SH2D3C (SH2 domain-containing protein 3C), also known as NSP3, is an adaptor protein belonging to a cytoplasmic protein family primarily involved in cell migration. This protein contains both an SH2 domain and a guanine nucleotide exchange factor-like domain (Ras GEF-like domain) that allows it to form complexes with scaffolding proteins such as Crk-associated substrate . SH2D3C functions as a signaling molecule involved in multiple cellular processes including adhesion, migration, tissue organization, and immune response regulation . It has been identified as an Eph receptor-binding protein that may positively regulate T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling . The protein exists in multiple isoforms with calculated molecular weights ranging from 77-94 kDa, though the observed molecular weight in most applications is approximately 77 kDa .
SH2D3C antibodies have been validated for multiple research applications with specific recommended parameters:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | Validated Sample Types |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | 1:500-1:2400 or 1-2 μg/ml | HEK-293 cells, human brain tissue, human placenta tissue |
| Immunoprecipitation (IP) | 0.5-4.0 μg for 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate | Mouse brain tissue |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 1:20-1:200 | Human breast cancer tissue |
| ELISA | 0.1-0.5 μg/ml | Various |
| Flow Cytometry | 1-3 μg/million cells | Fixed and permeabilized human HEL cells |
It is recommended to titrate these antibodies in each testing system to obtain optimal results, as sensitivity may be sample-dependent .
For optimal maintenance of antibody reactivity, SH2D3C antibodies should be stored at -20°C where they remain stable for approximately one year after shipment. Many commercial preparations are supplied in PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3 . For lyophilized antibody formulations, reconstitution should be performed with sterile deionized water to achieve the recommended concentration (typically 0.5 mg/ml) .
After reconstitution, the antibody can be stored at 4°C for up to one month, but for long-term storage, it should be aliquoted and kept at -20°C to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can diminish activity . Some smaller antibody preparations (e.g., 20 μl sizes) may contain 0.1% BSA as a stabilizer . Always centrifuge the antibody vial before opening to ensure collection of the entire solution.
When designing Western blot experiments for SH2D3C detection, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Sample selection: Human, mouse, and rat samples have demonstrated reactivity with common SH2D3C antibodies. HEK-293 cells, human brain tissue, and human placenta tissue have been validated as positive controls .
Molecular weight considerations: Multiple SH2D3C isoforms exist with calculated molecular weights of 94 kDa, 86 kDa, and 77 kDa, though the predominantly observed band appears at approximately 77 kDa. When working with human placental tissue lysate, predicted molecular weights range from 55-94 kDa due to multiple isoforms .
Antibody dilution: A titration range of 1:500-1:2400 or 1-2 μg/ml is recommended, with optimization needed for each specific sample type .
Detection system: Secondary antibody selection should be compatible with the primary antibody host (typically rabbit IgG for many commercial SH2D3C antibodies) .
Negative controls: Include samples known to lack SH2D3C expression or use isotype controls to verify specificity.
A methodical approach to optimization involves testing multiple antibody concentrations against positive control samples, followed by application of optimized conditions to experimental samples.
Optimization of immunoprecipitation (IP) protocols for SH2D3C studies requires careful consideration of several parameters, particularly when investigating protein-protein interactions:
Antibody amount: Use 0.5-4.0 μg of SH2D3C antibody per 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate. This ratio may need adjustment based on expression levels in your sample .
Validated samples: Mouse brain tissue has been confirmed as suitable for SH2D3C immunoprecipitation .
Protocol modifications for interaction studies: When investigating protein interactions such as the DPP3–SH2D3C interaction, consider these approaches:
For overexpression studies, FLAG-tagged SH2D3C isoforms can be transiently overexpressed in cells (e.g., TRex HEK293T) stably expressing the protein of interest with an alternative tag (e.g., HA-tag) .
Use agarose-conjugated tag-specific antibodies (e.g., anti-HA) for co-immunoprecipitation followed by Western blot analysis with antibodies against the interacting protein's tag (e.g., anti-FLAG) .
Include appropriate controls: negative controls (cells transfected with empty vector) and positive controls (known interacting proteins) .
Buffer considerations: Gentle lysis buffers that preserve protein-protein interactions while efficiently extracting membrane-associated proteins are recommended.
The DPP3–SH2D3C interaction was successfully demonstrated using this approach, confirming binding between DPP3 and both isoforms 2 and 3 of SH2D3C protein .
