UBE2L3 (Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme E2 L3), also known as UBCH7, is an E2 enzyme that transfers ubiquitin to substrate proteins in collaboration with E3 ligases. The biotin-conjugated UBE2L3 antibody is a polyclonal rabbit-derived reagent designed for high-sensitivity detection in assays like ELISA, Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Biotinylation enables streptavidin-based signal amplification, enhancing detection limits .
Specificity: Validated via siRNA knockdown, immunoprecipitation, and linear ubiquitin chain assays .
Performance: Cited in peer-reviewed studies for WB (1:300–5,000 dilution), IHC (1:200–400), and ELISA .
UBE2L3, also known as UBcH7, is an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that plays a critical role in the ubiquitination pathway. It functions by receiving ubiquitin from E1 enzymes and catalyzing its transfer to substrate proteins in conjunction with E3 ligases. UBE2L3 contains 153 amino acid residues and is one of the most abundant E2 enzymes in mammalian cells . The protein is highly conserved and retains the structural characteristics of universal UBC folding, which provides a platform for interactions with E1s, E3s, and activated ubiquitin/UBL molecules .
UBE2L3 is distinct in that it can only interact with specific types of E3 ligases, particularly HECT E3 ligases and a special class of RBR (Ring-Between-Ring) E3 ligases . This specificity is crucial for its biological functions, which include involvement in protein degradation, NF-κB signaling pathway regulation, cell cycle control, and various immune responses .
UBE2L3 protein is the actual enzyme involved in cellular ubiquitination processes, whereas UBE2L3 antibody is an immunoglobulin designed to specifically bind to the UBE2L3 protein for detection and analysis purposes. The UBE2L3 protein is the subject of study, while the antibody serves as a research tool to locate, quantify, or isolate this protein in experimental settings.
When biotin-conjugated, the UBE2L3 antibody contains biotin molecules covalently attached to it, enabling sensitive detection through biotin-avidin/streptavidin interactions . This conjugation significantly enhances detection sensitivity in various immunological techniques like Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry .
Biotin conjugation enhances the functionality of UBE2L3 antibody by providing a high-affinity tag that can be recognized by avidin, streptavidin, or neutravidin proteins. This conjugation offers several experimental advantages:
Signal amplification: The biotin-avidin system has one of the strongest non-covalent interactions in nature, allowing for enhanced sensitivity in detection.
Versatility in detection systems: Biotin-conjugated antibodies can be detected using various avidin-conjugated reporter molecules (HRP, fluorophores, gold particles, etc.), providing flexibility in experimental design.
Reduced background: In some applications, biotin-conjugated antibodies can reduce non-specific binding compared to directly labeled antibodies.
Compatibility with multiple detection platforms: The same biotin-conjugated UBE2L3 antibody can be used across Western blotting, ELISA, IHC-P, and IHC-F applications with appropriate detection systems .
For optimal Western Blot (WB) results with the UBE2L3 Antibody, Biotin conjugated, researchers should consider the following protocol:
Sample preparation: Extract proteins using standard lysis buffers containing protease inhibitors. Quantify protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay.
Protein separation: Load 20-50 μg of protein per lane on SDS-PAGE (10-12% gel is generally suitable for detecting UBE2L3 at approximately 18 kDa).
Transfer: Transfer proteins to PVDF or nitrocellulose membrane using standard wet or semi-dry transfer methods.
Blocking: Block the membrane with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature.
Primary antibody incubation: Dilute the biotin-conjugated UBE2L3 antibody at 1:300-1:5000 as recommended . Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle agitation.
Washing: Wash the membrane 3-5 times with TBST, 5 minutes each.
Detection: Incubate with streptavidin-HRP (1:5000-1:10000) for 1 hour at room temperature. After washing, develop using chemiluminescence substrate.
Expected result: UBE2L3 should be detected at approximately 18 kDa, though post-translational modifications may alter this size.
For validation, include positive control samples known to express UBE2L3 (such as specific human cell lines) and consider including recombinant UBE2L3 protein as a reference standard.
For optimal immunohistochemistry detection of UBE2L3 using biotin-conjugated antibodies, the following protocol optimizations are recommended:
For paraffin-embedded tissues (IHC-P):
Deparaffinization and rehydration: Process sections through xylene and decreasing grades of ethanol to water.
Antigen retrieval: This step is critical for UBE2L3 detection. Use citrate buffer (pH 6.0) and heat-induced epitope retrieval (pressure cooker or microwave) for 10-20 minutes.
Endogenous peroxidase blocking: Incubate in 3% H₂O₂ for 10 minutes.
