traX Antibody

Biological Functions of TRAX

TRAX operates through three key mechanisms:

RNA binding complex:

• Forms an evolutionarily conserved heteromeric complex with Translin

• Binds RNA in vivo, with roles in transcript stability and transport

• Co-precipitates with Translin from brain extracts

DNA damage response:

• Mediates ATM-dependent DNA repair by stabilizing the MRN complex (MRE11-RAD50-NBS1)

• Reduces γH2AX foci (DNA double-strand break marker) in hippocampal neurons under oxidative stress

• Knockdown increases Annexin V levels (apoptosis marker) in PC12 cells

Receptor signaling:

• Interacts with adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) C-terminal tail

• Facilitates A2AR-mediated suppression of oxidative DNA damage via cAMP/PKA pathway

Regulatory Mechanisms

Disease Relevance

• Neurodegeneration: TRAX deficiency impairs ATM phosphorylation (ser1981), reducing DNA repair capacity

• Psychiatric disorders: Linked to DISC1/GSK3β signaling axis implicated in schizophrenia

• Cancer: TRAX levels influence PC12 cell proliferation via A2AR interactions

Experimental Applications

Validated protocols:

1. Western blotting:

   • Detects endogenous TRAX at ~37 kDa

   • Recommended dilution: 1:1,000-1:10,000

2. Immunohistochemistry:

   • Requires antigen retrieval for FFPE tissues

   • Nuclear localization observed in cerebellar neurons

Critical controls:

• Use TRAX-knockdown cells (e.g., PC12-shTRAX)

• Verify A2AR co-immunoprecipitation with/without GSK3β inhibitors

Technical Limitations

• No commercial ELISA kits available for quantitative analysis

• Cross-reactivity unverified beyond primates

• Requires RNAse treatment to unmask DNA-binding activity in some tissues