The SPAC18B11.03c antibody is a polyclonal immunoglobulin designed to target the SPAC18B11.03c gene product in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast). This antibody is primarily used in molecular biology research to study protein localization, function, and interactions in yeast cell wall biosynthesis and septum formation .
SPAC18B11.03c encodes a predicted N-acetyl transferase involved in modifying cell wall components. Functional studies indicate its critical role in:
β-1,6-glucan synthesis, a polysaccharide essential for cell wall integrity .
Septum assembly, where it regulates the partitioning of glucan polymers during cell division .
GPI-anchored protein attachment, linking cell wall proteins to β-1,6-glucan via GPI-anchor remnants .
| Gene Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Gene ID | SPAC18B11.03c |
| Predicted Function | N-acetyl transferase |
| Ortholog | Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kre9 (β-1,6-glucan synthesis) |
Studies using this antibody have elucidated:
Subcellular localization: Sup11p (the SPAC18B11.03c product) localizes to the late Golgi/post-Golgi compartments, suggesting involvement in glycosylation .
Essentiality: Depletion of Sup11p leads to defective septum formation and accumulation of β-1,3-glucan, normally restricted to primary septum .
Interactions: Genetic links with β-1,6-glucanases (e.g., Gas2p) and transcriptional regulation of cell wall enzymes .
The antibody is employed in:
Western Blot: Detecting post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation) .
Immunolabeling: Visualizing septum defects in mutant strains .
Like all antibodies, the SPAC18B11.03c antibody consists of:
KEGG: spo:SPAC18B11.03c
STRING: 4896.SPAC18B11.03c.1
SPAC18B11.03c is a protein-coding gene in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) that encodes a predicted N-acetyltransferase enzyme . N-acetyltransferases generally catalyze the transfer of acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA to various substrates, including proteins and small molecules. This protein is studied to understand its role in cellular metabolism, protein modification pathways, and potential involvement in regulatory mechanisms specific to fission yeast. Understanding this protein's function contributes to the broader knowledge of conserved eukaryotic cellular processes, as many yeast proteins have homologs in higher organisms including humans.
SPAC18B11.03c antibodies are specialized research reagents with specific technical characteristics that determine their experimental applications. The available polyclonal antibody has the following specifications:
Product Code: CSB-PA190784XA01SXV
Raised In: Rabbit
Species Reactivity: Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972 / ATCC 24843)
Tested Applications: ELISA, Western Blot
Form: Liquid
Storage Buffer: 0.03% Proclin 300, 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
Purification Method: Antigen Affinity Purified
Immunogen: Recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe SPAC18B11.03c protein
Storage Conditions: -20°C or -80°C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
These specifications are critical for researchers to consider when designing experiments, as they determine compatibility with specific protocols and likelihood of successful detection.
Antibody validation is essential to ensure experimental reproducibility and reliability. For SPAC18B11.03c antibody, researchers should implement a multi-tiered validation approach:
Orthogonal validation: Compare antibody-based detection with an antibody-independent method such as mass spectrometry or RNA expression analysis. This validates that the antibody detects the intended target protein .
Independent antibody validation: Use at least two antibodies targeting different epitopes of SPAC18B11.03c. If they produce similar staining patterns, this increases confidence in specificity .
Genetic validation: Test antibody reactivity in wild-type versus SPAC18B11.03c knockout or knockdown strains. Absence or reduction of signal in the modified strain confirms specificity.
Western blot analysis: Verify that the antibody detects a protein of the predicted molecular weight (~36 kDa for SPAC18B11.03c) with minimal non-specific bands.
A comprehensive validation approach increases the reliability score of antibody-based data from "Uncertain" to "Enhanced" according to established validation criteria .
To maintain SPAC18B11.03c antibody performance over time, researchers should follow these evidence-based handling protocols:
Store the antibody at -20°C or preferably -80°C for long-term storage, as specified in the product datasheet .
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which cause protein denaturation and reduce antibody activity. Aliquot the antibody upon first thaw to minimize freeze-thaw events.
When working with the antibody, keep it on ice or at 4°C to minimize degradation.
The storage buffer (0.03% Proclin 300, 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4) is optimized for stability ; do not dilute the stock solution unless immediately using it.
Note that antibody performance may decrease over time even with optimal storage; therefore, consider revalidating antibodies that have been stored for extended periods before using in critical experiments.
These handling protocols are particularly important given the made-to-order nature of the antibody, which has a lead time of 14-16 weeks .
SPAC18B11.03c, as a predicted N-acetyltransferase, may function within protein complexes. To study these potential interactions, researchers can employ several advanced methodological approaches:
Affinity-purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS): Use the SPAC18B11.03c antibody for immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify interaction partners. This approach can reveal both stable and transient protein-protein interactions .
Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS): Combined with antibody-based purification, this technique can provide spatial information about the arrangement of proteins within complexes by identifying amino acids in close proximity .
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) validation: After identifying potential interaction partners through AP-MS, perform reciprocal Co-IPs to confirm interactions and assess their specificity.
Super-resolution microscopy: Use fluorescently labeled SPAC18B11.03c antibody in conjunction with antibodies against potential interaction partners to visualize co-localization at sub-diffraction resolution .
When studying protein complexes, consider that the order of genes within operons often matches the assembly order of protein complexes, which can inform experimental design for heterologous expression systems .
When antibody-based localization studies yield inconsistent results, researchers should implement a systematic troubleshooting approach:
Antibody validation reassessment: Determine if both antibodies meet "Enhanced" validation criteria. Lower reliability scores may explain discrepancies .
RNA expression correlation: Compare protein localization patterns with RNA expression data. High consistency between RNA and protein expression increases confidence in the antibody results .
Cell fixation and permeabilization optimization: Different fixation methods (paraformaldehyde, methanol, acetone) may differentially affect epitope accessibility.
Epitope mapping: Identify which regions of SPAC18B11.03c are recognized by different antibodies. Posttranslational modifications or protein-protein interactions might mask certain epitopes in specific cellular contexts.
Cell cycle-dependent localization: SPAC18B11.03c may shuttle between cellular compartments during different cell cycle phases, requiring synchronized cultures for consistent results.
Orthogonal approaches: Complement antibody-based methods with GFP-tagging or other protein localization technologies to resolve discrepancies.
This methodological framework provides a structured approach to resolve apparently contradictory data, rather than simply discarding inconclusive results.
To maximize research impact, SPAC18B11.03c antibody can be integrated into comprehensive multi-omics experimental designs:
Proteomics-transcriptomics integration: Correlate SPAC18B11.03c protein levels (detected by the antibody in Western blot) with mRNA expression data to identify post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms.
ChIP-seq applications: If SPAC18B11.03c functions in chromatin regulation, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing can map its genomic binding sites.
Protein-metabolite interactions: Combine immunoprecipitation with metabolomics to identify metabolites that interact with SPAC18B11.03c, providing functional insights for this predicted N-acetyltransferase.
Spatial proteomics: Use the antibody in immunofluorescence combined with other cellular markers to build a spatial map of protein interactions and pathway components.
Temporal dynamics studies: Apply the antibody in time-course experiments synchronized with transcriptomics and metabolomics to understand the temporal regulation of SPAC18B11.03c in response to environmental stimuli.
When designing multi-omics experiments, consider that antibody-based detection provides spatial information that complements quantitative mass spectrometry data , creating a more comprehensive understanding of SPAC18B11.03c function.
As a predicted N-acetyltransferase, SPAC18B11.03c may both modify other proteins and be subject to post-translational modifications (PTMs) itself. When studying PTMs, implement these critical controls:
Modification-specific antibody validation: For studying acetylation or other PTMs, use antibodies specifically validated for modification detection with appropriate controls.
Enzyme inhibitor controls: Include samples treated with deacetylase inhibitors (if studying acetylation) to increase modification levels and confirm antibody sensitivity.
Mutagenesis validation: Create point mutations at predicted modification sites and confirm loss of antibody signal or enzymatic activity.
Mass spectrometry verification: Confirm antibody-detected modifications through mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated protein.
Physiological relevance controls: Demonstrate that identified modifications change under physiologically relevant conditions such as nutrient stress, cell cycle progression, or developmental transitions.
These methodological controls are essential for distinguishing genuine PTM signals from artifacts, particularly when working with novel protein targets like SPAC18B11.03c where extensive literature validation may not be available.
For successful Western blot detection of SPAC18B11.03c, researchers should optimize the following parameters:
Sample preparation:
Use a lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
For yeast cells, include a mechanical disruption step (glass beads or sonication)
Denature samples at 95°C for 5 minutes in Laemmli buffer with DTT or β-mercaptoethanol
Gel and transfer optimization:
Use 10-12% polyacrylamide gels for optimal resolution of SPAC18B11.03c
Transfer to PVDF membranes at 100V for 1 hour or 30V overnight at 4°C
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Dilute primary antibody 1:500 to 1:2000 in blocking solution
Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle agitation
Wash 3-5 times with TBST
Incubate with HRP-conjugated anti-rabbit secondary antibody (1:5000) for 1 hour
Detection:
Use enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrate
Optimize exposure time based on signal intensity
Controls:
These methodological details enhance reproducibility and enable accurate quantification of SPAC18B11.03c protein levels.