Critical step: Biotin blocking is essential when using biotin-conjugated antibodies to prevent non-specific binding. Use a commercial avidin/biotin blocking kit before antibody incubation.
Primary antibody application: Apply UBE2L3 Antibody, Biotin conjugated at 1:200-1:400 dilution . Incubate overnight at 4°C or for 1-2 hours at room temperature.
Detection: Incubate with streptavidin-HRP conjugate followed by DAB or other chromogens.
For frozen sections (IHC-F):
Fixation: Fix sections in cold acetone or 4% paraformaldehyde.
Blocking: Block with 5-10% normal serum from the same species as the secondary antibody.
Primary antibody application: Apply at 1:100-1:500 dilution .
Detection: Follow the same procedure as for paraffin sections.
Researchers should include positive control tissues with known UBE2L3 expression. Based on available data, UBE2L3 is expressed in β-cells, skin, stomach, colon, kidney, lung, and adrenal gland tissues .
When using UBE2L3 Antibody, Biotin conjugated in ELISA applications, researchers should consider the following important factors:
Assessing and optimizing the specificity of UBE2L3 Antibody, Biotin conjugated requires a multi-faceted approach:
Western blot validation:
Perform Western blot analysis on tissues/cells known to express UBE2L3.
The antibody should detect a single band at the expected molecular weight (~18 kDa).
Run samples from multiple species to confirm cross-reactivity claims.
Peptide competition assay:
Knockdown/knockout validation:
Test the antibody on samples where UBE2L3 has been knocked down by siRNA or knocked out using CRISPR-Cas9.
The specific signal should be reduced or absent in these samples.
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry:
Use the antibody to immunoprecipitate proteins from cell lysates.
Analyze the precipitated proteins by mass spectrometry to confirm UBE2L3 enrichment.
Immunohistochemistry validation:
Species cross-reactivity testing:
UBE2L3 has a significant relationship with autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Research has revealed several important connections:
Autoantibody prevalence: Studies have shown that antibodies targeting UBE2L3 (UBE2L3-Ab) are present at significantly higher rates in T1DM patients compared to healthy controls. In Chinese subjects, 9.33% of T1DM patients were positive for UBE2L3-Ab, while in American subjects, the prevalence was 3.86% .
Ethnic variations: The prevalence of UBE2L3-Ab shows significant ethnic differences, with Chinese T1DM patients exhibiting higher positivity rates than American patients . This suggests genetic or environmental factors may influence UBE2L3 autoimmunity.
Age-related differences: Although not statistically significant, UBE2L3-Ab prevalence tends to be higher in children than in adults with T1DM in both Chinese and American populations .
Genetic associations: UBE2L3 polymorphism has been linked to NF-κB activation and plasma cell development, connecting it to multiple autoimmune diseases including Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis .
Epitope spreading: Research suggests that UBE2L3-Ab may emerge through epitope spreading, a typical phenomenon in T1DM and other autoimmune diseases. This is supported by the observation that most UBE2L3-Ab positive patients also harbor other islet autoantibodies like GADA or IAA .
Diagnostic limitations: Despite its association with T1DM, UBE2L3-Ab may not be a reliable diagnostic biomarker for the disease, as its prevalence is lower than that of established markers like GADA or IAA .
The molecular mechanisms connecting UBE2L3 to autoimmunity likely involve its role in ubiquitination pathways that regulate immune responses, particularly through NF-κB signaling which is crucial for immune cell development and function .
UBE2L3 exhibits selective interactions with specific types of E3 ligases, which has significant implications for disease research:
Selective E3 interactions: UBE2L3 is inherently catalytic and can only interact with certain types of E3 ligases, specifically HECT E3 ligases and RBR (Ring-Between-Ring) E3 ligases . This selectivity is determined by structural elements including Phe63 in the β2-β3 circle that contributes to the reaction with HECT E3s .
Structural basis of interaction:
With HECT E3s: The crystal structure of UBE2L3 in complex with the E6AP HECT domain provides insight into this interaction. The E6AP HECT structure is double-lobed with a catalytic crack at the junction containing conserved residues that interact with the ubiquitin-thioester bond .
With RBR E3s: UBE2L3-Ub complexes with RBR E3s like HHARI reveal the molecular basis for the specificity of E2/RBR E3 pairs .
Disease-related E3 ligase interactions:
LUBAC (Linear Ubiquitin chain Assembly Complex): UBE2L3 associates with LUBAC to form high-yield E2-E3 pairs. LUBAC belongs to the RBR E3 enzyme family and works with UBE2L3 to form specific linear ubiquitin chains linked by MET1 .
