UBE2D2 functions as an E2 enzyme, transferring ubiquitin from E1 enzymes to E3 ligases. It regulates:
Protein degradation: Mediates ubiquitination of p53, PEX5, and NFKBIA .
Receptor turnover: Controls VEGFR2 levels in endothelial cells, influencing angiogenesis. Knockdown of UBE2D2 increases VEGFR2 by ~1.6-fold, affecting endothelial function .
Immune signaling: Involved in MAVS activation during viral infection via DDX58/RIG-I .
Cross-reactivity: UBE2D2 antibodies may recognize homologs (e.g., UBE2D1, UBE2D3) due to sequence similarity. Validation with recombinant proteins (e.g., HIS-tagged UBE2D2) is critical .
Optimal Dilution: Variability in WB dilution (1:500–1:2000) necessitates titration for signal-to-noise optimization .
While primary UBE2D2 antibodies are unconjugated, HRP-linked secondary antibodies (e.g., anti-rabbit IgG-HRP) are essential for WB signal detection. For example:
UBE2D2 (Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 D2) accepts ubiquitin from the E1 complex and catalyzes its covalent attachment to other proteins. In vitro, it catalyzes Lys-48-linked polyubiquitination, mediating the selective degradation of short-lived and abnormal proteins. Its functions include mediating the E6/E6-AP-induced ubiquitination of p53/TP53; ubiquitination of PEX5; and autoubiquitination of STUB1 and TRAF6. Furthermore, UBE2D2 is involved in signal-induced conjugation and subsequent degradation of NFKBIA; FBXW2-mediated GCM1 ubiquitination and degradation; MDM2-dependent degradation of p53/TP53; and the activation of MAVS in the mitochondria by DDX58/RIG-I in response to viral infection. It is also essential for viral activation of IRF3.
The following studies highlight key aspects of UBE2D2 function:
UBE2D2 belongs to the UBE2D family of E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes that play essential roles in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This enzyme collaborates with E3 ubiquitin ligases to catalyze the transfer of ubiquitin to substrate proteins, marking them for degradation or altered trafficking.
Research has demonstrated that UBE2D2 specifically regulates critical membrane receptors including VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) in endothelial cells . Experimental knockdown of UBE2D2 causes approximately 3-fold increase in steady-state VEGFR2 levels, indicating its central role in receptor turnover . UBE2D2 also works with the E3 ligase IDOL to mediate sterol-dependent degradation of LDLR (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor) .
HRP-conjugated UBE2D2 antibodies have horseradish peroxidase directly linked to the antibody molecule, providing several methodological advantages:
Direct detection capability without requiring secondary antibody incubation
Streamlined experimental workflows with fewer washing steps
Enhanced sensitivity through enzymatic signal amplification
Compatibility with multiple detection substrates (colorimetric, chemiluminescent)
Unconjugated antibodies, such as the polyclonal UBE2D2 antibody described in the search results, require a secondary detection system and are typically used in conventional two-step immunodetection protocols .
UBE2D2 antibodies serve multiple critical research applications:
Published studies have successfully used UBE2D2 antibodies to demonstrate specific interactions between UBE2D2 and client proteins such as VEGFR2, with clear discrimination between UBE2D2 and other closely related family members .
For maximum stability and activity retention of HRP-conjugated UBE2D2 antibodies:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that degrade both antibody binding and HRP activity
Use stabilizing formulations containing glycerol (typically 50%), BSA (0.5%), and sodium azide (0.02%)
Aliquot working stocks to minimize freeze-thaw events
Protect from prolonged exposure to light which can compromise HRP enzyme activity
Effective detection of UBE2D2-catalyzed ubiquitination requires careful methodological consideration:
Cell lysis protocol optimization:
Use non-denaturing conditions with mild detergents to preserve protein interactions
Include deubiquitinase inhibitors (e.g., N-ethylmaleimide) to prevent ubiquitin removal
Maintain low temperature (4°C) throughout processing
Immunoprecipitation strategy:
Western blot detection parameters:
Use gradient gels (4-12%) for better resolution of high molecular weight ubiquitinated species
Optimize transfer conditions for large proteins
Test membrane blocking conditions to minimize background
Research demonstrates successful detection of "higher molecular weight ubiquitinated VEGFR2 species in both basal and VEGF-A stimulated conditions followed by UBE2D complex isolation" .
