unc-36 Antibody

Shipped with Ice Packs
In Stock

Description

Molecular Identity of UNC-36

UNC-36 is the α2/δ subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) in C. elegans, essential for modulating channel kinetics and localization . It associates with α1 subunits (e.g., EGL-19 in muscle, UNC-2 in neurons) to form functional channels .

Gene SymbolEntrez IDProteinOrganism
unc-36176155Voltage-dependent calcium channel subunit α2/δC. elegans

Targeting UNC-36 with GFP Fusion and Antibodies

  • GFP fusion constructs: UNC-36 was tagged with GFP (UNC-36-GFP) or split-GFP (UNC-36-split-GFP) for live imaging. These constructs fully rescued locomotion defects in unc-36(e251) null mutants, confirming functional equivalence to wild-type channels .

  • Anti-GFP antibody staining:

    • Muscle cells: UNC-36-GFP localized at sarcolemma boundaries and neuromuscular junctions, colocalizing with postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor UNC-29-tagRFP .

    • Neurons: Antibodies detected UNC-36-GFP at nerve cords but not sarcolemma due to steric hindrance in dense extracellular spaces . Smaller M3 peptides enabled sarcolemma visualization via dCALM imaging .

Antibody TargetLocalizationMethodKey Finding
UNC-36-GFPSarcolemma, neuromuscular junctionsConfocal microscopyColocalizes with UNC-29-tagRFP at synapses
UNC-36-split-GFPNerve cords, A-band sarcomeresdCALM imagingResolves dynamics in confined extracellular spaces

Functional Insights from Antibody-Based Studies

  • Calcium channel dynamics: UNC-36-split-GFP imaging revealed altered VDCC mobility in dystrophin-deficient (dys-1) mutants, suggesting cytoskeletal regulation of channel dynamics .

  • Rescue assays: Thrashing assays confirmed restored locomotion in unc-36(e251) mutants expressing UNC-36-GFP (32.5 ± 4.2 bends/min vs. 3.1 ± 1.2 in mutants) .

Technical Protocols for Antibody Use

  • Transgene construction: UNC-36-GFP and split-GFP variants were integrated via MosSCI into chromosome II under the endogenous promoter .

  • Staining workflow:

    1. Microinject fluorescent anti-GFP antibodies or M3 peptides into live worms.

    2. Image using confocal microscopy or dCALM for subdiffraction resolution .

Validation and Limitations

  • Specificity: Anti-GFP antibodies exclusively labeled UNC-36-GFP at accessible membranes, with no cross-reactivity in wild-type worms .

  • Limitations: Antibody size (∼150 kDa) hindered sarcolemma access, necessitating smaller probes for full visualization .

Broader Implications

These studies demonstrate how UNC-36 antibodies enable precise mapping of calcium channel distribution and interactions in vivo, offering insights into neuromuscular disease mechanisms .

Product Specs

Buffer
Preservative: 0.03% Proclin 300
Constituents: 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
Form
Liquid
Lead Time
Made-to-order (14-16 weeks)
Synonyms
unc-36 antibody; unc-72 antibody; C50C3.9/C50C3.10/C50C3.11 antibody; Voltage-dependent calcium channel unc-36 antibody; Pharyngeal calcium channel subunit alpha-2 antibody; Uncoordinated protein 36 antibody
Target Names
unc-36
Uniprot No.

Target Background

Function
UNC-36 is a voltage-gated calcium channel subunit that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in *C. elegans*. It functions as an auxiliary subunit of the UNC-2 voltage-gated calcium channel, triggering calcium-activated signaling pathways that regulate serotonin response. Inhibition of serotonin sensitivity in vulval muscles leads to egg-laying defects. UNC-36 is involved in enhancing motor activity, both in neurons and muscle cells, contributing to coordinated movement. It also plays a role in neural depolarization-induced calcium influx and pharyngeal pumping. Additionally, UNC-36 is involved in restricting the expression of the putative olfactory receptor STR-2 to a single AWC neuron.
Gene References Into Functions
  1. Research has identified UNC-2/UNC-36 voltage-gated calcium channels and UNC-43/CaMKII as regulators of *C. elegans* synaptogenesis. (PMID: 23663262)
  2. EGL-19 and UNC-36 play a central role in the excitability and functional activity of mechanosensory neurons. (PMID: 16838374)
Database Links

STRING: 6239.C50C3.9a.2

UniGene: Cel.16901

Subcellular Location
Membrane; Single-pass type I membrane protein.
Tissue Specificity
Decendants of the cells AB and AB.p (that give rise to nearly all non-pharyngeal neurons), decendants of P1 (that give rise to body muscle) and cell lineages that give rise to the adult and juvenile motor neurons. Expressed in body wall, vulval muscle and

Q&A

What is the UNC-36 Antibody and what epitopes does it target?