Tax (from HTLV-1): UBE2L3 combines with Tax, a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase, for the assembly of mixed-linked polyubiquitin chains that activate IKK directly .
Signaling pathway implications:
NF-κB signaling: UBE2L3 regulates NF-κB activation through various mechanisms, including interactions with different E3 ligases . Depending on the specific E3 partner, UBE2L3 can either promote or inhibit NF-κB activation.
Other pathways: UBE2L3 is also involved in GSK3β/p65 signaling, p53 signaling, autophagy mediated by p62, and DSB repair pathways .
Disease research applications: Understanding the specific interactions between UBE2L3 and various E3 ligases provides potential therapeutic targets for diseases including:
UBE2L3 plays multiple, sometimes controversial roles in regulating NF-κB signaling, which has significant implications for inflammatory disorders:
Research continues to elucidate the complex role of UBE2L3 in NF-κB signaling and inflammatory disorders, with potential therapeutic applications emerging from a deeper understanding of these mechanisms.
When interpreting UBE2L3 antibody positivity in Type 1 Diabetes research, researchers should consider several key factors in relation to other islet autoantibodies:
When studying UBE2L3 in experimental systems, researchers should implement comprehensive controls and validation methods to ensure reliable results:
Antibody validation controls:
Peptide competition/blocking: Pre-incubate the UBE2L3 antibody with the immunizing peptide (amino acids 81-154/154 of human UBE2L3) to confirm specificity.
Western blot validation: Confirm single band detection at the expected molecular weight (~18 kDa).
Known positive tissues/cells: Include samples from tissues known to express UBE2L3 (β-cells, skin, stomach, colon, kidney, lung, and adrenal gland) .
Genetic manipulation controls:
siRNA/shRNA knockdown: Reduce UBE2L3 expression to confirm antibody specificity and functional roles.
CRISPR/Cas9 knockout: Generate UBE2L3 knockout cells as negative controls.
Overexpression systems: Include cells overexpressing tagged UBE2L3 as positive controls.
Species-specific considerations:
Functional validation approaches:
E2 activity assays: Validate UBE2L3's ubiquitin conjugating activity using in vitro ubiquitination assays.
E3 interaction assays: Confirm interactions with known E3 ligase partners (HECT and RBR family E3s) .
Signaling pathway validation: Assess effects on NF-κB activation or other known UBE2L3-regulated pathways.
Clinical sample validation:
| Sample Type | Control Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Autoantibody studies | Include samples from multiple autoimmune conditions and healthy controls |
| Protein expression | Match cases and controls for age, ethnicity, and other relevant variables |
| Genetic studies | Include known UBE2L3 polymorphism controls |
Technical validation methods:
Multiple detection methods: Confirm findings using different techniques (WB, IHC, ELISA, IF) .
Biotin blocking: When using biotin-conjugated antibodies, include avidin/biotin blocking steps to prevent non-specific binding.
Reproducibility: Perform biological and technical replicates to ensure consistent results.
Positive displacement controls: For IHC applications, include adjacent sections with primary antibody omitted or replaced with non-specific IgG.
Data analysis validation:
Appropriate statistical methods: Use statistical tests suitable for data distribution.
Blinded analysis: Perform blinded quantification and scoring when possible.
Independent confirmation: When feasible, have key findings confirmed in independent laboratories.
Distinguishing between physiological and pathological roles of UBE2L3 requires sophisticated experimental approaches and careful data interpretation:
Expression level analysis:
Quantitative comparison: Compare UBE2L3 expression levels in pathological versus normal tissues/cells using qPCR, Western blot, or proteomics.
Tissue-specific expression patterns: Map UBE2L3 expression across different tissues in health and disease states. UBE2L3 is normally expressed in β-cells, skin, stomach, colon, kidney, lung, and adrenal gland .
Single-cell analysis: Use single-cell RNA-seq or proteomics to identify cell type-specific expression changes in disease states.
Functional interrogation approaches:
Dose-dependent effects: Examine how varying UBE2L3 levels affect cellular functions to identify thresholds between normal and pathological impacts.
Substrate specificity analysis: Identify whether disease states alter the substrate specificity of UBE2L3-mediated ubiquitination.
E3 ligase partner profiling: Compare the E3 ligase interaction partners of UBE2L3 in normal versus disease conditions.
Genetic manipulation strategies:
Conditional knockout models: Generate tissue-specific or inducible UBE2L3 knockout models to distinguish between developmental and homeostatic functions.
Disease-associated polymorphisms: Introduce UBE2L3 polymorphisms associated with autoimmune diseases to determine their functional consequences.
Rescue experiments: Restore wild-type UBE2L3 expression in deficient models to confirm specificity of observed phenotypes.
