SIRT2 is a NAD-dependent protein deacetylase that removes acetyl groups from internal lysine residues on histones, α-tubulin, and numerous other proteins, including key transcription factors. Its activity modulates a wide array of biological processes, including cell cycle control, genomic integrity, microtubule dynamics, cell differentiation, metabolic networks, and autophagy. It plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression and genomic stability, functioning in the antephase checkpoint to prevent premature mitotic entry in response to microtubule stress. This ensures accurate chromosome segregation. SIRT2 positively regulates the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase complex by deacetylating CDC20 and FZR1, facilitating mitotic progression. It associates with chromatin at transcriptional start sites (TSSs) and enhancers of active genes. SIRT2 influences cell cycle progression and chromatin compaction through epigenetic modulation of histone H4 lysine 20 methylation (H4K20me1) during early mitosis. Specifically, it deacetylates histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) between the G2/M transition and metaphase, enabling H4K20me1 deposition by KMT5A, leading to subsequent H4K20me2 and H4K20me3 deposition throughout the cell cycle and mitotic S-phase progression. It also deacetylates KMT5A, influencing its chromatin localization during the mitotic stress response, and deacetylates histone H3 at lysine 57 (H3K56ac) during the G2/M transition. In response to *Listeria monocytogenes* infection, SIRT2 deacetylates histone H3 lysine 18 in a MET- and PI3K/Akt-dependent manner, inhibiting transcription and promoting later stages of infection. During oocyte meiosis, SIRT2 may deacetylate histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) and α-tubulin, regulating spindle assembly and chromosome alignment by affecting microtubule dynamics and kinetochore function. It deacetylates histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) at the VEGFA promoter, regulating VEGFA expression and angiogenesis. Deacetylation of α-tubulin at lysine 40 controls neuronal motility, oligodendroglial cell arbor projection, and non-neuronal cell proliferation. Phosphorylation at serine 368 by cyclin E-CDK2 inactivates SIRT2-mediated α-tubulin deacetylation, negatively regulating cell adhesion, migration, and neurite outgrowth during neuronal differentiation. SIRT2 deacetylates PARD3, influencing Schwann cell myelination during postnatal development and remyelination. It is involved in various metabolic pathways, regulating blood glucose homeostasis by deacetylating and stabilizing phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK1). It is a key regulator of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) by deacetylating and activating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), stimulating NADPH production to combat oxidative damage. It maintains energy homeostasis during nutrient deprivation by inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting lipolysis, attenuating adipocyte differentiation by deacetylating FOXO1, promoting its interaction with PPARG and repressing PPARG-dependent transcription. SIRT2 regulates lysosome-mediated degradation of protein aggregates through autophagy in neuronal cells, and deacetylates FOXO1 in response to oxidative stress or serum deprivation, negatively regulating FOXO1-mediated autophagy. It deacetylates a broad range of transcription factors and co-regulators, influencing target gene expression. This includes deacetylating FOXO3, stimulating its ubiquitination and degradation, deacetylating HIF1A to promote its degradation and inhibit transcriptional activity, deacetylating RELA to inhibit NF-κB-dependent transcription, and deacetylating p53/TP53 and EP300 to inhibit transcriptional activation. It also deacetylates EIF5A. SIRT2 acts as a negative regulator of oxidative stress tolerance and functions as a tumor suppressor.
The following studies highlight the diverse roles of SIRT2:
The optimal dilution for SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated typically ranges from 1:1000 to 1:5000 for Western blot applications, depending on the specific antibody and sample concentration. For maximum sensitivity while maintaining low background, a titration experiment is recommended. Start with a dilution series (e.g., 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000, 1:10000) using positive control samples with known SIRT2 expression levels. The optimal dilution should provide clear detection of SIRT2 bands (typically observed at 37-45 kDa) with minimal background signal . Remember that SIRT2 exists in multiple isoforms (35 kDa, 40 kDa, and 42 kDa), so the banding pattern may vary based on the cell or tissue type and the epitope recognized by your specific antibody .
SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated should typically be stored at -80°C for long-term storage to preserve enzymatic activity of the HRP conjugate and antibody stability . Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as they can degrade both the antibody and the HRP enzyme. Upon first use, consider preparing small working aliquots stored at -20°C. When handling the antibody, keep it on ice and return to appropriate storage conditions promptly after use. Some formulations contain glycerol or stabilizing proteins that allow for 4°C storage of working aliquots for up to 2 weeks, but this varies by manufacturer and should be verified in the product documentation .
For immunohistochemistry applications using SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated, 5% normal serum (from the species in which the secondary antibody would normally be raised) or 3-5% BSA (bovine serum albumin) in PBS or TBS are typically most effective for blocking. Since HRP-conjugated antibodies eliminate the need for secondary antibodies, blocking should focus on reducing non-specific binding of the primary antibody. If background issues persist, consider:
Including 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in the blocking solution for permeabilized sections
Performing an additional blocking step with avidin/biotin if endogenous biotin is present
Pre-incubation with 0.3% hydrogen peroxide to quench endogenous peroxidase activity
For paraffin-embedded tissues, proper antigen retrieval is crucial for optimal SIRT2 detection. Heat-induced epitope retrieval using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) has been shown to be effective for SIRT2 antibodies in multiple tissue types .
SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated can be adapted for use in HTRF assays for inhibitor screening with careful consideration of assay design. Based on published protocols, HTRF screening for SIRT2 inhibitors typically involves:
Modification of the standard HTRF format to incorporate the HRP-conjugated SIRT2 antibody instead of using a two-antibody system
Optimization of signal-to-background ratio by adjusting antibody concentration (typically 0.1-0.3 nM final concentration)
Implementation of appropriate controls to account for potential interference from the HRP moiety
The HTRF binding assay protocol can be adapted from published methods that use fluorescein-labeled substrate peptides. For example, a validated approach uses FAM-myristoyl-H4K16 peptide as a SIRT2 substrate with an apparent Kd of approximately 1 nM . When designing the assay, ensure that:
The HRP conjugate doesn't interfere with the FRET pair signals
The buffer conditions (10 mM Hepes-NaOH, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM DTT, and 0.005% Tween-20) are compatible with HRP activity
The Z' factor is validated (should be >0.7 for a robust assay)
This adaptation allows for high-throughput screening of compound libraries to identify dual inhibitors of SIRT2's deacetylase and demyristoylase activities, particularly useful for drug discovery research.
Non-specific background in Western blots using SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated can be minimized through several optimization strategies:
Blocking optimization: Test different blocking agents (5% non-fat dry milk, 5% BSA, or commercial blocking buffers) to identify the optimal formulation. For SIRT2 detection, 5% BSA in TBST often provides superior results with reduced background.
Antibody dilution adjustment: Increase the dilution of HRP-conjugated SIRT2 antibody (try 1:5000-1:10000) while extending the incubation time (overnight at 4°C) to maintain sensitivity while reducing background.
Washing protocol enhancement:
Increase the number of wash steps (5-6 washes)
Extend wash duration (10 minutes per wash)
Use higher concentrations of Tween-20 in wash buffer (0.1-0.2%)
Membrane optimization: PVDF membranes may provide better signal-to-noise ratio than nitrocellulose for SIRT2 detection. Pre-wet PVDF membranes in methanol followed by equilibration in transfer buffer.
If non-specific bands persist around the expected SIRT2 molecular weight (37-45 kDa), implement additional validation by including:
These approaches have been demonstrated to effectively reduce background while maintaining specific detection of SIRT2 isoforms across multiple tissue and cell types .
Inconsistent SIRT2 detection patterns across tissue samples may stem from several factors that can be systematically addressed:
Isoform expression variations: SIRT2 exists in multiple isoforms (35-42 kDa), with tissue-specific expression patterns. Create a tissue-specific reference table documenting expected banding patterns for your antibody across tissues of interest .