For optimal immunohistochemical detection of SH2D3C in tissue samples, antigen retrieval methodology significantly impacts staining quality and specificity. The recommended protocols are:
Primary recommendation: Antigen retrieval with TE buffer at pH 9.0. This alkaline pH helps break protein cross-links formed during fixation and unmasks antigenic sites, particularly effective for SH2D3C detection in human breast cancer tissue .
Alternative method: Citrate buffer at pH 6.0 can be used as an alternative approach if the primary method yields suboptimal results .
Antibody dilution: A wide range of 1:20-1:200 is recommended for IHC applications, indicating that optimization is required for each tissue type and experimental condition .
Controls: Include positive control tissues (human breast cancer tissue has been validated) and negative controls (omission of primary antibody or use of isotype control) .
The need for two different pH environments for antigen retrieval suggests that SH2D3C epitopes may be differentially affected by fixation methods, and researchers should systematically compare both approaches when establishing protocols for new tissue types.
SH2D3C has emerged as a significant factor in cancer biology, particularly in lung cancer where it's associated with advanced stage and poor prognosis . Researchers investigating its role in cancer progression can implement these methodological approaches:
Prognostic biomarker studies:
Tumor immune microenvironment analysis:
Genetic alteration correlation:
Therapy resistance mechanisms:
These approaches can provide insights into how SH2D3C contributes to cancer progression and therapy resistance, potentially identifying new therapeutic strategies targeting this protein.
The recently identified interaction between SH2D3C and Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (DPP3) represents a potentially important link between oxidative stress response and cellular migration pathways . Researchers can employ these methodological approaches to investigate this interaction:
Co-immunoprecipitation validation:
Perform bidirectional co-IPs using both SH2D3C (0.5-4.0 μg for 1.0-3.0 mg lysate) and DPP3 antibodies on endogenous proteins in relevant cell types .
For cells with low SH2D3C expression, consider targeted enhancement using CRISPR activation systems rather than overexpression to maintain physiological relevance.
Domain mapping studies:
Functional impact on KEAP1-NRF2 pathway:
Subcellular localization:
This systematic approach can help elucidate how SH2D3C-DPP3 interaction contributes to the regulation of oxidative stress response through the KEAP1–NRF2 pathway, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets for diseases involving oxidative stress.
Flow cytometry using SH2D3C antibodies can provide valuable insights into immune cell phenotypes and functions, particularly given SH2D3C's role in T-cell trafficking and immune regulation . Optimal protocols should consider:
Cell preparation and fixation:
Antibody concentration and blocking:
Multi-parameter panel design:
Include markers for specific immune cell populations (e.g., CD3, CD4, CD8 for T-cells) alongside SH2D3C to correlate expression with cellular phenotypes.
Consider activation markers (CD69, CD25) to assess relationship between SH2D3C expression and immune cell activation status.
Controls and gating strategy:
Signal calibration:
Use quantitative beads to standardize fluorescence intensity and enable comparison across experiments and between different immune cell subsets.
This methodological approach enables robust analysis of SH2D3C expression in diverse immune cell populations, facilitating investigation of its role in normal immune function and dysfunction in disease states.
When working with SH2D3C antibodies, researchers may encounter several technical challenges that require systematic troubleshooting:
Western blot detection issues:
Problem: Multiple bands or unexpected molecular weights.
Solution: SH2D3C has multiple isoforms (calculated MW: 94, 86, and 77 kDa), with 77 kDa being the predominantly observed band. Ensure appropriate positive controls (HEK-293 cells, human brain tissue, or human placenta tissue) to confirm banding patterns .
Problem: Weak or no signal.
Solution: Increase antibody concentration within the recommended range (1:500-1:2400), extend incubation time, or try enhanced chemiluminescence detection systems .
Immunoprecipitation challenges:
Problem: Low yield of immunoprecipitated protein.
Solution: Increase antibody amount up to 4.0 μg per 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate. Consider using agarose-conjugated antibodies for more efficient capture .
Problem: Non-specific binding in co-IP experiments.
Solution: Implement more stringent washing conditions and include appropriate blocking proteins in lysis and wash buffers .
Immunohistochemistry inconsistencies:
Flow cytometry issues:
Cross-reactivity concerns:
Systematic optimization and thorough controls are essential for generating reliable data with SH2D3C antibodies across all applications.
