
To investigate RPL6's role in NHEJ and HR repair pathways, researchers can employ RPL6 antibodies in several sophisticated experimental approaches:
Immunofluorescence co-localization studies: Using fluorophore-conjugated RPL6 antibodies (such as CL488-67729) alongside markers for DNA damage (γH2AX) and repair factors (53BP1, BRCA1) to visualize recruitment dynamics at DNA break sites .
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP): Utilizing RPL6 antibodies to pull down chromatin regions where RPL6 is recruited following DNA damage induction, followed by sequencing or qPCR analysis of associated DNA.
Proximity ligation assays (PLA): Combining RPL6 antibodies with antibodies against repair factors to detect and quantify protein-protein interactions specifically at sites of DNA damage.
siRNA knockdown verification: Confirming successful RPL6 knockdown in experiments measuring repair efficiency through reporter assays for NHEJ and HR pathways .
Research has shown that RPL6 depletion decreases the repair efficiency of both NHEJ and HR pathways, demonstrating its functional importance in these mechanisms .
For optimal results in immunohistochemistry with RPL6 antibodies, researchers should consider the following methodological parameters:
Antigen retrieval: Use TE buffer pH 9.0 as the preferred method; alternatively, citrate buffer pH 6.0 may be used but might yield different staining intensity .
Antibody dilution: The recommended dilution range is 1:50-1:500, but this should be optimized for each specific experimental system and tissue type .
Tissue positivity: RPL6 antibodies have been validated on human liver tissue, showing reliable detection of the target protein .
Controls: Include both positive controls (tissues known to express RPL6, such as liver tissue) and negative controls (omitting primary antibody or using isotype control) to validate staining specificity.
Titration: It is strongly recommended to titrate the antibody for each specific application and tissue type to obtain optimal signal-to-noise ratio .
Researchers should note that cell-type specific expression patterns may vary, and interpretation should consider the subcellular localization patterns expected for RPL6.
For successful western blotting with RPL6 antibodies, the following protocol parameters are recommended:
Sample preparation:
Antibody dilution:
Expected molecular weight:
Blockers and buffers:
5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for blocking
TBST for washing steps
Antibody diluent containing 1-5% blocker
Incubation conditions:
Primary antibody: Overnight at 4°C or 2 hours at room temperature
Secondary antibody: 1 hour at room temperature
This protocol has been validated for detecting RPL6 in multiple cell lines and tissue types .
When designing flow cytometry experiments for intracellular detection of RPL6, researchers should follow these methodological guidelines:
Cell preparation:
Harvest cells in exponential growth phase
Wash cells in PBS without calcium/magnesium
Fix with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
Permeabilization:
Use 0.1% Triton X-100 or 90% methanol for permeabilization
Incubate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature or on ice
Antibody concentration:
Controls:
Analysis considerations:
Set appropriate gates based on forward/side scatter
Use compensation controls if multiple fluorophores are employed
Consider RPL6's primarily cytoplasmic and nuclear expression
This approach has been validated for the detection of RPL6 in HepG2 cells and should be adaptable to other cell types with appropriate optimization .
When encountering non-specific binding with RPL6 antibodies, researchers can implement several strategies:
Optimize blocking conditions:
Increase blocking time (1-2 hours at room temperature)
Test different blocking agents (5% BSA, 5% normal serum, commercial blockers)
Consider adding 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 to blocking buffer for membrane permeabilization
Adjust antibody dilution:
Modify incubation conditions:
Reduce incubation temperature (4°C instead of room temperature)
Implement more stringent washing steps (increase number and duration)
Consider using different buffer compositions (add 0.05-0.1% Tween-20)
Validate antibody specificity:
Perform peptide competition assays with the immunizing peptide
Include RPL6 knockdown or knockout samples as negative controls
Compare staining patterns with multiple antibodies targeting different RPL6 epitopes
Sample preparation considerations:
Optimize fixation conditions to preserve epitope accessibility
Ensure efficient permeabilization for intracellular targets
Use freshly prepared samples and reagents
These approaches collectively minimize background signals while preserving specific RPL6 detection.
When interpreting RPL6 localization data in DNA damage response contexts, researchers should consider several analytical factors:
Expected localization patterns:
Under normal conditions: Primarily cytoplasmic with some nucleolar staining (consistent with ribosomal function)
After DNA damage induction: Increased nuclear localization and co-localization with DNA damage markers (γH2AX foci)
PARP inhibition effects: Treatment with PARP inhibitors such as olaparib should suppress RPL6 recruitment to damage sites
Temporal dynamics:
Early response (minutes to hours): Recruitment to DNA damage sites
Late response (hours to days): Possible return to baseline distribution
Analyze multiple timepoints to capture complete recruitment/resolution kinetics
Co-localization analysis:
Measure co-localization with H2A, MDC1, RNF168, 53BP1, and BRCA1
Quantify Pearson's correlation coefficient or Manders' overlap coefficient
Compare wild-type versus depleted conditions to establish functional relationships
Functional correlations:
Technical considerations:
Use high-resolution imaging (confocal or super-resolution microscopy)
Implement deconvolution algorithms for improved spatial resolution
Perform quantitative analysis of foci formation and co-localization
This analytical framework allows researchers to distinguish between RPL6's ribosomal and DDR functions, enhancing interpretation of experimental results .
When selecting an RPL6 antibody for specific research applications, researchers should evaluate several critical parameters:
Experimental application compatibility:
Epitope specificity:
N-terminal targeting antibodies may detect different functional aspects than C-terminal targeting ones
For DNA damage response studies, consider antibodies targeting regions not involved in H2A interaction
The epitope location may affect detection of post-translational modifications
Species cross-reactivity:
Clonality considerations:
Technical specifications:
These considerations help ensure experimental success and data reliability when investigating both canonical and non-canonical functions of RPL6.
The emerging extraribosomal functions of RPL6, particularly in DNA damage response, significantly impact experimental approaches and data interpretation:
Experimental context awareness:
Dual function experimental design:
Include controls distinguishing between ribosomal and DDR functions
Consider combined approaches (protein synthesis inhibitors plus DNA damage induction)
Design time-course experiments to separate immediate versus long-term responses
Protein interaction networks:
Phenotypic interpretation:
Therapeutic relevance:
Connect findings to potential clinical applications (cancer therapy resistance)
Consider implications for combined treatments (PARP inhibitors plus agents affecting RPL6)
Explore RPL6 as a biomarker for DNA repair capacity in various cell types