For accurate subcellular localization of SPAC18B11.03c using immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunofluorescence (IF), follow these evidence-based recommendations:
Sample preparation:
Fix yeast cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-30 minutes
Permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100 for 10 minutes
For cell wall digestion, include zymolyase treatment (1 mg/ml for 30 minutes at 30°C)
Antibody incubation:
Block with 3% BSA in PBS for 30 minutes
Dilute primary antibody 1:100 to 1:500 in blocking solution
Incubate overnight at 4°C in a humid chamber
Wash 3 times with PBS
Apply fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody (1:500) for 1 hour at room temperature
Co-staining recommendations:
DAPI or Hoechst 33342 for nuclear staining
Phalloidin for actin cytoskeleton
Organelle-specific markers (e.g., MitoTracker, ER-Tracker) for co-localization studies
Imaging parameters:
Controls and validation:
Include peptide competition controls to verify antibody specificity
Compare localization patterns with GFP-tagged SPAC18B11.03c
Assess co-localization with known N-acetyltransferase compartment markers
Adherence to these methodological details enhances the reliability of localization data, particularly when assessing the currently predicted role of SPAC18B11.03c as an N-acetyltransferase .
Despite careful validation, antibodies may exhibit cross-reactivity with unintended targets. If cross-reactivity is suspected with SPAC18B11.03c antibody, implement these troubleshooting strategies:
Antibody dilution optimization:
Test a range of antibody dilutions (1:500 to 1:5000) to find the optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Higher dilutions may reduce non-specific binding while maintaining specific signal
Blocking optimization:
Compare different blocking agents (BSA, non-fat dry milk, normal serum, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking time or concentration for high background samples
Pre-adsorption protocol:
Pre-incubate the antibody with recombinant proteins from related species or with lysates from knockout strains
This removes antibodies that bind non-specifically to conserved epitopes
Epitope-specific purification:
Perform affinity purification using immobilized SPAC18B11.03c peptide
This enriches for antibodies specific to the target epitope
Alternative detection systems:
For high background in immunofluorescence, try biotin-streptavidin amplification
For Western blots, consider using different detection systems (fluorescent secondaries instead of HRP)
These methodological approaches can significantly improve antibody specificity, particularly important for studying poorly characterized proteins like SPAC18B11.03c where validation literature may be limited.
When evaluating research using SPAC18B11.03c antibody, consider the following reliability framework based on established antibody validation criteria:
When reporting research findings based on SPAC18B11.03c antibody:
Explicitly state which validation methods were performed
Include all relevant controls in supplementary materials
Acknowledge limitations of antibody-based detection methods
Consider complementary approaches for critical findings
This transparent reporting framework enhances reproducibility and allows readers to appropriately interpret the strength of evidence for reported findings.
For investigating SPAC18B11.03c's potential role in protein complexes, researchers can implement the following advanced methodological approaches:
Sequential immunoprecipitation analysis:
Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) integration:
In vitro reconstitution experiments:
Express and purify SPAC18B11.03c and potential complex components
Systematically test assembly under controlled conditions
Use the antibody to monitor incorporation into complexes
Structure-function correlation:
Create domain deletion mutants of SPAC18B11.03c
Use the antibody (if epitope is preserved) to assess incorporation into complexes
Correlate structural elements with assembly efficiency and complex stability
This methodological approach can provide insights into whether SPAC18B11.03c functions independently or as part of a protein complex, which remains unclear from current annotations .
As a predicted N-acetyltransferase , SPAC18B11.03c's enzymatic function can be characterized through these methodological approaches:
In vitro acetyltransferase assays:
Immunoprecipitate SPAC18B11.03c using the validated antibody
Incubate with potential substrates and 14C-labeled or isotope-labeled acetyl-CoA
Detect transfer of acetyl groups by autoradiography or mass spectrometry
Substrate identification strategies:
Perform proteome-wide analysis of acetylation changes in wild-type vs. SPAC18B11.03c deletion strains
Use the antibody to immunoprecipitate SPAC18B11.03c and identify co-precipitating proteins as potential substrates
Validate candidates with in vitro assays
Structure-guided mutagenesis:
Identify catalytic residues based on homology to known N-acetyltransferases
Create point mutations and assess impact on enzymatic activity
Use the antibody to confirm that protein expression is maintained in mutants
Physiological context determination:
Analyze acetylation patterns under different growth conditions
Correlate SPAC18B11.03c expression (detected by the antibody) with changes in the acetylome
Identify cellular pathways affected by SPAC18B11.03c activity
These approaches can convert the current "predicted" functional annotation into experimentally validated enzymatic characterization.