Signaling pathway dissection:
Pathway inhibitors: Use specific inhibitors targeting NF-κB and other UBE2L3-affected pathways to separate overlapping roles.
Temporal analysis: Examine the timing of UBE2L3-mediated effects in relation to disease progression.
Stress-response profiling: Compare UBE2L3 functions under normal versus stress conditions.
Analytical framework for interpretation:
| Physiological Role | Pathological Role |
|---|---|
| Constitutive expression in specific tissues | Aberrant expression in disease-relevant tissues |
| Balanced E3 ligase interactions | Altered E3 ligase preference or activity |
| Normal ubiquitination pattern | Hyper- or hypo-ubiquitination of specific substrates |
| Homeostatic NF-κB activation | Sustained NF-κB activation promoting inflammation |
| Normal immune cell development | Enhanced plasma cell development in autoimmunity |
Translational considerations:
Correlation with clinical parameters: Examine whether UBE2L3 levels or UBE2L3-Ab positivity correlate with disease severity, progression, or treatment response.
Biomarker potential: Assess whether UBE2L3-related measurements can distinguish between subclinical and clinical disease states.
Therapeutic targeting: Test whether modulating UBE2L3 activity can normalize pathological processes without disrupting essential physiological functions.
Designing experiments to study UBE2L3's role in the ubiquitination pathway requires careful consideration of multiple factors:
In vitro ubiquitination assay design:
Component selection: Include purified E1 enzyme, UBE2L3 (E2), appropriate E3 ligase partners (specifically HECT or RBR family E3s) , ubiquitin, ATP, and substrate proteins.
Controls: Include reaction mixtures lacking individual components (E1, E2, E3, ATP) as negative controls.
Detection methods: Use Western blotting with anti-ubiquitin antibodies or introduce tagged ubiquitin (HA, FLAG, etc.) for sensitive detection.
Time-course analysis: Sample reactions at multiple time points to study ubiquitination kinetics.
E3 ligase interaction studies:
Partner selection: Focus on known interacting E3 ligases, particularly HECT E3s (like E6AP) and RBR E3s (like HHARI and LUBAC) .
Interaction methods: Employ co-immunoprecipitation, yeast two-hybrid, or proximity labeling approaches to identify and confirm interactions.
Domain mapping: Use truncated or mutated versions of UBE2L3 to identify critical interaction domains, particularly focusing on Phe63 in the β2-β3 circle .
Structural analysis: Consider X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM to study UBE2L3-E3 complexes.
Substrate identification approaches:
Proteomics: Use mass spectrometry-based approaches to identify proteins with altered ubiquitination patterns upon UBE2L3 manipulation.
Candidate approach: Focus on proteins involved in pathways known to be regulated by UBE2L3, such as NF-κB signaling components .
Validation: Confirm direct ubiquitination of identified substrates in reconstituted in vitro systems.
Cellular system selection:
| Cell System | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Primary cells | Physiological relevance | Limited manipulation options |
| Cell lines | Easy manipulation | May have altered ubiquitination machinery |
| Reconstituted systems | Precise control | May lack cellular context |
| In vivo models | Full physiological context | Complex interpretation |
UBE2L3 manipulation strategies:
Genetic approaches: CRISPR/Cas9 knockout, siRNA knockdown, or overexpression systems.
Chemical approaches: When available, use specific inhibitors of UBE2L3 or its interacting partners.
Structure-based mutants: Introduce mutations in catalytic sites (e.g., catalytic cysteine) or E3-interaction domains.
Readout selection:
Direct ubiquitination: Assess substrate ubiquitination status using Western blotting or mass spectrometry.
Substrate fate: Monitor degradation kinetics, localization changes, or functional alterations of substrates.
Pathway activity: Measure downstream signaling events, such as NF-κB activation, using reporter assays or phosphorylation status of signaling components .
Physiological outcomes: Assess cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, or other relevant phenotypes.
To effectively study the relationship between UBE2L3 polymorphisms and autoimmune disease susceptibility, researchers should implement a comprehensive research strategy:
Genetic association approaches:
Case-control studies: Compare UBE2L3 polymorphism frequencies between autoimmune disease patients and matched healthy controls.
Family-based association: Utilize transmission disequilibrium tests in family cohorts to control for population stratification.
Meta-analysis: Combine data from multiple studies to increase statistical power and identify consistent associations.
Cross-disease analysis: Examine UBE2L3 polymorphisms across multiple autoimmune conditions to identify shared genetic architecture.
Functional genomics strategies:
eQTL analysis: Determine whether disease-associated polymorphisms affect UBE2L3 expression levels in relevant tissues.
