SPAC17G8.02 is a gene in Schizosaccharomyces pombe encoding a protein annotated as uridine ribohydrolase (predicted). This enzyme is hypothesized to participate in nucleotide metabolism, though its exact biochemical role remains under investigation .
Two commercially available antibodies against SPAC17G8.02 are documented:
SPAC17G8.02-related proteins in fission yeast are implicated in cell wall synthesis and remodeling. For example:
Sup11p, a protein studied in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, shares functional parallels with SPAC17G8.02. Depletion of Sup11p disrupts β-1,6-glucan synthesis, leading to defective septum formation and cell wall integrity .
Transcriptome analyses of Sup11p-depleted cells show upregulated expression of glucanases and glucan-modifying enzymes, suggesting compensatory mechanisms during cell wall stress .
Western Blot: Used to detect SPAC17G8.02 expression under varying growth conditions.
Immunofluorescence: Localizes the protein to cytoplasmic compartments, consistent with its metabolic role .
The query refers to "SPAC17G8.08c," which is not referenced in the provided materials. This discrepancy may arise from:
Typographical errors (e.g., "08c" vs. "02").
Annotation updates in genomic databases.
Species-specific isoforms not yet characterized.
Data Gaps: No peer-reviewed studies directly link SPAC17G8.02 antibodies to therapeutic or diagnostic uses.
Future Directions:
Validate SPAC17G8.02 enzymatic activity using recombinant protein assays.
Explore genetic interactions with other cell wall biosynthesis genes.
KEGG: spo:SPAC17G8.08c
STRING: 4896.SPAC17G8.08c.1
SPAC17G8.08c is a gene in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) that encodes a GDT1-like protein involved in calcium/manganese homeostasis . This transmembrane protein is significant for researchers studying:
Ion transport mechanisms in eukaryotic cells
Membrane protein trafficking and function
Cellular stress responses related to ion homeostasis
Evolutionary conservation of ion transport proteins
As a model organism protein, studying SPAC17G8.08c provides insights into fundamental cellular processes that may be conserved across species, including potential homologs in higher eukaryotes.
Current research tools for SPAC17G8.08c include:
| Antibody Type | Source | Applications | Reactivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyclonal Antibody | Rabbit | ELISA, Western Blot | S. pombe (strain 972/24843) |
| Recombinant Full-length Protein | Cell-free expression | Positive control, standard | ≥85% purity |
| Recombinant Partial Protein | Various expression systems | Epitope mapping, control | ≥85% purity |
The polyclonal antibody recognizes multiple epitopes on SPAC17G8.08c, making it suitable for detection applications, while the recombinant proteins serve as valuable controls for validation studies .
Proper validation requires a multi-faceted approach:
Genetic validation: Compare antibody reactivity in wild-type vs. SPAC17G8.08c knockout S. pombe strains
Biochemical validation: Perform pre-adsorption tests by pre-incubating antibody with purified recombinant SPAC17G8.08c
Application-specific validation: For each experimental technique (Western blot, ELISA), demonstrate:
Dose-dependent signal with increasing amounts of target protein
Absence of signal in negative controls
Consistent band/signal pattern across replicates
Epitope mapping: Determine which region(s) of SPAC17G8.08c are recognized by the antibody
This comprehensive validation approach follows best practices established for antibody-based research tools and ensures experimental reproducibility .
For optimal Western blot detection of SPAC17G8.08c, researchers should implement the following protocol:
Sample preparation:
For membrane proteins like SPAC17G8.08c, use detergent-based extraction buffers (e.g., 1% Triton X-100 or RIPA buffer)
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Heat samples at 70°C (not 95°C) to prevent membrane protein aggregation
Electrophoresis and transfer conditions:
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels for optimal resolution
Transfer to PVDF membrane (preferred over nitrocellulose for hydrophobic proteins)
Consider longer transfer times (90-120 minutes) or semi-dry transfer for efficient membrane protein transfer
Antibody incubation:
Blocking: 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour
Primary antibody: Start with 1:1000 dilution in blocking buffer, overnight at 4°C
Secondary antibody: Anti-rabbit HRP conjugate at 1:5000 for 1 hour at room temperature
Detection and controls:
Include recombinant SPAC17G8.08c protein as positive control
Include extract from SPAC17G8.08c knockout strain as negative control
Use enhanced chemiluminescence detection with appropriate exposure times
This protocol can be further optimized based on specific experimental conditions and sample types .
