SH3BGRL2 acts as a tumor suppressor in ccRCC by:
Inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis via the Hippo/TEAD1-Twist1 pathway .
Correlating with improved patient prognosis: Low SH3BGRL2 expression predicts advanced tumor grade and poor survival .
Mechanistically suppressing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo .
SH3BGRL2 exhibits paradoxical functions in breast cancer:
Tumor Growth Suppression: Reduces proliferation and colony formation in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo .
Metastasis Promotion: Enhances migratory, invasive, and lung metastatic capacities by repressing cytoskeletal proteins SPTAN1 and SPTBN1 .
Regulation by TGF-β1 signaling: SH3BGRL2 is transcriptionally activated via the TGF-β receptor-Smad pathway .
Downregulation in Tumors: SH3BGRL2 mRNA and protein levels are reduced in 67.9–92.9% of primary breast tumors compared to normal tissues .
Subtype-specific trends: Observed in luminal, HER2+, and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) .
Prognostic Biomarker: SH3BGRL2 levels correlate with tumor stage and survival in ccRCC and breast cancer .
Therapeutic Target: Targeting SH3BGRL2-associated pathways (e.g., Hippo/TEAD1) may inhibit metastasis in ccRCC .
Paradoxical Challenges: Its dual role in breast cancer necessitates context-specific therapeutic strategies .
Investigate tissue-specific interactions of SH3BGRL2 in other cancers.
Develop isoform-specific antibodies to dissect functional domains.
Explore therapeutic modulation of SH3BGRL2 in combination with pathway inhibitors (e.g., TGF-β or Hippo inhibitors).
SH3BGRL2 is a member of the SH3BGR protein family that contains a highly conserved proline-rich domain involved in interactions with proteins containing specific binding modules such as SH3, WW, and EVH1 domains . Recent studies have revealed its dual role in cancer biology, particularly in breast cancer where it suppresses tumor growth but enhances metastatic capacity . In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), SH3BGRL2 functions as a tumor suppressor through the Hippo/TEAD1-Twist1 signaling pathway . The protein's observed molecular weight ranges from 12-17 kDa when detected by Western blot .
Based on validated research protocols, SH3BGRL2 antibodies have demonstrated efficacy in multiple applications:
For optimal results, researchers should validate antibody performance in their specific experimental system, as reactivity may vary between human and mouse samples .
Selection should be guided by:
Target species relevance: Confirm reactivity with your experimental model (human, mouse, rat)
Epitope location: Antibodies targeting different regions (e.g., AA 41-107) may perform differently depending on protein conformation and interactions
Application compatibility: Verify validation data for your intended application (WB, IHC, ELISA, IF)
Conjugation requirements: Select between unconjugated antibodies or those with specific conjugates (biotin, fluorophores) based on your detection system
Clonality consideration: Polyclonal antibodies offer broader epitope recognition, while monoclonal antibodies provide higher specificity
For maximum stability and performance:
Store at -20°C in the manufacturer's recommended buffer (typically PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol, pH 7.3)
Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles by preparing single-use aliquots
DO NOT ALIQUOT certain formulations (follow manufacturer specifications)
Monitor antibody performance regularly as activity may decrease over time, with typical validity periods of 12 months
Prior to use, allow antibody to equilibrate to room temperature and mix gently to ensure homogeneity
SH3BGRL2 exhibits context-dependent functions in cancer biology that require sophisticated experimental approaches:
Recommended methodology for functional analysis:
Expression modulation:
Functional assays:
Mechanistic dissection:
When interpreting results, consider that SH3BGRL2 suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation but enhances metastatic capacity, suggesting tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms .
Clinical investigations of SH3BGRL2 require rigorous methodological approaches:
Multi-level expression analysis:
Patient cohort considerations:
Analytical approaches:
Studies have shown that SH3BGRL2 downregulation occurs in 62.5-92.9% of breast tumors and correlates with reduced survival in ccRCC (hazard ratio = 0.329) .