Epitope accessibility differences: Different fixation methods and tissue processing can affect epitope exposure. Implement a standardized fixation protocol and validate various antigen retrieval methods for each tissue type:
| Tissue Type | Recommended Fixation | Optimal Antigen Retrieval |
|---|---|---|
| Brain | 4% PFA, 24h | Citrate buffer, pH 6.0, 20 min |
| Heart | 4% PFA, 48h | EDTA buffer, pH 8.0, 30 min |
| Skeletal Muscle | 10% NBF, 24h | Tris-EDTA, pH 9.0, 30 min |
| Liver | 10% NBF, 24h | Proteinase K, 10 min |
Cross-reactivity considerations: Some SIRT2 antibodies may cross-react with other sirtuin family members. Validate specificity using:
Peptide competition assays
Tissues from SIRT2 knockout models
Parallel testing with multiple SIRT2 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Sample preparation standardization: Develop tissue-specific lysate preparation protocols that optimize SIRT2 extraction and preserve post-translational modifications. For tissues with high lipid content (brain, liver), include additional detergent (0.5% NP-40) in lysis buffers .
By systematically addressing these factors, researchers can develop tissue-specific protocols that yield consistent SIRT2 detection patterns across experiments.
Distinguishing SIRT2 signal from potential cross-reactivity with other sirtuin family members requires implementation of several validation strategies:
Sequence alignment analysis: Review the immunogen sequence of your SIRT2 antibody (often a 19-amino acid synthetic peptide near the C-terminus ) and perform sequence alignment with other sirtuin family members to identify potential cross-reactive regions.
Validation with recombinant proteins: Create a validation panel using:
Purified recombinant SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3, and SIRT7 proteins
Run Western blot with consistent protein amounts
Compare detection patterns and signal intensity
Genetic knockout/knockdown controls: Implement:
SIRT2 siRNA or shRNA knockdown
CRISPR/Cas9 SIRT2 knockout cells
These should show significant reduction in the specific SIRT2 band
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate SIRT2 antibody with:
SIRT2 immunizing peptide (should abolish signal)
Peptides from homologous regions of other sirtuins (should not affect SIRT2-specific signal)
Dual detection strategy: Use two SIRT2 antibodies targeting different epitopes in sequential or parallel detection to confirm specificity.
A common pattern of cross-reactivity is between SIRT2 and SIRT3 due to sequence homology. When detecting SIRT2 in mitochondria-rich tissues (heart, liver), always include appropriate controls to distinguish between these two sirtuins, as SIRT3 is predominantly mitochondrial, while SIRT2 is primarily cytosolic with some nuclear localization .
Developing an ELISA-based deacetylase assay using SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated requires careful optimization of several critical parameters:
Substrate selection and immobilization:
Use acetylated peptide substrates (e.g., acetylated H4K16 peptides) immobilized on ELISA plates
Ensure consistent coating density (typically 1-5 μg/ml peptide)
Block non-specific binding sites thoroughly with 3% BSA
Enzymatic reaction conditions:
Purified SIRT2 protein concentration: 50-200 ng/well
NAD+ concentration: 0.5-1 mM (critical co-factor)
Buffer composition: 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 137 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl₂
Reaction time: 30-60 minutes at 37°C
Include controls: without NAD+, with SIRT2 inhibitor (e.g., AGK2 at 10 μM)
Detection parameters:
Use acetyl-lysine specific antibody followed by SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated
Alternatively, use SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated to detect SIRT2 bound to substrate
Optimize antibody concentration (typically 1:1000-1:5000)
Select appropriate HRP substrate for detection (TMB provides high sensitivity)
Data analysis considerations:
Calculate percent deacetylation relative to control wells
Use non-linear regression for enzyme kinetics analysis
Apply Michaelis-Menten equation to determine Km and Vmax
The table below shows typical optimization parameters for the assay:
| Parameter | Range to Test | Optimal Value |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate concentration | 0.1-10 μg/ml | 2 μg/ml |
| SIRT2 enzyme | 10-500 ng/well | 100 ng/well |
| NAD+ concentration | 0.1-2 mM | 1 mM |
| Reaction time | 15-120 min | 45 min |
| Antibody dilution | 1:500-1:5000 | 1:2000 |
This approach allows for quantitative assessment of SIRT2 deacetylase activity, suitable for inhibitor screening and comparative analysis of SIRT2 activity across different experimental conditions .