When facing detection challenges, implement the following troubleshooting strategy:
| Issue | Potential Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| No signal | Protein degradation | Add fresh protease inhibitors, process samples quickly |
| Inefficient extraction | Try alternative lysis buffers for membrane proteins | |
| Antibody denaturation | Check storage conditions, use fresh aliquot | |
| Weak signal | Low abundance protein | Increase sample loading, concentrate sample |
| Suboptimal antibody concentration | Titrate antibody concentration (try 1:500-1:2000) | |
| Inefficient transfer | Optimize transfer conditions, check transfer efficiency | |
| Multiple bands | Post-translational modifications | Validate with recombinant protein control |
| Cross-reactivity | Increase washing stringency, try monoclonal alternative | |
| Protein degradation | Add protease inhibitors, reduce sample processing time |
For this specific GDT1-like protein, extraction efficiency is particularly critical as membrane proteins require specialized extraction conditions to maintain their native conformation while ensuring sufficient solubilization .
For successful immunoprecipitation of SPAC17G8.08c:
Pre-clearing step: Incubate lysate with protein A/G beads alone before adding antibody to reduce non-specific binding
Antibody coupling:
Covalently cross-link antibody to beads using dimethyl pimelimidate (DMP) to prevent antibody co-elution
Use 5-10 μg antibody per reaction for optimal target capture
Lysis buffer optimization:
Test different detergents (digitonin, CHAPS, DDM) that preserve membrane protein interactions
Include calcium or manganese ions (100-500 μM) to stabilize protein in native conformation
Maintain physiological pH (7.0-7.4) to preserve protein-protein interactions
Immunoprecipitation conditions:
Perform overnight incubation at 4°C with gentle rotation
Use stringent washing (increasing salt concentration in sequential washes)
Elute with acidic glycine buffer or directly in SDS sample buffer
Validation: Verify specificity by mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated proteins
This approach maximizes capture of SPAC17G8.08c while minimizing background and preserving potential interaction partners .
For accurate subcellular localization studies:
Sample preparation options:
Chemical fixation: 4% paraformaldehyde (10 min) preserves most epitopes while maintaining structural integrity
Methanol fixation: Alternative for certain membrane proteins, can enhance accessibility of some epitopes
Detergent permeabilization: 0.1% Triton X-100 or 0.5% saponin for balanced permeabilization
Immunofluorescence protocol:
Blocking: 5% normal goat serum, 1% BSA in PBS (1 hour at room temperature)
Primary antibody: Titrate (1:100-1:500), incubate overnight at 4°C
Secondary antibody: Fluorophore-conjugated anti-rabbit IgG (1:500-1:1000)
Nuclear counterstain: DAPI (1 μg/ml) for 5 minutes
Mounting: Anti-fade mounting medium to prevent photobleaching
Controls and validation:
Co-staining with established organelle markers (e.g., ER, Golgi, plasma membrane)
Comparison with epitope-tagged SPAC17G8.08c (GFP or FLAG fusion)
Signal absence in SPAC17G8.08c knockout strain
Imaging recommendations:
Confocal microscopy for optimal resolution of membrane structures
Z-stack acquisition to capture complete 3D distribution
Consistent exposure settings across samples for comparative analysis
This approach provides comprehensive localization data with appropriate controls to validate specificity .
Modern computational antibody design methods offer significant advantages for developing improved SPAC17G8.08c antibodies:
Structure-based epitope prediction:
Using homology models or AlphaFold-predicted structures of SPAC17G8.08c to identify optimal epitopes
Targeting unique, solvent-exposed regions with low sequence conservation to related proteins
Predicting antibody-antigen complexes via computational docking to assess binding potential
Implementing RosettaAntibodyDesign (RAbD) framework:
Sampling diverse antibody sequences through CDR grafting from validated structural databases
Optimizing antibody-antigen interfaces through energy minimization
Predicting binding affinity and specificity before experimental validation
In silico affinity maturation:
Virtual mutagenesis of CDR regions to identify affinity-enhancing mutations
Computational screening of variant libraries prior to experimental testing
Structure-guided optimization of binding interface residues
Experimental validation pipeline:
Express computationally designed candidates in appropriate expression systems
Validate binding using surface plasmon resonance or bio-layer interferometry
Confirm specificity through negative control testing
This integrated computational-experimental approach can significantly accelerate the development of high-performance antibodies against challenging targets like membrane proteins .