Validating antibody specificity is crucial for generating reliable scientific data. For SH2D3C antibodies, researchers should implement these methodological approaches:
Genetic validation techniques:
Perform siRNA/shRNA knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of SH2D3C in relevant cell types, followed by Western blotting to confirm reduced or absent signal compared to control cells.
Alternatively, overexpress tagged SH2D3C (as demonstrated with FLAG-tagged isoforms 2 and 3) and confirm antibody detection of the overexpressed protein .
Multiple antibody validation:
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Application-specific controls:
For Western blot: Include recombinant SH2D3C protein as a positive control.
For IP: Perform reverse IP where possible and confirm results.
For IHC: Include isotype controls and tissues with known expression patterns.
For flow cytometry: Compare with isotype controls and cells alone (unstained) as demonstrated in validated protocols .
Isoform-specific validation:
These validation approaches ensure that observed signals truly represent SH2D3C protein and provide confidence in subsequent experimental findings.
Recent findings linking SH2D3C to neurodegeneration offer promising research directions. SH2D3C was found to be upregulated in rat cortical neurons after treatment with amyloid-β-oligomers, with higher protein levels detected in Alzheimer's disease mice compared to wild type . Researchers can employ these methodological approaches:
Comparative expression analysis:
Mechanistic studies of neuronal death:
Amyloid-β interaction studies:
Intervention assessment:
Apply SH2D3C antibodies to evaluate whether therapeutic interventions that modulate SH2D3C levels or function can mitigate neurodegeneration.
Monitor SH2D3C expression changes in response to neuroprotective compounds.
Clinical correlation studies:
Develop protocols for analyzing SH2D3C in human cerebrospinal fluid or brain tissue samples from neurodegenerative disease patients.
Correlate expression levels with disease severity and progression using validated antibodies.
These approaches can help elucidate the role of SH2D3C in neurodegeneration, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
SH2D3C has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in cancer, particularly in lung cancer where it is associated with advanced stage, poor prognosis, and therapy resistance . Researchers can employ these methodological approaches:
Target validation studies:
Molecular docking and inhibitor development:
Combination therapy approaches:
Immune checkpoint therapy correlation:
Given SH2D3C's role in promoting tumor immune evasion through T-cell dysfunction, use flow cytometry (1-3 μg/million cells) to investigate potential synergy between SH2D3C inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade .
Apply multiplexed IHC to evaluate changes in tumor immune microenvironment following SH2D3C modulation.
Biomarker development:
This systematic approach can accelerate the development of SH2D3C-targeted therapeutics and identify patient populations most likely to benefit from such interventions.
Some tissue types present unique challenges for protein detection. When working with difficult samples for SH2D3C analysis, researchers should consider these methodological approaches:
Optimization for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues:
Compare antigen retrieval methods: TE buffer (pH 9.0) is recommended as primary approach, with citrate buffer (pH 6.0) as an alternative .
Extend antigen retrieval time for highly fixed tissues while monitoring tissue integrity.
For breast cancer tissue specifically, optimize antibody dilution within the 1:20-1:200 range based on fixation variables .
Fresh frozen tissue processing:
Brain tissue-specific considerations:
Tumor heterogeneity assessment:
Implement tissue microarray approaches with multiple cores per tumor to account for expression heterogeneity.
Combine with digital pathology quantification for objective assessment of expression patterns.
Low-expression sample analysis:
Employ signal amplification systems (tyramide signal amplification for IHC or high-sensitivity ECL for Western blot) when working with tissues with low SH2D3C expression.
Consider enrichment techniques such as immunoprecipitation before Western blot analysis.
These approaches enable reliable detection of SH2D3C across diverse and challenging tissue types, expanding the range of samples suitable for analysis.
Multiplexed assays provide comprehensive insights into protein interactions and pathway activities. When incorporating SH2D3C antibodies into multiplexed experimental designs, researchers should consider:
Antibody compatibility assessment:
Flow cytometry panel design:
When designing multi-parameter flow cytometry panels (using 1-3 μg SH2D3C antibody per million cells), consider fluorophore brightness relative to SH2D3C expression level in target cells .
Include compensation controls to account for spectral overlap between fluorophores.
Validated in human HEL cells, but requires optimization for immune cell subpopulations .
Multiplexed IHC/IF approaches:
For sequential immunostaining, determine optimal antibody stripping or quenching protocols that preserve tissue integrity while removing previous antibody layers.