Investigating SH3BGRL2's protein-protein interactions presents several technical challenges:
Optimal immunoprecipitation protocols:
Mass spectrometry identification:
Functional validation approaches:
Subcellular localization studies:
Immunofluorescence microscopy to detect co-localization
Cell fractionation followed by immunoblotting to determine compartmentalization
Live-cell imaging with fluorescently tagged constructs
SH3BGRL2 exhibits distinct expression patterns across different cancers with important methodological considerations:
Expression profile comparison:
Tissue-specific antibody validation:
Analytical considerations:
Correct for tissue-specific background staining in immunohistochemistry
Account for potential post-translational modifications affecting antibody recognition
Consider protease inhibitors during sample preparation to prevent degradation
Comparative methodology:
Rigorous experimental design requires comprehensive controls:
Antibody validation controls:
Western blot-specific controls:
IHC/IF controls:
When encountering variable or unexpected results:
Western blot troubleshooting:
Protein degradation: Add protease inhibitors during sample preparation
Multiple bands: Validate with recombinant protein control, consider post-translational modifications
Weak signal: Increase protein loading, decrease antibody dilution, extend exposure time
High background: Increase blocking time/concentration, use more stringent washing
IHC optimization strategies:
Signal variability: Standardize fixation time and conditions
Background staining: Optimize blocking conditions, reduce antibody concentration
False negatives: Test antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic)
Tissue-specific issues: Adjust protocol for different tissue types (e.g., liver vs. placenta)
Experimental design adjustments:
Precise quantification requires:
Protein extraction optimization:
Buffer selection: PBS with protease inhibitors and appropriate detergents
Tissue homogenization protocol standardization
Subcellular fractionation for compartment-specific analysis
Quantitative Western blot strategies:
Advanced quantification methods:
Data analysis considerations:
Account for technical variation through appropriate statistical methods
Apply non-parametric tests for small sample sizes
Consider protein degradation during sample storage
Signal transduction studies require sophisticated experimental design:
Pathway stimulation protocols:
TGF-β1 pathway: Treat cells with recombinant TGF-β1 with time-course analysis
Inhibitor studies: Apply SB431542 (TGF-β receptor inhibitor) and SIS3 (Smad3 inhibitor)
Protein turnover: Cycloheximide (CHX) chase experiments to determine stability
Proteasomal degradation: MG-132 treatment to assess regulation
Transcriptional regulation analysis:
Protein interaction mapping:
Functional outcome measurements:
Effective immunoprecipitation requires:
Optimized lysis conditions:
Buffer composition: Consider RIPA or NP-40 buffer with protease/phosphatase inhibitors
Cell density: Harvest cells at 80-90% confluence for optimal protein expression
Lysis time: Minimize to prevent degradation of interaction complexes
IP strategy selection:
Washing protocol optimization:
Detection and analysis:
Comprehensive expression profiling requires:
Multi-omics approach:
Tissue microarray analysis:
Single-cell analysis techniques:
Single-cell RNA-sequencing for heterogeneity assessment
Multicolor immunofluorescence for co-expression studies
Flow cytometry for quantitative cellular distribution
Developmental and pathological considerations:
Comprehensive validation requires multiple approaches:
Basic validation methods:
Advanced validation strategies:
Application-specific validation:
For IHC: Test on known positive and negative tissues with appropriate controls
For WB: Compare with recombinant protein standard and knockout/knockdown samples
For IP: Verify pull-down of endogenous protein by mass spectrometry
For IF: Co-localization with organelle markers to confirm distribution pattern
Documentation and reporting:
Record lot-specific validation data
Document optimization parameters for each application
Include comprehensive controls in publications
Post-translational modifications present specific challenges:
Common modifications affecting SH3BGRL2 detection:
Phosphorylation: May alter antibody epitope recognition
Ubiquitination: Can affect protein stability and turnover
Glycosylation: Potentially changes apparent molecular weight
Protein-protein interactions: May mask antibody binding sites
Detection strategies:
Advanced analytical approaches:
2D gel electrophoresis to separate modified protein forms
Mass spectrometry to identify specific modification sites
Phospho-specific or modification-specific antibodies when available
Native versus reducing conditions to assess structural impacts
Experimental design considerations:
Include appropriate positive controls for each modification
Document effective lysis and sample preparation conditions
Consider timing of collection for dynamic modifications
Record and report all treatment conditions that may affect modifications
Multi-model investigation approaches include:
Cell line model applications:
Patient-derived models:
In vivo model considerations:
Translational research applications:
Specialized protocols for dissecting dual functions:
Growth inhibition assessment:
Metastasis promotion investigation:
Mechanistic dissection approaches:
Context-dependent regulation:
Microenvironment co-culture models (tumor-stroma interactions)
Extracellular matrix component variation experiments
Hypoxia and nutrient deprivation studies
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker correlation analysis
Working with clinical samples requires specialized approaches:
Sample collection and processing optimization:
Detection protocol refinement:
Expression correlation strategies:
Tissue microarray development:
Design arrays with multiple tumor regions and matched normal tissue
Include progressive disease stages when available
Incorporate treatment history information
Apply standardized staining and scoring protocols
Emerging methodologies offer new research opportunities:
Advanced antibody technologies:
Single-domain antibodies for improved tissue penetration
Proximity-based labeling with antibody-enzyme fusions
Intrabodies for live-cell tracking of endogenous protein
Nanobodies for super-resolution microscopy applications
Spatial biology approaches:
Spatial transcriptomics to correlate with protein localization
Multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI) for multi-protein detection
Digital spatial profiling for region-specific quantification
Single-cell spatial proteomics with subcellular resolution
Functional genomics integration:
CRISPR-Cas9 screening for SH3BGRL2 pathway components
CRISPR activation/inhibition for endogenous modulation
Base editing for specific mutation introduction
Prime editing for precise genetic modifications
Computational biology applications:
Machine learning for expression pattern recognition
Protein structure prediction with AlphaFold for interaction modeling
Systems biology approaches for pathway integration
Patient stratification algorithms based on expression patterns
Therapeutic development requires specialized experimental design:
Target validation approaches:
Assay development considerations:
Physiologically relevant readouts for dual function assessment
High-throughput compatible systems for screening
Translation between in vitro and in vivo models
Biomarker development for response prediction
Therapeutic strategy evaluation:
Direct targeting vs. pathway modulation approaches
Context-specific intervention timing (primary vs. metastatic disease)
Combination strategies with standard therapies
Resistance mechanism anticipation and monitoring
Translational research planning:
Biomarker-driven patient selection strategies
Pharmacodynamic marker development
Safety assessment in multiple tissues given widespread expression
Clinical trial design considerations for context-dependent effects