SSR2 (Signal Sequence Receptor, beta) is a 22-kD glycoprotein subunit of the signal sequence receptor complex involved in protein translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. It functions alongside the 34-kD glycoprotein alpha-SSR (SSR1) as part of the translocon-associated protein complex . The human SSR2 gene maps to chromosome bands 1q21-q23 and is implicated in viral mRNA translation and generic transcription pathways . Its significance lies in understanding protein trafficking mechanisms, ER stress responses, and its associations with conditions like calcaneonavicular coalition and osteosarcoma . Researchers targeting SSR2 can gain insights into fundamental cellular processes related to protein secretion and membrane protein biogenesis.
Comparison of SSR2 Antibody Types:
Polyclonal antibodies, like the rabbit polyclonal described in source , recognize multiple epitopes on the SSR2 protein, enhancing detection sensitivity but potentially increasing background. Monoclonal antibodies, like clone PAT31G6AT or 31G6 , offer higher specificity by targeting a single epitope, improving experimental consistency but potentially limiting detection if that epitope is altered or masked .
Selection of an appropriate SSR2 antibody requires consideration of several experimental factors:
Target species reactivity: Different antibodies show varying reactivity profiles. Some antibodies like ABIN7270299 demonstrate cross-reactivity with human, mouse, and rat SSR2 , while others are human-specific .
Experimental application: For Western blot applications, both polyclonal (SAB1401374) and monoclonal options are available, with recommended dilutions around 1μg/mL . For immunofluorescence studies, conjugated antibodies like NBP2-42647DL594 (DyLight 594-conjugated) offer direct visualization .
Epitope accessibility: Consider the protein region recognized by the antibody. Some target the N-terminus, others the C-terminus, and some recognize internal sequences like amino acids 18-149 or 51-150 .
Validation data: Review the validation data provided by manufacturers. For instance, source shows Western blot validation in human placenta and HeLa cells, while source provides immunocytochemistry validation data.
Sample preparation method: If working with denatured samples (SDS-PAGE), ensure the antibody recognizes linear epitopes. For native conformations (immunoprecipitation), select antibodies validated for recognizing folded proteins.
For optimal Western blot detection of SSR2, researchers should consider the following protocol modifications:
Sample preparation:
Use RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors for efficient extraction
Heat samples at 70°C rather than 95°C to prevent SSR2 aggregation as it's a membrane protein
Gel percentage:
Transfer conditions:
Transfer at lower voltage (15V) overnight at 4°C for membrane proteins
Use PVDF membranes instead of nitrocellulose for better protein retention
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block with 5% non-fat milk in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
For primary antibodies, dilutions vary by product:
Incubate primary antibody overnight at 4°C for improved signal-to-noise ratio
Detection controls:
Multiple SSR2 antibodies have been validated for Western blot applications, with data showing successful detection in human placenta and HeLa cell extracts .
Achieving optimal immunofluorescence results for SSR2 localization requires:
Fixation optimization:
4% paraformaldehyde (15 minutes at room temperature) preserves ER structure
Avoid methanol fixation which can disrupt membrane protein epitopes
Include 0.1% saponin or 0.2% Triton X-100 for controlled permeabilization
Antibody selection and dilution:
Co-localization markers:
Include established ER markers (calnexin, PDI, or KDEL-tagged proteins)
For high-precision localization, super-resolution techniques like STORM or STED with appropriate fluorophore selection are recommended
Signal enhancement:
Tyramide signal amplification for weak signals
Use mounting media with anti-fade agents to prevent photobleaching
Validation approaches:
Perform Z-stack imaging to confirm ER membrane localization
Include siRNA knockdown controls to verify antibody specificity
The monoclonal antibody clone 31G6 has been specifically validated for immunofluorescence applications, showing the characteristic reticular ER pattern expected for SSR2 .
Flow cytometry analysis of SSR2 requires special considerations as it's primarily an ER membrane protein:
Cell preparation protocols:
Gentle fixation with 2% paraformaldehyde (10 minutes)
Permeabilization is essential (0.1% saponin recommended for ER proteins)
Maintain cells at 4°C during processing to minimize internalization
Antibody selection and staining:
Gating strategy:
Include viability dye to exclude dead cells
Use side scatter properties to eliminate debris
Compare with isotype controls matched to the specific antibody clone
Validation and controls:
Data interpretation:
Expect heterogeneous expression levels reflecting varying ER content
Shifts in mean fluorescence intensity can indicate ER stress or altered protein trafficking
Flow cytometry analysis validated with antibody H00006746-B01P has successfully distinguished between negative control 293 cells and SSR2-expressing 293 cells , demonstrating the feasibility of this approach despite SSR2's intracellular localization.