When investigating SIRT2's role in neurodegenerative diseases, several essential controls must be incorporated:
Tissue-specific expression controls:
Age-matched control tissues from non-diseased subjects
Brain region-matched controls (SIRT2 is highly expressed in brain but varies by region)
Cell type-specific controls (neurons vs. glia, as SIRT2 expression differs)
Disease model validation controls:
Established disease markers (e.g., α-synuclein aggregates for Parkinson's disease)
Time-course analysis in progressive models
Pharmacological validation using known disease modulators
Antibody specificity controls:
SIRT2 knockout/knockdown neural cells
Peptide competition assays specific to neural tissue
Cross-validation with multiple SIRT2 antibodies recognizing different epitopes
Functional correlation controls:
Parallel assessment of known SIRT2 substrates (α-tubulin acetylation)
SIRT2 activity assays in neural lysates
SIRT2 inhibitor treatment (e.g., AGK2) to confirm causality
Comprehensive control panel for immunohistochemistry:
| Control Type | Purpose | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Control | Confirm antibody function | Brain regions with known high SIRT2 expression |
| Negative Control | Assess non-specific binding | SIRT2 knockout tissue or primary antibody omission |
| Isotype Control | Evaluate background | Non-specific IgG, HRP conjugated |
| Absorption Control | Verify specificity | Pre-incubation with immunizing peptide |
| DAB Control | Assess endogenous peroxidase | No primary antibody, with HRP substrate |
These controls are particularly important in neurodegenerative disease research where SIRT2 has been implicated in multiple pathways, including α-synuclein aggregation, microtubule stability, and oxidative stress response .
Studying post-translational modifications (PTMs) of SIRT2 using SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated requires a sophisticated methodological approach:
Two-dimensional Western blot analysis:
First dimension: Isoelectric focusing to separate SIRT2 based on charge differences from PTMs
Second dimension: SDS-PAGE separation by molecular weight
Detection: SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated
This approach reveals SIRT2 "spots" representing differently modified forms
PTM-specific antibody sequential detection:
Immunoprecipitate SIRT2 using non-HRP conjugated antibodies
First detection: PTM-specific antibodies (phospho, acetyl, SUMO, ubiquitin)
Strip membranes and re-probe with SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated
Calculate modified:total SIRT2 ratios
Mass spectrometry workflow:
Immunoprecipitate SIRT2 from cells under various conditions
Perform tryptic digestion and LC-MS/MS analysis
Confirm identified modifications by targeted mass spectrometry
Validate findings using site-specific antibodies or site-directed mutagenesis
PTM-specific functional correlation:
Generate phosphomimetic or phospho-deficient SIRT2 mutants
Assess impact on:
Localization (phosphorylation often affects nuclear localization)
Enzymatic activity (using deacetylase assays)
Substrate specificity (using deacetylase assays with different substrates)
Protein-protein interactions (using co-immunoprecipitation)
Recommended validation protocol:
| PTM Type | Known Sites | Detection Method | Functional Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphorylation | S368, S372 | Phospho-specific antibodies | Cell cycle regulation |
| Acetylation | K287, K333 | Acetyl-lysine antibodies | Auto-regulation mechanism |
| SUMOylation | K40, K51 | SUMO-specific antibodies | Nuclear localization |
| Ubiquitination | Multiple lysines | Ubiquitin antibodies | Protein stability |
This comprehensive approach enables detailed characterization of how SIRT2 itself is regulated through various PTMs, providing insight into the complex regulatory mechanisms controlling SIRT2 function in different cellular contexts .