For simultaneous staining, select antibodies raised in different host species and validate staining patterns individually before combining.
Test antibody performance at 1:20-1:200 dilution range in multiplex context, as optimal concentration may differ from single-stain applications .
Protein array applications:
Validate SH2D3C antibody specificity in protein array format before incorporation into multiplexed arrays.
Establish signal-to-noise thresholds specific to array-based detection systems.
Mass cytometry considerations:
For CyTOF applications, validate metal-conjugated SH2D3C antibodies for specificity and sensitivity compared to fluorophore-conjugated versions.
Optimize staining protocol for metal-labeled antibodies, which may differ from flow cytometry protocols.
These considerations enable reliable incorporation of SH2D3C detection into complex multiplexed assays, facilitating comprehensive analysis of its interactions and functions within cellular pathways.
Emerging technologies offer opportunities to extend the capabilities of SH2D3C antibody applications in several key areas:
Single-cell analysis techniques:
Apply SH2D3C antibodies in single-cell Western blotting to assess expression heterogeneity within populations.
Develop protocols for compatible antibody panels for single-cell proteomic analysis using technologies like CITE-seq to correlate SH2D3C protein expression with transcriptomic profiles.
Advanced imaging applications:
Adapt SH2D3C antibodies (1:20-1:200 dilution range) for super-resolution microscopy to map precise subcellular localization .
Implement live-cell imaging using cell-permeable fluorescently-labeled antibody fragments to track SH2D3C dynamics in real-time.
Develop protocols for expansion microscopy to visualize SH2D3C in the context of nanoscale cellular structures.
Proximity labeling approaches:
Antibody engineering innovations:
Clinical translation technologies:
These technological advances would significantly enhance the utility of SH2D3C antibodies across basic research, translational studies, and potential clinical applications.
Current research highlights several promising intersections between SH2D3C biology and emerging therapeutic approaches:
Immuno-oncology applications:
Given SH2D3C's role in promoting tumor immune evasion through T-cell dysfunction and exclusion mechanisms, investigate combination approaches with immune checkpoint inhibitors .
Develop protocols using flow cytometry (1-3 μg antibody/million cells) to monitor how modulating SH2D3C affects immune cell composition in the tumor microenvironment .
Targeted therapy development:
Building on molecular docking studies with organosulfur compounds from Allium sativum, extend to larger compound libraries to identify potent and selective SH2D3C inhibitors .
Use SH2D3C antibodies in Western blot (1:500-1:2400) and IP applications to assess compound effects on expression and pathway activation .
Neurodegeneration intervention strategies:
Oxidative stress modulation:
Biomarker-guided precision medicine:
These intersections represent high-priority areas for translational research that could leverage SH2D3C biology for therapeutic benefit across multiple disease contexts.
When selecting an SH2D3C antibody for specific research applications, understanding performance differences between commercial options is essential:
| Antibody Source | Host/Type | Validated Applications | Optimal Dilutions | Detected Isoforms | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proteintech (12882-1-AP) | Rabbit Polyclonal | WB, IP, IHC, ELISA | WB: 1:500-1:2400, IP: 0.5-4.0 μg, IHC: 1:20-1:200 | 77 kDa predominant (also 86, 94 kDa) | Strong validation in human brain and placenta tissue; contains glycerol in storage buffer |
| NSJ Bioreagents (RQ8750) | Rabbit Polyclonal | WB, Flow cytometry, ELISA | WB: 1-2 μg/ml, Flow: 1-3 μg/million cells, ELISA: 0.1-0.5 μg/ml | 55-94 kDa range | Lyophilized format; validated in HEL cells for flow cytometry; contains trehalose in buffer |
Key comparative insights for application-specific selection:
Western blot applications:
Immunoprecipitation strengths:
Flow cytometry capabilities:
Storage and handling differences:
When selecting an antibody, researchers should prioritize those with validation in their specific application and tissue/cell type of interest, and conduct comparative testing when possible to determine optimal performance in their experimental system.
SH2D3C plays distinct roles in cancer and neurodegeneration, necessitating different methodological approaches and considerations:
Research design considerations for each context:
Cancer-specific approaches:
Neurodegeneration-specific approaches:
These distinct approaches reflect the different cellular contexts and pathological mechanisms through which SH2D3C contributes to cancer and neurodegeneration, requiring carefully tailored experimental designs.