CRISPR-based approaches: Use CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce specific polymorphisms and assess functional consequences.
Allele-specific expression: Measure allele-specific effects on UBE2L3 expression in heterozygous individuals.
Epigenetic analysis: Examine whether polymorphisms affect chromatin accessibility or epigenetic modifications at the UBE2L3 locus.
Molecular mechanism investigations:
NF-κB pathway analysis: Assess whether polymorphisms alter UBE2L3's ability to amplify NF-κB activation and promote plasma cell development .
Ubiquitination efficiency: Determine if polymorphisms affect UBE2L3's enzymatic activity or E3 ligase interactions.
Protein stability: Investigate whether variants affect UBE2L3 protein stability or turnover.
Immune cell phenotyping: Examine how polymorphisms affect B cell development, plasma cell differentiation, and other immune cell functions.
Translational research approaches:
Biomarker development: Assess whether UBE2L3 polymorphism status can serve as a biomarker for disease risk, progression, or treatment response.
Ethnic differences: Compare polymorphism effects across different ethnic groups, given the observed differences in UBE2L3-Ab prevalence between Chinese and American populations .
Age-related effects: Investigate whether UBE2L3 polymorphisms have different impacts in pediatric versus adult-onset autoimmune diseases.
Experimental model systems:
| Model System | Applications | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Genetically modified mice | In vivo functional validation | Species differences in immune system |
| Patient-derived iPSCs | Disease-relevant human cells | Complex differentiation protocols |
| CRISPR-modified cell lines | Mechanistic studies | Limited physiological context |
| Ex vivo patient samples | Direct relevance to human disease | Limited manipulation possibilities |
Integration with clinical data:
Genotype-phenotype correlations: Associate UBE2L3 polymorphisms with specific clinical features, disease severity, or treatment responses.
Longitudinal studies: Track how polymorphisms affect disease progression over time.
Therapeutic implications: Explore whether polymorphism status predicts response to specific therapies, particularly those targeting ubiquitination pathways or NF-κB signaling.
Several cutting-edge technologies and approaches are significantly advancing UBE2L3 research:
Advanced proteomics approaches:
UbiSite profiling: Site-specific ubiquitination mapping to identify precise UBE2L3-dependent ubiquitination sites.
Proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID): Identify proteins in close proximity to UBE2L3 in living cells.
Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS): Capture transient interactions between UBE2L3 and its partners.
Targeted proteomics: Develop parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays for sensitive quantification of UBE2L3 and its modified forms.
Advanced structural biology techniques:
Cryo-electron microscopy: Resolve structures of UBE2L3 in complex with different E3 ligases at near-atomic resolution.
Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS): Study conformational dynamics of UBE2L3 during ubiquitin transfer.
AlphaFold and other AI-based structure prediction: Generate high-confidence structural models of UBE2L3 complexes.
Single-molecule FRET: Monitor UBE2L3's dynamic interactions with E3 ligases and substrates in real-time.
Gene editing and screening technologies:
CRISPR-based screens: Identify genes that modify UBE2L3 function or synthetic lethal interactions.
Base editing: Introduce precise nucleotide changes to study UBE2L3 polymorphisms without double-strand breaks.
Prime editing: Enable more complex genetic modifications at the UBE2L3 locus.
CRISPR activation/inhibition: Modulate UBE2L3 expression without altering genetic sequence.
Single-cell technologies:
Single-cell proteomics: Profile UBE2L3 and its substrates at single-cell resolution.
Single-cell RNA-seq: Analyze UBE2L3 expression patterns across cell populations in health and disease.
Cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq): Simultaneously profile UBE2L3 protein levels and transcriptomes in single cells.
Spatial transcriptomics: Map UBE2L3 expression within tissue architecture.
Advanced antibody and detection technologies:
Computational and systems biology approaches:
Network analysis: Map UBE2L3's position in protein-protein interaction networks and signaling pathways.
Multi-omics integration: Combine genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics data to understand UBE2L3 regulation.
Machine learning: Develop predictive models for UBE2L3 substrates and disease associations.
Molecular dynamics simulations: Model UBE2L3's interactions with E3 ligases and substrate proteins.
Translational research innovations:
Organoid technologies: Study UBE2L3 function in tissue-specific contexts, particularly in β-cell organoids for diabetes research.
Patient-derived xenografts: Assess UBE2L3's role in human disease in in vivo environments.
Humanized mouse models: Create models expressing human UBE2L3 variants to study disease-associated polymorphisms.
Therapeutic targeting approaches: Develop small molecules or peptides that modulate UBE2L3-E3 interactions for potential therapeutic applications.