TMEM201 antibody is a reagent designed to detect TMEM201, a conserved INM protein with five predicted transmembrane segments. The human isoform consists of 666 amino acids (~72 kDa predicted molecular weight) and interacts with the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex to regulate nuclear-cytoskeletal coupling . Its roles span vascular development, cancer metastasis, and cell polarity .
Mechanism: TMEM201 interacts with SUN2 and Lamin A/C via its N-terminal domain to regulate nuclear positioning and endothelial cell (EC) migration. Knockout models (Tmem201−/− mice, zebrafish) show defective retinal vascularization and aortic sprouting .
Functional assays:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): High TMEM201 expression correlates with poor prognosis and promotes HCC cell proliferation, survival, and migration .
Breast Cancer: TMEM201 enhances TGF-β signaling by interacting with SMAD2/3, facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis .
TMEM201 antibodies have been utilized in:
TMEM201 (Transmembrane Protein 201) is an inner nuclear membrane protein with a canonical length of 666 amino acid residues and a mass of 72.2 kDa in humans. It is also known as spindle-associated membrane protein 1 (SAMP1) or NET5. TMEM201 has significant research importance because:
It regulates nuclear movement during fibroblast polarization and migration
It interacts with the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex
It is expressed ubiquitously across tissues, with notable expression in colon and duodenum
Understanding TMEM201 function provides critical insights into cellular migration, nuclear positioning, and tissue development processes.
Based on validated experimental data, TMEM201 antibodies are most effectively used in:
Western blotting represents the gold standard for TMEM201 detection, with observed molecular weights typically ranging from 43-45 kDa , though the theoretical weight is 72.2 kDa .
For maximum stability and performance of TMEM201 antibodies:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade antibody quality
Most commercial preparations are supplied in PBS buffer containing 50% glycerol and 0.02% sodium azide
Antibodies remain stable for approximately one year after shipment under proper storage conditions
Aliquoting is generally unnecessary for -20°C storage in glycerol-containing buffers
When designing Western blot experiments for TMEM201:
Sample preparation:
Recommended protocol adjustments:
Controls:
Research-critical factors to evaluate include:
The N-terminal domain of TMEM201 has particular functional importance, so antibodies recognizing this region may be especially valuable for mechanistic studies .
Advanced research applications include:
Co-immunoprecipitation studies:
Nuclear migration assays:
Mechanistic domain analysis:
Methodologically, researchers should combine TMEM201 antibody detection with truncation mutants to dissect the functional importance of different protein domains.
This represents a common challenge in TMEM201 research:
The canonical protein has a predicted molecular weight of 72.2 kDa
Alternative isoforms (up to 2 reported) may explain some differences
Resolution approaches:
Validation strategies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Include knockdown/knockout controls to confirm specificity
Perform N-terminal and C-terminal tagging to determine processing patterns
Technical considerations:
Post-translational modifications may alter migration patterns
Membrane proteins often migrate aberrantly on SDS-PAGE
Consider native versus denaturing/reducing conditions
Analysis approach:
Document both observed and expected weights in publications
Specify the specific isoform being targeted when possible
Based on recent findings that TMEM201 regulates endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis , researchers can:
Experimental design recommendations:
Combine TMEM201 antibody staining with tube formation assays
Use fibrin gel bead sprouting assays with TMEM201 antibody co-staining
Implement wound healing assays with TMEM201 knockdown/overexpression
Technical approach:
TMEM201 depletion via shRNA significantly impedes HUVEC angiogenic behavior
The N-terminal region is required for proper function
Quantify tube formation and migration rates as functional readouts
Mechanistic investigations:
Assess co-localization of TMEM201 with SUN2 and LaminA/C using confocal microscopy
Perform co-immunoprecipitation experiments to determine interaction dependencies
Employ truncation mutants to map functional domains
The research revealed TMEM201-LINC complex interactions are critical for endothelial cell migration, providing a foundation for angiogenesis-focused experiments .
Recent evidence suggests TMEM201 may modulate tumor development:
When designing cancer research experiments:
Model selection:
Human cancer cell lines expressing TMEM201
Patient-derived xenografts
Clinical tumor samples for IHC analysis
Methodological approaches:
Combine TMEM201 antibody staining with invasion/migration assays
Assess TMEM201 expression levels in different tumor stages
Correlate TMEM201 levels with patient outcomes and metastatic potential
Analytical considerations:
Account for heterogeneity in TMEM201 expression across tumor regions
Consider nuclear envelope integrity as a functional readout
Examine relationships between TMEM201 and established cancer markers
Emerging evidence suggests TMEM201 may represent a novel therapeutic target, particularly in contexts where cell migration drives pathogenesis.
A comprehensive validation strategy includes:
Genetic validation:
Technical validation:
Bioinformatic validation:
Verify TMEM201 expression in target tissues using public databases
Check for potential cross-reactive proteins with similar epitopes
Review literature for expected localization and molecular weight patterns
Thorough validation ensures reliable interpretation of experimental results and strengthens publication quality.