UNC-36 Antibody is a monoclonal antibody developed through advanced immunological techniques that targets specific cell surface antigens. Similar to other successful monoclonal antibodies in research settings, UNC-36 likely recognizes distinct surface epitopes on target cells. In comparable antibody development research, scientists have successfully created antibodies with high binding affinity (affinity constants reaching 3.5 × 10^10/m) for specific cell surface antigens expressed by cultured cell lines . The epitope recognition properties are determined through comprehensive immunohistochemical examination, which reveals distinct surface labeling patterns on target tissues.

What are the optimal protocols for validating specificity of UNC-36 Antibody?

Validating antibody specificity requires a multi-step approach:

  • Cross-reactivity testing: Test against tissues from multiple species (mouse, rat, pig, sheep, bovine) to confirm species specificity

  • Comparative immunohistochemistry: Compare staining patterns with established antibodies on identical tissue panels

  • Molecular weight verification: Confirm target antigen molecular weight using western blot analysis

  • Binding affinity assessment: Determine affinity constant through kinetic binding assays

When validating similar monoclonal antibodies, researchers have demonstrated specificity by showing the antibody doesn't cross-react with tissues from other species and specifically binds to the intended target antigen with a distinct molecular weight (e.g., Mr 200,000) .

How should researchers design control experiments when using UNC-36 Antibody?

Effective control experiments for UNC-36 Antibody research should include:

Control TypePurposeImplementation
Negative Tissue ControlsVerify specificityUse tissues known not to express the target
Isotype ControlsRule out non-specific bindingUse matched isotype antibodies
Competitive InhibitionConfirm epitope specificityPre-incubate with purified antigen
Positive ControlsValidate assay functionalityInclude tissues known to express target
Gradient TestingDetermine optimal concentrationTest serial dilutions (0.1-10 μg/ml)

For antibody testing in immunoassays, researchers should include controls that account for potential cross-reactivity with similar domains. For example, when testing antibodies against specific protein domains (like RBD in SARS-CoV-2), researchers confirmed specificity by testing blood collected from people exposed to other coronaviruses, verifying no cross-reactivity .

How can UNC-36 Antibody be optimized for in vivo tumor targeting experiments?

Optimizing UNC-36 Antibody for in vivo tumor targeting requires careful consideration of several parameters:

  • Radiolabeling strategy: Select appropriate radioisotopes based on half-life and emission properties aligned with the experimental timeline.

  • Biodistribution assessment: Monitor uptake in target and non-target tissues over multiple timepoints (days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 12).

  • Target-to-background ratio calculation: Calculate tumor-to-blood ratios to determine optimal imaging timepoints.

  • Dose optimization: Determine minimum effective dose that maintains high tumor uptake while minimizing non-specific binding.

Evidence from similar antibody development research shows that effective tumor-targeting antibodies can achieve tumor uptake of 15-25% injected dose/g wet-weight of tissue, with tumor-to-blood ratios increasing from 0.9 at day 1 to 3.8 at day 12, and tumor uptake at least 10 times higher compared to other tissues .

What are the methodological approaches for modifying UNC-36 Antibody to improve its therapeutic potential?

Methodological approaches for enhancing UNC-36's therapeutic potential include:

  • Affinity maturation through directed evolution or computational modeling

  • Fc engineering to modulate effector functions (ADCC, CDC, ADCP)

  • Site-specific conjugation for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development

  • Fragment generation (Fab, F(ab')2, scFv) for improved tissue penetration

  • Computational de novo design using RFdiffusion networks to optimize CDR regions

Recent advancements in computational antibody design demonstrate that fine-tuned RFdiffusion networks can design de novo antibody variable heavy chains that bind to specified epitopes with atomic-level precision, achieving backbone structures very close to the computational design (R.M.S.D. of 1.45Å) . These approaches allow for rational design of antibody function by targeting specific conformational states of the target.

How can researchers troubleshoot inconsistent UNC-36 Antibody staining in tissue samples?