To comprehensively map SPAC17G8.08c interaction networks:
Affinity-based approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation using optimized conditions for membrane proteins
Tandem affinity purification with epitope-tagged SPAC17G8.08c
Pull-down assays using recombinant SPAC17G8.08c as bait
Proximity-based methods:
BioID: Fusion of SPAC17G8.08c with biotin ligase to biotinylate proximal proteins
APEX2: Peroxidase-based proximity labeling for temporal interaction dynamics
Split-protein complementation assays for binary interaction validation
Crosslinking mass spectrometry:
Chemical crosslinking of intact cells followed by SPAC17G8.08c immunoprecipitation
MS/MS analysis to identify crosslinked peptides
Structural mapping of interaction interfaces
Quantitative interaction proteomics:
SILAC or TMT labeling for comparative interaction analysis across conditions
Analysis of interaction changes during cellular stress
Correlation with functional phenotypes
Validation approaches:
Reciprocal co-IP experiments
Functional assays for key interaction partners
Mutational analysis of putative interaction interfaces
This multi-faceted approach provides complementary datasets to build confidence in identified interaction partners .
For comprehensive PTM characterization:
Mass spectrometry-based approaches:
Enrichment of SPAC17G8.08c by immunoprecipitation
Digestion with multiple proteases for maximum sequence coverage
Targeted MS methods (PRM/MRM) for specific modification sites
Data analysis with appropriate search algorithms for PTM identification
Site-specific antibodies and detection methods:
Development of phospho-specific antibodies for recurring modification sites
Phos-tag SDS-PAGE for phosphorylation mobility shift analysis
Lectin blotting for glycosylation detection
Ubiquitin-specific antibodies for modification detection
Functional validation strategies:
Site-directed mutagenesis of modified residues
Phenotypic analysis of modification-deficient mutants
Analysis of modification dynamics during stress conditions
Inhibitor studies to block specific modification enzymes
Computational prediction and analysis:
PTM site prediction using established algorithms
Structural mapping of modification sites
Evolutionary conservation analysis of modification motifs
This integrated approach provides both identification and functional characterization of SPAC17G8.08c modifications that may regulate its activity, localization, or interactions .
To understand evolutionary conservation and functional relationships:
Homology identification and analysis:
Sequence-based identification of homologs in model organisms and humans
Multiple sequence alignment to identify conserved domains and motifs
Phylogenetic analysis to establish evolutionary relationships
Cross-species antibody validation strategy:
Test SPAC17G8.08c antibody cross-reactivity with homologs from related species
Evaluate epitope conservation through sequence alignment
Establish specificity controls for each species studied
Functional complementation experiments:
Express homologs from different species in S. pombe SPAC17G8.08c knockout
Assess rescue of associated phenotypes
Identify functionally important conserved domains
Comparative localization and interaction studies:
Compare subcellular localization patterns across species
Identify conserved interaction partners
Determine conservation of regulatory mechanisms
Structural comparison:
Generate homology models or obtain experimental structures
Compare structural features across species
Identify conserved functional surfaces
This comparative approach provides evolutionary context and identifies functionally critical features conserved across species .
CRISPR technologies offer powerful tools for antibody validation and functional studies:
Precise genetic manipulation for validation:
Generate clean knockout strains as definitive negative controls
Create epitope-tagged endogenous SPAC17G8.08c for antibody validation
Introduce site-specific mutations to map epitope recognition regions
Advanced functional genomics approaches:
CRISPRi for tunable repression of SPAC17G8.08c expression
CRISPRa for controlled upregulation of expression
CRISPR screening to identify functional relationships with other genes
Structure-function analysis:
Engineer domain deletions or substitutions
Create chimeric proteins with domains from related species
Introduce mutations in predicted functional motifs
Reporter systems for live-cell studies:
Knock-in fluorescent tags at the endogenous locus
Create split-reporter systems for interaction studies
Engineer inducible degradation systems for acute protein depletion
These approaches provide precise genetic tools that complement antibody-based methods and enhance experimental rigor .
For holistic understanding through integrated analysis:
Multi-omics data integration strategies:
Correlate protein expression (antibody-based) with transcriptomics data
Integrate antibody-derived interaction data with global interactome networks
Combine localization data with spatial proteomics datasets
Incorporate PTM data with metabolomics profiles
Network analysis approaches:
Construct functional networks from antibody-derived interaction data
Identify network motifs and modularity in SPAC17G8.08c networks
Map SPAC17G8.08c into existing pathway models
Predict functional consequences of perturbations through network analysis
Machine learning applications:
Train predictive models using antibody-derived features
Classify cellular states based on SPAC17G8.08c expression patterns
Predict functional outcomes of genetic or environmental perturbations
Identify biomarkers associated with SPAC17G8.08c function
Visualization and data sharing:
Develop integrated visualization tools for multi-scale data
Contribute standardized antibody validation data to repositories
Implement FAIR data principles for antibody-derived datasets
This systems-level approach contextualizes antibody-derived data within broader biological frameworks .
Antibody cocktails offer several advantages for challenging targets:
Synergistic binding strategies:
Combine antibodies targeting different epitopes on SPAC17G8.08c
Engineer bispecific antibodies to enhance avidity through bivalent binding
Develop conformation-specific antibodies to detect distinct protein states
Implementation methodology:
Rational epitope selection based on structural data
Empirical testing of antibody combinations for synergistic effects
Optimization of antibody ratios for maximum sensitivity and specificity
Enhanced detection capabilities:
Improved signal amplification through multiple binding sites
Detection of different conformational states simultaneously
Reduced impact of epitope masking in complex samples
Applications in functional studies:
Blocking multiple functional domains simultaneously
Detecting rare conformational intermediates
Improved capturing of protein complexes during transient interactions
These cocktail approaches can overcome limitations of single antibodies, particularly for challenging membrane proteins like SPAC17G8.08c .
Several cutting-edge technologies show promise for advancing research:
Single-domain antibodies (nanobodies):
Smaller size enables access to cryptic epitopes on membrane proteins
Improved penetration into complex samples
Enhanced stability under various experimental conditions
Simplified genetic fusion for reporter applications
Synthetic antibody mimetics:
Designed affinity reagents based on alternative scaffolds
Tailored specificity through rational design approaches
Enhanced stability in diverse experimental conditions
Reduced production complexity and cost
Intracellular antibody applications:
Genetically encoded intrabodies for live-cell imaging
Functionalized antibodies for targeted protein degradation
Antibody-based biosensors for real-time activity monitoring
Organelle-targeted antibodies for compartment-specific studies
Advanced antibody engineering:
Computationally optimized affinity and specificity
pH-sensitive antibodies for trafficking studies
Photoactivatable antibodies for spatial and temporal control
Multispecific formats for simultaneous targeting of multiple epitopes
These emerging technologies will expand the antibody toolkit beyond traditional applications and enable new experimental approaches .
For publication-quality research, include:
Antibody validation documentation:
Genetic validation using knockout/knockdown approaches
Biochemical validation through specific competition assays
Application-specific validation for each technique employed
Batch/lot information and source details
Experimental controls:
Positive controls: Recombinant protein or overexpression system
Negative controls: Knockout samples, pre-immune serum controls
Technical controls: Secondary-only, isotype controls, loading controls
Biological replicates: Minimum of three independent experiments
Quantification and statistical analysis:
Appropriate normalization methods for quantitative comparisons
Statistical tests with significance thresholds
Effect size measurements
Sample size justification
Detailed methodological reporting:
Complete antibody information (catalog number, lot, dilution)
Full experimental protocols or references
Image acquisition and processing parameters
Raw data availability statement
These standards ensure experimental reproducibility and align with current requirements from leading journals .
When facing discrepant results:
Systematic validation approach:
Determine epitope locations for each antibody
Assess potential post-translational modifications affecting epitope accessibility
Evaluate fixation/extraction conditions affecting epitope exposure
Test cross-reactivity with related proteins
Technical reconciliation strategies:
Standardize sample preparation conditions
Compare antibody performance across multiple applications
Validate with complementary non-antibody methods
Test in multiple cell lines/strains
Interpretation framework:
Consider protein conformation heterogeneity
Evaluate potential splice variants or processed forms
Assess context-dependent modifications
Analyze subcellular compartment-specific behaviors
Resolution approaches:
Use orthogonal methods (mass spectrometry, genetic tagging)
Develop new validation tools
Combine multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Share discrepant results transparently in publications
This systematic approach transforms contradictory results into opportunities for deeper biological insights .