TM4SF20 is a 21–25 kDa protein expressed in cancer cells, including stomach, lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers, with limited expression in normal tissues. The protein belongs to the L6 tetraspanin family and contains four transmembrane domains, with a large extracellular loop between transmembrane domains 3 and 4.
Property
Details
Gene Symbol
TM4SF20
UniProt ID
Q53R12
Immunogen
Recombinant human TM4SF20 protein (AA 114–184)
Host
Rabbit (Polyclonal)
Reactivity
Human (validated in ELISA, IHC, IF/ICC)
Isotype
IgG
Conjugate
FITC (Fluorescein isothiocyanate)
Conjugation Methods and FITC Labeling
FITC conjugation involves covalently linking fluorescein isothiocyanate to the antibody’s lysine residues or amine groups. This process enhances detection in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
Key Parameters for FITC Conjugation
Parameter
Details
Labeling Index
Varies (negatively correlated with binding affinity)
Excitation/Emission
499/515 nm (compatible with 488 nm laser)
Purification
Protein G affinity chromatography
Storage Buffer
0.01 M PBS, pH 7.4, 50% glycerol, 0.03% Proclin-300
Critical Note: Higher FITC labeling indices reduce binding affinity due to steric hindrance, necessitating optimization for specific applications.
Experimental Uses
Application
Details
Immunofluorescence (IF)
Visualizes TM4SF20 localization in cells (e.g., membrane staining)
ELISA
Quantifies TM4SF20 in lysates or sera
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Detects TM4SF20 in tumor tissues (e.g., lung adenocarcinoma)
Flow Cytometry
Analyzes TM4SF20 expression in cell populations
Therapeutic Potential:
ADCC/CDC Activity: Monoclonal anti-TM4SF20 antibodies induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) in cancer cells.
Bispecific Antibodies: Engineered variants bind TM4SF20 and cytotoxic agents (e.g., chemotherapeutics, radioactive isotopes) for targeted delivery.
Performance Characteristics
Study
Findings
Binding Affinity
Reduced with higher FITC labeling indices (e.g., 5–8 FITC/antibody)
Specificity
Cross-reactivity with non-human species (e.g., dog, rabbit) in some clones
Therapeutic Efficacy
Anti-TM4SF20 antibodies kill A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells via ADCC/CDC
Critical Challenges:
Heterogeneity: Polyclonal antibodies may exhibit variable epitope recognition compared to monoclonal alternatives.
Non-Specific Staining: FITC-labeled antibodies with high labeling indices increase background noise in IHC/IF.
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Synonyms
TM4SF20; UNQ518/PRO994; Transmembrane 4 L6 family member 20
TM4SF20 is a polytopic transmembrane protein that acts as an inhibitor of regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) of CREB3L1. This inhibition prevents the activation of CREB3L1 and subsequent induction of collagen synthesis. However, in the presence of ceramide, TM4SF20 undergoes a change in membrane topology, stimulating RIP activation of CREB3L1. Ceramide reverses the direction of transmembrane helix translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane during TM4SF20 translation, a process known as 'regulated alternative translocation' (RAT). This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating the function of the transmembrane protein.
Gene References Into Functions
Ceramide alters the membrane orientation of TM4SF20, leading to a form that promotes the cleavage of CREB3L1. PMID: 27499293
TM4SF20 is the first protein identified to undergo Regulated Alternative Translocation in response to ceramide. In the absence of ceramide, the N-terminus of the first transmembrane helix of TM4SF20 is inserted into the ER lumen. This configuration inhibits activation of CREB3L1, a membrane-bound transcription factor. Conversely, in the presence of ceramide, the membrane topology of TM4SF20 is inverted. This inverted form stimulates CREB3L1 cleavage. PMID: 27499293
Ancestral deletions in the TM4SF20 gene are associated with a pediatric disorder characterized by early language delay and cerebral white matter hyperintensities. PMID: 23810381