When encountering high background or non-specific binding with SSR2 antibodies, implement these systematic troubleshooting steps:
Antibody-specific optimizations:
Titrate antibody concentration (start with a dilution series from 1:250 to 1:2000)
For polyclonal antibodies like ABIN7270299, pre-adsorption against cell lysates from non-relevant species may reduce cross-reactivity
Switch to more specific monoclonal options like clone 31G6 if polyclonal antibodies show high background
Protocol modifications for Western blotting:
Increase washing duration and frequency (5x5 minutes with 0.1% Tween-20 in PBS)
Add 0.1-0.5% SDS to wash buffer for stringent conditions
Increase blocking agent concentration to 5-10% or switch between milk and BSA
For membrane proteins like SSR2, add 0.05% SDS to antibody dilution buffer
Immunofluorescence/IHC optimizations:
Include 10% serum from the secondary antibody host species in blocking buffer
Extend blocking time to 2 hours at room temperature
Use commercially available background reducers specific to the detection system
For tissue sections, treat with 3% hydrogen peroxide to block endogenous peroxidase
Technical validation approaches:
Flow cytometry-specific remedies:
Implement more stringent gating strategies
Include dead cell discrimination dyes
Reduce antibody concentration and extend incubation time
The quality of different SSR2 antibodies varies significantly. Protein-A purified antibodies like the one described in source typically offer improved specificity compared to crude serum preparations.
Essential controls for SSR2 antibody validation across experimental platforms:
For rigorous validation in research contexts:
Genetic validation: Compare antibody signal between wild-type and CRISPR/Cas9 SSR2 knockout cell lines
Orthogonal validation: Correlate protein detection with mRNA levels via RT-qPCR
Cross-platform validation: Confirm consistent results across multiple techniques (e.g., if Western blot shows a single band at 22 kDa, immunofluorescence should show specific ER pattern)
Species validation: When using antibodies across species, always validate with species-specific positive controls
When using monoclonal antibodies like clone 31G6 , epitope mapping becomes particularly important as these antibodies recognize a single determinant that may be masked in certain experimental conditions.
SSR2, as an ER membrane protein, is particularly sensitive to fixation and preparation methods:
Chemical fixation comparison:
Paraformaldehyde (4%, 10-15 min): Preserves protein structure but may mask some epitopes
Methanol (-20°C, 10 min): Better for some epitopes but disrupts membrane structure
Acetone (-20°C, 5 min): Good for cytoskeletal preservation but can extract membrane proteins
Glutaraldehyde (0.1-0.5%): Excellent ultrastructure preservation but significant autofluorescence
Recommendation: Start with 4% paraformaldehyde for most SSR2 applications, as it maintains ER morphology while preserving most epitopes recognized by validated antibodies .
Antigen retrieval methods for tissue sections:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER): 10mM sodium citrate, pH 6.0, 95°C for 20 minutes
Enzymatic retrieval: Proteinase K treatment (20μg/mL, 15 minutes at room temperature)
Recommendation: For formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, HIER with sodium citrate buffer generally yields optimal results for SSR2 detection.
Permeabilization optimization for intact cells:
Triton X-100 (0.1-0.5%): Strong permeabilization, may extract some membrane proteins
Saponin (0.1-0.2%): Milder, reversible permeabilization, better for membrane proteins
Digitonin (10-50μg/mL): Selective permeabilization of plasma membrane
Recommendation: Use 0.1% saponin for optimal preservation of SSR2 epitopes while allowing antibody access to the ER lumen.
Sample storage considerations:
Fixed cells/tissues should not be stored for prolonged periods before antibody incubation
For paraffin blocks, freshly cut sections yield better results
Freeze-thaw cycles significantly impact membrane protein epitopes
When working with the monoclonal antibody clone PAT31G6AT (derived from immunization with recombinant human SSR2 protein 18-149 amino acids) , mild fixation and permeabilization conditions preserve optimal epitope recognition.
SSR2 antibodies provide valuable tools for investigating ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) mechanisms:
Quantitative changes in SSR2 expression:
Western blot analysis using antibodies like SAB1401374 or H00006746-B01P can quantify SSR2 upregulation during ER stress
Standardized protocol: Treat cells with tunicamycin (2μg/mL, 4-24 hours) or thapsigargin (500nM, 4-16 hours), then analyze SSR2 protein levels
Compare with established UPR markers (BiP/GRP78, CHOP, XBP1 splicing)
Subcellular redistribution during stress:
Protein-protein interaction studies:
Immunoprecipitation with anti-SSR2 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry identifies stress-induced binding partners
Proximity ligation assays using antibody pairs targeting SSR2 and other translocon components
FRET/FLIM microscopy using labeled secondary antibodies to assess nanoscale interactions
Functional assays:
Correlate SSR2 expression/localization with protein translocation efficiency using reporter substrates
Monitor effects of SSR2 depletion/overexpression on UPR signaling outputs
Assess calcium leakage from ER using fluorescent indicators in conjunction with SSR2 immunostaining
Tissue-level analysis:
Immunohistochemistry in disease models characterized by ER stress (neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes)
Multiplex staining of SSR2 with UPR markers and cell-type specific antigens
SSR2 antibodies have been successfully used in detecting expression changes in response to experimental stressors, with polyclonal antibodies providing sensitivity for expression level changes and monoclonal antibodies like clone 31G6 offering precision for localization studies.
