Gene Name: SPAC18B11.08c (Schizosaccharomyces pombe)
Protein Classification: Uncharacterized protein C18B11.08c
Organism: Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast strain 972/24843)
Antibody Type: Polyclonal antibody developed in rabbits
SPAC18B11.08c is a poorly characterized protein in S. pombe, a model organism for studying eukaryotic cell biology. While its exact function remains unknown, polyclonal antibodies against this target are used to:
Investigate protein localization via immunofluorescence
Validate gene expression in fission yeast mutants
| Feature | SPAC18B11.08c Antibody | Typical IgG Antibody |
|---|---|---|
| Valency | Bivalent (polyclonal) | Bivalent (monoclonal) |
| Epitope Recognition | Multiple (polyclonal serum) | Single (monoclonal) |
| Stability | -20°C long-term storage | Similar storage conditions |
| Cross-Reactivity | None reported for other species | Species-dependent |
SPAC18B11.02c antibody is a polyclonal antibody that targets the SPAC18B11.02c protein, which is found in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972 / ATCC 24843), commonly known as fission yeast . This antibody is designed specifically to recognize epitopes of this particular yeast protein and is primarily used for research applications investigating S. pombe protein expression and function.
Polyclonal SPAC18B11.02c antibodies (like the one listed in the catalog) are derived from multiple B cell lineages and recognize various epitopes on the SPAC18B11.02c protein, offering broader recognition capabilities but potentially lower specificity . Monoclonal antibodies, in contrast, are derived from a single B cell clone and recognize a single epitope, providing higher specificity but potentially lower sensitivity. For S. pombe research, polyclonal antibodies are often preferred for initial detection experiments due to their robust signal, while monoclonal antibodies might be preferred for experiments requiring higher specificity.
SPAC18B11.02c antibodies undergo multiple validation steps similar to other research antibodies . Validation typically includes:
Specificity testing through western blotting against S. pombe lysates
Cross-reactivity assessment against closely related species
Functional verification in relevant applications (ELISA, western blot)
Independent confirmation using orthogonal methods such as mass spectrometry
Knockout/knockdown validation when feasible using CRISPR-Cas9 or RNAi systems
The SPAC18B11.02c antibody has been validated for several experimental applications including:
Western blot (WB) analysis for detecting the native protein in cell lysates
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitative protein detection
Potential applications in immunocytochemistry (though specific validation data may be limited)
Protein localization studies when combined with relevant microscopy techniques
Protein interaction studies when used in co-immunoprecipitation experiments
For optimal western blot results with SPAC18B11.02c antibody:
Prepare S. pombe cell lysates using either mechanical disruption (glass beads) or enzymatic methods (zymolyase treatment)
Use standard SDS-PAGE with 10-12% polyacrylamide gels
Transfer proteins to PVDF or nitrocellulose membranes
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST
Incubate with primary SPAC18B11.02c antibody at optimized dilutions (typically 1:500 to 1:2000)
Use appropriate species-specific secondary antibody (anti-rabbit HRP if using rabbit polyclonal)
Develop using chemiluminescence and document results
For ELISA optimization with SPAC18B11.02c antibody :
Coat plates with purified recombinant SPAC18B11.02c protein or S. pombe cell extracts
Block with appropriate blocking buffer (typically 3-5% BSA)
Prepare a dilution series of the antibody to determine optimal concentration
Use titration experiments to determine linear range of detection
Include appropriate positive and negative controls
Consider sandwich ELISA approach if higher specificity is required, using two antibodies targeting different epitopes
Researchers can verify SPAC18B11.02c antibody specificity through multiple approaches :
Parallel analysis using genetic knockouts or knockdowns of the target gene
Independent validation using orthogonal methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Testing with recombinant SPAC18B11.02c protein as a positive control
Cross-validation using two differentially raised antibodies against the same target
Testing against related yeast species to assess cross-reactivity
Pre-absorption tests with purified antigen to confirm signal specificity
Essential controls for experiments with SPAC18B11.02c antibody include:
Positive control: Wild-type S. pombe extracts known to express the target protein
Negative control: Either knockout/knockdown samples or non-related yeast species
Loading control: Detection of a housekeeping protein (e.g., actin) to ensure equal loading
Secondary antibody-only control: To assess background staining
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubation with immunizing peptide should abolish specific signal
Isotype control: Using matched isotype immunoglobulin to assess non-specific binding
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) can significantly impact SPAC18B11.02c antibody recognition:
Phosphorylation, glycosylation, or other modifications may mask or alter epitopes
Some antibodies may preferentially recognize modified or unmodified forms of the protein
To assess PTM impact, researchers should:
Compare detection patterns under different physiological conditions
Use phosphatase or glycosidase treatments to remove specific modifications
Consider using modification-specific antibodies if studying particular PTMs
Compare results across multiple detection methods
When troubleshooting weak or absent signals:
Protein expression: Verify target protein expression under your experimental conditions
Extraction method: Ensure your extraction protocol effectively solubilizes the target protein
Antibody concentration: Test a range of primary and secondary antibody dilutions
Incubation conditions: Optimize temperature and duration of antibody incubations
Detection system: Ensure chemiluminescence reagents are fresh and working properly
Epitope accessibility: Consider native vs. denaturing conditions if epitope may be masked
Sample degradation: Use appropriate protease inhibitors during extraction
To reduce non-specific binding:
Optimize blocking conditions by testing different blocking agents (BSA, non-fat milk, commercial blockers)
Increase wash stringency by adjusting salt concentration or adding detergents
Titrate antibody concentration to find optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Pre-absorb antibody with lysates from non-target species
Consider alternative buffer systems for both primary and secondary antibody incubations
Use more specific detection methods like immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
For accurate quantification of SPAC18B11.02c protein:
Use quantitative western blotting with:
Standard curves using recombinant protein
Digital imaging systems rather than film exposure
Housekeeping protein normalization
Quantitative ELISA assays with:
Standard curves of known concentrations
Technical replicates for statistical validation
Advanced methodologies:
Mass spectrometry with isotope-labeled standards
Automated western systems (e.g., Jess, Wes) for higher reproducibility
For protein interaction studies:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use SPAC18B11.02c antibody to pull down the target protein and interacting partners
Analyze precipitates by western blot or mass spectrometry
Consider crosslinking for transient interactions
Proximity ligation assay (PLA):
Combine SPAC18B11.02c antibody with antibodies against potential interacting proteins
Visualize interactions in situ with fluorescence microscopy
Pull-down assays:
Use recombinant SPAC18B11.02c protein as bait
Validate interactions detected with the antibody
Advanced microscopy applications include:
Super-resolution microscopy:
STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion)
STORM (Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy)
Requires highly specific antibodies and appropriate fluorophore conjugation
Live cell imaging:
May require cell-permeable antibody fragments
Consider nanobody development for improved intracellular accessibility
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM):
Combines immunofluorescence with ultrastructural analysis
Requires special fixation and embedding protocols
For developing custom validation strategies :
| Validation Method | Application | Implementation Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Knockout | Specificity confirmation | CRISPR-Cas9 targeting of SPAC18B11.02c in S. pombe |
| Orthogonal Validation | Independent verification | Mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated samples |
| Independent Epitope Recognition | Cross-validation | Compare results using antibodies targeting different regions |
| Expression Verification | Transcript-protein correlation | Parallel RT-qPCR and western blot analysis |
| Multiple Application Testing | Cross-platform validation | Compare results across WB, ELISA, ICC, and other methods |
Integration strategies for multi-omics research:
Combine immunoprecipitation with RNA-seq (RIP-seq) to identify RNA interactions
Use ChIP-seq approaches if SPAC18B11.02c has DNA-binding properties
Couple antibody-based purification with mass spectrometry for proteomics analysis
Integrate data across transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic platforms
Utilize systems biology approaches to contextualize SPAC18B11.02c function within broader cellular networks
When using SPAC18B11.02c antibody in protein engineering:
Epitope mapping to understand antibody binding regions
Consideration of SpyTag/SpyCatcher systems for modular antibody construction
Potential development of bispecific antibodies using technologies like SpyLock
Application in protein tagging and purification systems
Assessment of antibody fragments (Fab, scFv) for specific applications requiring smaller recognition molecules
For cross-species validation:
Perform sequence homology analysis across species of interest
Test antibody against lysates from multiple species in western blot
Use heterologous expression systems to express orthologs
Consider epitope conservation through structural biology approaches
Validate in knockout/knockdown systems across different species when feasible