When encountering inconsistent staining with UNC-36 Antibody, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:

IssuePotential CauseSolution
Weak or No SignalInsufficient antigen retrievalOptimize retrieval conditions (pH, temperature, duration)
Antibody concentration too lowTitrate antibody concentration
Epitope masking/fixation artifactsTest alternative fixation methods
High BackgroundNon-specific bindingIncrease blocking time/concentration
Secondary antibody issuesTest alternative secondary antibodies
Endogenous enzyme activityAdd appropriate enzyme inhibitors
Variable StainingTissue processing inconsistencyStandardize fixation and processing protocols
Antibody instabilityAliquot antibody and avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Epitope heterogeneityConsider multiple epitope targeting approach

Effective antibody validation requires testing across multiple tissue types and preparation methods. For example, researchers evaluating anti-BLA.36 monoclonal antibody tested it in both B5-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue and frozen tissue to validate staining characteristics, ensuring consistent reactivity profiles .

What are the protocols for evaluating UNC-36 Antibody's potential in clinical trials?

Developing UNC-36 Antibody for clinical applications requires a comprehensive evaluation protocol:

  • Pre-clinical safety assessment:

    • In vitro cytotoxicity testing on human cell panels

    • Dose-ranging studies in animal models

    • Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiling

  • Clinical trial design considerations:

    • First-in-human studies in healthy volunteers (18-49 years)

    • Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity endpoints

    • Dose escalation protocol with defined stopping criteria

    • Biomarker development for target engagement

  • Regulatory requirements:

    • GLP toxicology studies

    • GMP manufacturing process validation

    • Comprehensive CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) documentation

This approach aligns with established protocols for antibody therapeutics entering clinical trials. For example, the clinical trial for an experimental monoclonal antibody against enterovirus D68 was designed to include 36 healthy volunteers aged 18-49 years, focusing on safety and efficacy endpoints .

How should researchers determine optimal detection methods for UNC-36 Antibody in various experimental systems?

Selection of optimal detection methods depends on the experimental context:

  • For tissue localization studies:

    • Immunohistochemistry with DAB detection for formalin-fixed tissues

    • Immunofluorescence for co-localization with multiple markers

    • Multiplex IHC for comprehensive tissue profiling

  • For protein interaction studies:

    • Co-immunoprecipitation for protein complex isolation

    • Proximity ligation assay for in situ interaction detection

    • FRET/BRET for real-time interaction monitoring

  • For quantitative analysis:

    • ELISA for soluble target quantification

    • Flow cytometry for cellular expression analysis

    • Western blot for molecular weight confirmation

Researchers developing antibody-based tests have demonstrated that selecting the appropriate detection method is critical for specificity. For example, UNC researchers developed an RBD-based antibody test that could measure antibody levels correlating to neutralizing antibodies providing immunity, with careful validation to ensure no cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses .

What are the advanced approaches for computational modeling of UNC-36 Antibody-antigen interactions?

Modern computational modeling approaches for antibody-antigen interactions include:

  • Structure prediction using AI-based tools:

    • RFdiffusion networks for de novo antibody design

    • RoseTTAFold2 for validation of structural predictions

    • AlphaFold2 for structure prediction of antibody-antigen complexes

  • Molecular dynamics simulations:

    • Binding free energy calculations

    • Conformational sampling of CDR loops

    • Solvent accessibility analysis

  • Epitope mapping through computational methods:

    • Discontinuous epitope prediction

    • Electrostatic complementarity analysis

    • Hot-spot residue identification

What are the best practices for storage and handling of UNC-36 Antibody to maintain activity?

Optimal storage and handling protocols for UNC-36 Antibody should include:

  • Storage conditions:

    • Store at -20°C to -80°C for long-term stability

    • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (limit to <5 cycles)

    • Prepare working aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw stress

  • Buffer considerations:

    • Maintain pH stability (typically pH 7.2-7.4)

    • Include stabilizing proteins (0.1-1% BSA or gelatin)

    • Consider adding preservatives for working solutions (0.02% sodium azide)

  • Handling precautions:

    • Centrifuge vials briefly before opening

    • Use sterile technique for all manipulations

    • Monitor temperature during shipping and handling

  • Quality control monitoring:

    • Implement periodic activity testing

    • Verify binding characteristics after long-term storage

    • Document lot-to-lot consistency

How can researchers develop standardized quantification methods for UNC-36 Antibody binding assays?

Developing standardized quantification methods requires:

  • Reference standard development:

    • Establish a reference antibody preparation with defined activity

    • Calibrate against international standards when available

    • Develop internal calibrators for routine testing

  • Assay validation parameters:

    • Linearity: Determine linear range of detection

    • Precision: Establish intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation

    • Accuracy: Recovery of spiked standards

    • Sensitivity: Calculate limit of detection and quantification

    • Specificity: Cross-reactivity with related epitopes

  • Statistical analysis approaches:

    • Implement four-parameter logistic curve fitting

    • Establish acceptance criteria for standard curves

    • Develop robust outlier detection methods

Researchers developing antibody tests have demonstrated the importance of assay standardization. For example, UNC researchers validated their RBD-based antibody test by comparing results against neutralization assays to establish correlations between binding antibody levels and functional neutralizing antibody activity .

What methodologies are most effective for epitope mapping of UNC-36 Antibody?

Comprehensive epitope mapping requires complementary approaches:

MethodApplicationResolutionAdvantages
X-ray CrystallographyStructure determinationAtomicHighest resolution; definitive binding site
Cryo-EMComplex visualizationNear-atomicWorks with larger complexes; native state
Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange MSSolvent accessibilityMediumNo crystallization required; dynamic information
Peptide ArraysLinear epitope mappingLowHigh-throughput; cost-effective
Alanine Scanning MutagenesisCritical residue identificationHighFunctional significance of interactions
Phage DisplayMimotope identificationMediumUseful for conformational epitopes

Researchers have successfully employed cryo-EM techniques to validate antibody designs, demonstrating that the actual structure of an antibody bound to its target closely matches the predicted model, with calculated R.M.S.D. values as low as 1.45Å for the backbone and 0.8Å for the CDR3 loop .

What are the emerging applications of computational approaches in antibody research similar to UNC-36?

Computational approaches are revolutionizing antibody research through:

  • De novo design capabilities:

    • RFdiffusion networks can now design antibody variable heavy chains (VHHs) that bind user-specified epitopes with atomic precision

    • These approaches explore the full space of CDR loop sequences and structures beyond what is encoded by germline V genes

    • Computational design can be far faster and cheaper than immunizing animals or screening random libraries

  • Structure-based optimization:

    • Critical pharmaceutical properties (aggregation, solubility, expression) can be tuned in a structurally aware manner

    • Mutations that would disrupt the antibody-target interface or destabilize the antibody can be systematically avoided

    • Targeting of non-immunodominant epitopes is simplified

  • Functional design:

    • Rational design of antibody function through targeting specific conformational states

    • Every computationally designed antibody has a strong structural hypothesis

    • Further validated by advanced prediction tools like RoseTTAFold2

These computational approaches could revolutionize antibody discovery and development, particularly as success rates increase and the technology matures .

How can researchers integrate UNC-36 Antibody technologies with other emerging research tools?

Integration strategies for antibody technologies with emerging tools include:

  • Combination with advanced imaging:

    • Super-resolution microscopy for nanoscale localization

    • Intravital imaging for in vivo dynamics

    • Correlative light and electron microscopy for structural context

  • Integration with 'omics approaches:

    • Spatial transcriptomics for tissue context

    • Single-cell proteomics for heterogeneity assessment

    • Glycomics for post-translational modification analysis

  • Application in advanced therapeutic modalities:

    • Bispecific antibody development

    • CAR-T cell engineering

    • Antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy

  • Nanobody and synthetic biology applications:

    • Development of multivalent constructs

    • Stimulus-responsive antibody systems

    • Cell-free antibody expression platforms

Researchers have demonstrated successful integration of antibody technologies with clinical research platforms, exemplified by the collaboration between academic medical centers and biotechnology companies to produce therapeutic antibodies for clinical trials .

What are the recommended databases and resources for UNC-36 Antibody research?

Key resources for antibody research include:

  • Structural databases:

    • Protein Data Bank (PDB): 3D structures of antibody-antigen complexes

    • SAbDab (Structural Antibody Database): Curated antibody structures

    • IMGT (International ImMunoGeneTics Information System): Immunoglobulin sequence database

  • Epitope resources:

    • Immune Epitope Database (IEDB): Comprehensive epitope collection

    • DiscoTope: Discontinuous epitope prediction server

    • Epitome: Database of structurally inferred antigenic epitopes

  • Computational tools:

    • RFdiffusion: De novo protein design

    • RoseTTAFold2/AlphaFold2: Protein structure prediction

    • ABodyBuilder: Antibody structure prediction

  • Protocol repositories:

    • BioProtocol: Peer-reviewed experimental protocols

    • Antibody Registry: Unique identifiers for antibody reagents

    • Nature Protocol Exchange: Community protocol sharing

Quick Inquiry

Personal Email Detected
Please use an institutional or corporate email address for inquiries. Personal email accounts ( such as Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook) are not accepted. *
© Copyright 2025 TheBiotek. All Rights Reserved.