Experimental strategies for SSR2 investigation across biological systems:
For disease-specific approaches:
Cancer research applications:
Compare SSR2 expression between tumor and adjacent normal tissues
Correlate with ER stress markers (XBP1s, ATF6 cleavage)
Examine association with therapy resistance phenotypes
SSR2 has been implicated in osteosarcoma pathogenesis , suggesting relevance to cancer biology.
Neurodegenerative disease models:
Analyze SSR2 in models of diseases characterized by protein misfolding
Co-localization with disease-specific protein aggregates
Temporal profiling during disease progression
Developmental biology:
Viral infection studies:
The polyclonal anti-SSR2 antibody ABIN7270299 offers versatility across multiple species (human, mouse, rat) , making it valuable for comparative studies, while the monoclonal antibody clone 31G6 provides the specificity required for detailed human tissue analysis.
Quantitative analysis of SSR2 expression requires systematic approaches tailored to specific experimental methods:
Western blot quantification:
Densitometric analysis using ImageJ/FIJI software
Normalization strategy: Ratio of SSR2 to housekeeping proteins (β-actin, GAPDH)
Statistical approach: Minimum of 3 biological replicates, analyzed by t-test or ANOVA
Standard curve generation using recombinant SSR2 protein for absolute quantification
Immunofluorescence quantification:
Cellular compartment analysis: ER-specific signal vs. total cellular fluorescence
Z-stack acquisition and 3D reconstruction for volumetric measurement
Colocalization analysis: Pearson's or Mander's coefficient with ER markers
High-content imaging platforms for population-level statistics
Flow cytometry analysis:
Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) calculation after gating on viable cells
Histogram overlay comparisons between treatment conditions
Subpopulation identification based on SSR2 expression levels
Multiparameter analysis with UPR markers
RT-qPCR correlation:
Parallel analysis of SSR2 mRNA and protein levels
Calculation of protein:mRNA ratios to identify post-transcriptional regulation
Time-course studies to determine expression kinetics
Reproducibility considerations:
Antibody lot-to-lot variation control (standard sample inclusion)
Instrument calibration with fluorescent standards
Blind analysis to prevent investigator bias
Sample data interpretation table:
Condition | Western Blot (Relative Density) | Flow Cytometry (MFI) | Immunofluorescence (Integrated Density) | Interpretation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Control | 1.00 ± 0.15 | 100 ± 12 | 1.00 ± 0.10 | Baseline expression |
ER stress (4h) | 1.75 ± 0.20 | 165 ± 18 | 1.60 ± 0.15 | Acute upregulation |
ER stress (24h) | 2.50 ± 0.25 | 210 ± 25 | 2.30 ± 0.20 | Sustained upregulation |
Recovery (48h) | 1.30 ± 0.18 | 125 ± 15 | 1.25 ± 0.12 | Partial normalization |
For proper normalization in quantitative Western blots, researchers should use antibodies validated for linearity across a range of protein concentrations, as demonstrated with the SSR2 antibody H00006746-B01P in human placenta samples .
Integration of SSR2 antibody-based techniques with other omics technologies enables comprehensive understanding of translocon biology:
Proteomics integration:
Immunoprecipitation using SSR2 antibodies followed by mass spectrometry
Proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID or APEX) coupled with SSR2 immunofluorescence
Correlation of global proteome changes with SSR2 expression/localization
Phospho-proteomic analysis to identify SSR2 post-translational modifications
Transcriptomics correlation:
Single-cell RNA-seq combined with index sorting based on SSR2 protein levels
Spatial transcriptomics with SSR2 immunofluorescence on adjacent sections
Ribosome profiling to assess translational efficiency of SSR2-dependent substrates
Structural biology applications:
Epitope mapping using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
In situ structural analysis using proximity ligation with structured illumination microscopy
Cryo-electron tomography with immunogold labeling using SSR2 antibodies
Functional genomics approaches:
CRISPR screens with SSR2 immunostaining as a phenotypic readout
Correlation of genetic variants with SSR2 protein expression in patient-derived samples
Synthetic lethality studies in cells with altered SSR2 levels
Systems biology integration:
Network analysis incorporating SSR2 protein interaction data
Mathematical modeling of secretory pathway dynamics using quantitative SSR2 data
Multi-scale modeling from molecular to cellular levels
The mouse monoclonal antibody against recombinant human SSR2 (clone PAT31G6AT) has shown particular utility in immunoprecipitation applications , making it valuable for proteomics-based interaction studies.