Emerging applications of SIRT2 antibody, HRP conjugated that researchers should consider include:
Single-cell proteomics applications:
Adaptation for mass cytometry (CyTOF) through metal-conjugated SIRT2 antibodies
Integration with spatial transcriptomics to correlate SIRT2 protein levels with gene expression patterns
Microfluidic-based single-cell Western blotting for heterogeneity analysis
Extracellular vesicle (EV) SIRT2 detection:
Analyzing SIRT2 packaging into exosomes and microvesicles
Developing sensitive ELISA-based detection methods for SIRT2 in isolated EVs
Correlating circulating EV SIRT2 levels with disease states
Advances in super-resolution microscopy:
Implementing STORM or PALM imaging with converted SIRT2 antibodies
Investigating nanoscale co-localization with cytoskeletal elements
Analyzing SIRT2 clustering dynamics during cell cycle progression
Drug screening and therapeutic development:
High-content phenotypic screening using SIRT2 antibodies to identify modulators
Target engagement assays to confirm drug binding to SIRT2 in intact cells
Companion diagnostic development for SIRT2-targeted therapeutics
These applications will provide deeper insights into SIRT2's multifaceted roles in cellular function and disease processes, particularly in cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. The continued development of highly specific and sensitive SIRT2 detection methods will be crucial for advancing our understanding of this important regulatory protein .
Contradictory findings regarding SIRT2's role in disease progression can be reconciled through several improved antibody-based methodological approaches:
Isoform-specific detection and functional analysis:
Develop and validate isoform-specific SIRT2 antibodies
Implement parallel detection of all SIRT2 isoforms in the same samples
Correlate isoform expression patterns with disease progression
Context-dependent activity assessment:
Develop in situ activity-based probes for SIRT2
Combine with traditional antibody detection
Map activity:expression ratios across tissue sections
Integrated multi-omics approach:
Correlate antibody-based SIRT2 protein detection with:
PTM status (phosphoproteomics)
Interactome analysis (BioID or proximity labeling)
Metabolomics (NAD+ availability)
Acetylome profiling (substrate modification status)
Tissue and cell type heterogeneity resolution:
Single-cell proteomic analysis of SIRT2 levels
Spatial proteomics to map SIRT2 distribution within tissues
Cell type-specific SIRT2 knockout/knockin models
Temporal dynamics consideration:
Time-course studies with standardized antibody-based detection
Pulse-chase experiments to assess SIRT2 protein turnover
Live-cell imaging of SIRT2 dynamics
These approaches would help resolve contradictions that often arise from failing to account for SIRT2 isoform differences, cell type-specific functions, temporal dynamics of SIRT2 activity, or context-dependent regulation of SIRT2. By implementing these methodological improvements, researchers can develop a more nuanced understanding of SIRT2's complex and sometimes opposing roles in different disease contexts .
When selecting between different SIRT2 antibody formats for specialized research applications, researchers should consider these methodological factors:
Application-specific performance characteristics:
| Application | Recommended Format | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | HRP-conjugated | Direct detection without secondary antibody reduces background |
| IHC-Paraffin | Unconjugated primary | Better signal amplification with multi-step detection |
| IF/ICC | Fluorophore-conjugated | Direct visualization, better for co-localization studies |
| ChIP | Unconjugated | Better epitope accessibility in chromatin complexes |
| Flow Cytometry | Fluorophore-conjugated | Direct detection, quantitative signal correlation |
| ELISA | HRP or biotin-conjugated | Flexible detection options, reduced cross-reactivity |
Epitope accessibility considerations:
N-terminal epitopes: Better for detecting all SIRT2 isoforms
C-terminal epitopes: May be masked in certain protein complexes
Internal epitopes: May be affected by conformational changes
Signal amplification requirements:
Direct HRP conjugates: Suitable for abundant targets
Biotin-conjugated + streptavidin-HRP: Enhanced sensitivity for low-abundance detection
Tyramide signal amplification: Maximum sensitivity for trace detection
Multiplexing capabilities:
HRP-conjugated: Limited to sequential detection with stripping
Fluorophore-conjugated: Enables simultaneous multi-target detection
Unconjugated primary + species-specific secondary: Maximum flexibility
Buffer and fixation compatibility:
Formaldehyde-sensitive epitopes: Select antibodies validated for IHC/ICC
Detergent sensitivity: Some conjugates may have reduced activity in high-detergent buffers
pH sensitivity: Confirm stability across buffer conditions needed for your application