Despite high sequence homology, UBE2D family members (UBE2D1-4) show distinct functional profiles. Methodological approaches to differentiate them include:
Rigorous experimental design requires multiple control strategies:
Specificity controls:
Functional validation approaches:
Ubiquitination verification:
Analyze ubiquitin chain topology (K48 vs. K63-linked) using linkage-specific antibodies
Compare patterns between stimulated and unstimulated conditions
Include deubiquitinase inhibitors to preserve ubiquitinated intermediates
A comprehensive experimental strategy should include:
Receptor dynamics analysis:
Signal transduction assessment:
Mechanistic investigation:
When conflicting results emerge regarding UBE2D2 function, consider these methodological approaches:
Cell type-specific effects:
Test multiple cell lines or primary cells
Compare results in different tissue contexts
Control for expression levels of other ubiquitination machinery
Technical variation sources:
Standardize antibody validation procedures
Implement quantitative analysis methods
Control for protein degradation during sample processing
Physiological relevance:
Complement in vitro findings with in vivo models
Test function under various stress conditions
Consider temporal dynamics of ubiquitination
Systematic validation:
Implement both gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches
Utilize CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing alongside siRNA methods
Complement genetic approaches with pharmacological inhibitors when available
Successful Western blot detection of UBE2D2 requires attention to several technical parameters:
Research shows that these parameters allow successful detection of endogenous UBE2D2 and discrimination between closely related family members .
When encountering non-specific binding or high background:
Validation approaches:
Confirm antibody specificity using UBE2D2 knockdown controls
Test against recombinant UBE2D proteins to assess cross-reactivity
Evaluate recognition of endogenous versus overexpressed protein
Protocol optimization:
Increase blocking stringency (time, concentration, detergent)
Adjust antibody concentration (typically lower)
Modify washing conditions (duration, buffer composition)
Test alternative membrane types (PVDF vs. nitrocellulose)
Sample preparation considerations:
Ensure complete protein denaturation for Western blotting
Include phosphatase inhibitors to prevent post-lysis modifications
Control lysis conditions to minimize protein degradation
To establish direct causality between UBE2D2 and substrate regulation:
In vitro ubiquitination assays:
Reconstitute ubiquitination using purified components
Compare wild-type versus catalytically inactive UBE2D2
Analyze ubiquitin chain formation and topology
Cellular approaches:
Proximity-based methods:
Employ BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling
Utilize FRET-based interaction assays
Implement co-immunoprecipitation under various conditions
The research demonstrates that "cytoplasmic delivery of recombinant UBE2D1 or UBE2D2 caused ~50% decrease in VEGFR2 levels after 3 h," providing strong evidence for direct effects .
Recent findings suggest potential functional overlap between UBE2D family members:
Sequential activity models:
Test combinatorial knockdown of multiple UBE2D enzymes
Analyze temporal recruitment patterns to substrate proteins
Investigate potential priming/extension mechanisms
E3 ligase interaction profiles:
Compare binding affinities between different UBE2D enzymes and E3 partners
Identify unique versus shared E3 interaction networks
Map binding domains through mutagenesis approaches
Substrate specificity determination:
Conduct proteomic analyses after selective UBE2D family member depletion
Implement ubiquitinome profiling techniques
Develop computational models to predict enzyme-substrate relationships
Research showing differential effects of UBE2D1/2 versus UBE2D3/4 on VEGFR2 levels highlights the complexity of these relationships .
Beyond protein degradation, ubiquitination regulates numerous cellular processes:
Ubiquitin linkage-specific analysis:
Use linkage-specific antibodies to distinguish K48 (degradative) from K63 and other linkages
Employ mass spectrometry to identify ubiquitination sites and chain topology
Analyze modification patterns with and without proteasome inhibition
Trafficking pathway investigation:
Track receptor internalization rates after UBE2D2 manipulation
Evaluate colocalization with endosomal markers
Assess recycling versus lysosomal targeting ratios
Signaling modulation assessment:
Analyze phosphorylation cascades downstream of ubiquitinated receptors
Compare activation kinetics between wild-type and ubiquitination-deficient mutants
Investigate protein-protein interaction networks altered by ubiquitination
Research demonstrates UBE2D2's impact on VEGFR2 signal transduction and membrane trafficking, suggesting roles beyond simple degradation .