Applying SSR2 antibodies in super-resolution microscopy requires specific optimizations:
STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) microscopy:
Optimal fluorophores: Abberior STAR 580, STAR RED, or Atto 647N
Sample preparation: Thinner sections (70-100nm) improve resolution
Fixation protocol: 4% PFA followed by 0.1% glutaraldehyde stabilizes structure
Expected resolution: 30-50nm resolution of ER membrane microdomains
STORM/PALM techniques:
Fluorophore selection: Alexa Fluor 647, Cy5.5, or photoswitchable fluorescent proteins
Buffer system: Oxygen scavenging system with thiol compound (MEA or β-mercaptoethanol)
Acquisition parameters: 10,000-30,000 frames for complete reconstruction
Drift correction: Fiducial markers (gold nanoparticles) essential for long acquisitions
Expansion microscopy:
Pre-expansion validation: Verify epitope survival after anchoring and digestion
Post-expansion staining: May improve antibody access to dense ER regions
Expansion factor: 4-10x physical expansion possible with proper protocol optimization
Multi-round imaging: SSR2 in first round, followed by other markers
Lattice light-sheet microscopy:
Live-cell compatibility: Consider using anti-SSR2 Fab fragments
Phototoxicity minimization: Reduced laser power with sensitive detectors
4D imaging: Capture dynamic SSR2 reorganization during ER stress responses
Computational analysis: Specialized tracking algorithms for ER tubule dynamics
Technical limitations and solutions:
Epitope accessibility: Careful permeabilization optimization
Label density: Appropriate antibody dilution to achieve Nyquist sampling
Signal-to-noise ratio: Background reduction through optimized washing
Sample drift: Active focus-locking systems during acquisition
For optimal super-resolution imaging, the directly conjugated anti-SSR2 antibody with DyLight 594 (NBP2-42647DL594) provides advantages of reduced link error compared to secondary antibody detection systems.
Comprehensive validation of SSR2 antibodies for specialized research applications should follow these guidelines:
Application-specific validation hierarchy:
Validation Level | Methodology | Stringency | Application Suitability |
---|---|---|---|
Basic | Western blot with positive control | Minimum | Preliminary studies |
Intermediate | Multiple application testing with controls | Standard | Most research applications |
Advanced | Knockout/knockdown controls, cross-platform | High | Publication-quality research |
Gold standard | Orthogonal validation, epitope mapping | Highest | Critical clinical/research use |
Epitope integrity assessment:
Reproducibility standards:
Inter-laboratory validation with standardized protocols
Consistent results across multiple biological replicates
Lot-to-lot comparison with reference standards
Benchmarking against established antibodies
Application-specific benchmarks:
Documentation requirements:
Complete experimental conditions and protocols
Raw data preservation and accessibility
Explicit disclosure of validation limitations
Positive and negative control images/data
The scientific community increasingly requires more stringent validation of antibodies. For SSR2 research, antibodies like clone 31G6 that have been validated across multiple platforms (Western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence) provide greater confidence in experimental results.
Signal Sequence Receptor Beta (SSR2) is a crucial component of the signal sequence receptor (SSR) complex, which is involved in the translocation of proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. This receptor is essential for the proper functioning of cellular processes, particularly in protein synthesis and folding.
The SSR complex consists of four subunits: alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. The beta subunit, encoded by the SSR2 gene, is a glycosylated protein that plays a pivotal role in binding calcium to the ER membrane. This binding is crucial for the retention of ER resident proteins and the regulation of protein translocation .
The SSR2 gene is located on chromosome bands 1q21-q23 in humans. It is associated with several diseases, including calcaneonavicular coalition and osteosarcoma . The gene’s expression is regulated through complex alternative polyadenylation, resulting in multiple transcript variants that encode different isoforms .
Mouse anti-human antibodies are commonly used in research to study human proteins. These antibodies are produced by immunizing mice with human proteins or peptides, leading to the generation of monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize and bind to the target human protein. In the case of SSR2, mouse anti-human antibodies can be used to detect and study the beta subunit of the signal sequence receptor in various experimental settings .
The use of mouse anti-human SSR2 antibodies has several applications in biomedical research: