SPAC17G8.12 is an uncharacterized protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) with UniProt accession number Q10324. Based on genomic context analysis, it appears to be associated with transcriptional regulation processes in S. pombe . The significance of this protein relates to understanding fundamental transcriptional mechanisms in eukaryotic systems, as it has been categorized alongside other transcription-related proteins like med20, which is a Mediator complex subunit .
Methodologically, researchers investigating this protein should consider:
Comparative genomic approaches to identify potential functional domains
Gene expression analysis under various cellular conditions
Protein-protein interaction studies to determine binding partners
Functional studies using knockout or knockdown methodologies
For optimal experimental results with SPAC17G8.12 antibody:
Buffer System:
The antibody is supplied in a buffer containing 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative, 50% Glycerol, and 0.01M PBS at pH 7.4
For experimental applications, maintain similar buffer conditions during dilution to preserve antibody activity
Working Concentrations:
For Western blotting: Start with 1:500-1:2000 dilution and optimize based on signal strength
For immunoprecipitation: 2-5 µg per reaction is typically appropriate
For immunofluorescence: Begin with 1:100-1:500 dilution
Control experiments should include:
A negative control lacking primary antibody
A sample from knockout/knockdown S. pombe strains if available
A positive control with overexpressed SPAC17G8.12 protein
Sample preparation methodology significantly impacts detection quality:
For cell lysate preparation:
Grow S. pombe cells to mid-log phase in appropriate media
Harvest cells by centrifugation (3,000 × g for 5 minutes)
Wash cell pellet twice with ice-cold PBS
Lyse cells using either:
Mechanical disruption with glass beads in lysis buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 1% NP-40, 0.5% sodium deoxycholate, with protease inhibitors)
Enzymatic digestion with lysing enzymes followed by detergent treatment
For protein extraction from subcellular fractions:
Perform differential centrifugation to isolate nuclear fractions
Extract nuclear proteins using high-salt buffer (420 mM NaCl, 20 mM HEPES pH 7.9, 1.5 mM MgCl₂, 0.2 mM EDTA, 25% glycerol)
Quantify protein concentration using BCA or Bradford assay before loading onto gels
Rigorous validation is essential for antibody-based experiments:
Western Blot Validation:
Compare band pattern between wild-type and SPAC17G8.12 knockout strains
Perform peptide competition assay using the immunizing peptide
Test cross-reactivity against related S. pombe proteins
Immunoprecipitation Validation:
Confirm pulled-down protein by mass spectrometry
Verify absence of signal in knockout controls
Specificity Controls:
Test antibody against recombinantly expressed SPAC17G8.12 protein
Perform siRNA knockdown and observe corresponding reduction in signal
Similar validation approaches have been demonstrated for other S. pombe proteins, such as the methodology used for Sre1-specific antibody validation, which confirmed specificity by loss of immunoreactivity in an sre1Δ strain .
Based on available research, SPAC17G8.12 appears in the transcription functional category alongside other important transcription-related proteins . The protein may be part of transcriptional regulation networks similar to:
| Transcription Factor | Function | Relationship to Gene Expression |
|---|---|---|
| med20 | Mediator complex subunit | Core transcriptional machinery |
| nut2 | Mediator complex subunit Med10 | Regulation of RNA polymerase activity |
| caf1 | CCR4-not complex CAF1 family ribonuclease | Post-transcriptional regulation |
| SPAC17G8.12 | Uncharacterized | Potential transcriptional regulation |
Research approaches to elucidate its role should include:
ChIP-seq analysis to identify genomic binding sites
RNA-seq after knockout/knockdown to determine affected gene networks
Co-immunoprecipitation studies with known transcription factors
Protein domain analysis and comparison with related transcriptional regulators
Given the association of nearby genes with oxygen-responsive regulation , researchers investigating SPAC17G8.12's potential role in oxygen response should consider:
Experimental Design:
Compare gene expression and protein levels under normoxic versus hypoxic conditions
Utilize an InVivo hypoxic work station similar to that used for Sre1 cleavage assays
Implement time-course experiments to capture dynamic responses
Combine with genetic approaches (knockout/overexpression)
Analytical Methods:
Western blotting under reducing and non-reducing conditions
RT-qPCR for transcriptional analysis
Proteomic profiling using mass spectrometry
Functional assays to detect changes in cellular physiology
Based on research with Mga2, which regulates oxygen-responsive lipid homeostasis in S. pombe , similar methodological approaches could reveal whether SPAC17G8.12 participates in parallel or intersecting pathways.
Given the proximity of SPAC17G8.12 to SPAC17G8.13c, which shows similarity to MYST family histone acetyltransferases , methodological approaches for investigating potential chromatin-related functions include:
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP):
Use SPAC17G8.12 antibody to pull down associated chromatin
Sequence associated DNA to identify genomic binding sites
Perform ChIP-qPCR for targeted analysis of specific genomic regions
Co-Immunoprecipitation Studies:
Pull down SPAC17G8.12 and identify interacting proteins by mass spectrometry
Perform reciprocal IP with known chromatin modifiers
Test interactions with specific histone marks using appropriate antibodies
Histone Modification Analysis:
Compare histone modification patterns in wild-type versus SPAC17G8.12 knockout strains
Utilize antibodies against specific histone marks (H3K9ac, H3K4me3, etc.)
Combine with transcriptional analysis to correlate changes
For complex experimental designs involving multiple antibodies:
Technical Considerations:
Antibody Compatibility:
Ensure host species compatibility to avoid cross-reactivity
Select antibodies with distinct fluorophores if using immunofluorescence
For Western blotting, consider antibodies that detect proteins of different molecular weights
Optimization Protocol:
Test each antibody individually before multiplexing
Determine optimal blocking conditions (BSA vs. milk proteins)
Establish sequence of antibody addition (primary followed by secondary)
Signal Separation:
Integrative Research Methodology:
Network Analysis Approach:
Combine protein-protein interaction data with transcriptome profiling
Utilize gene ontology enrichment analysis for functional clustering
Apply computational modeling to predict regulatory relationships
Comparative Genomics:
Multi-omics Integration:
Correlate transcriptome, proteome, and chromatin structure data
Apply systems biology approaches to construct comprehensive regulatory networks
Use machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in complex datasets
Genetic Interaction Mapping:
Perform synthetic genetic array analysis
Test for genetic interactions with known transcription factors
Create double mutants with genes involved in oxygen-responsive pathways
This integrative approach would position SPAC17G8.12 research within the broader context of transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic systems, potentially revealing important functional insights.
Common technical challenges and their methodological solutions include:
Weak Signal Detection:
Increase antibody concentration (reduce dilution factor)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Use signal enhancement systems (biotin-streptavidin amplification)
Optimize protein extraction protocol to increase target protein yield
High Background:
Increase blocking stringency (5% BSA instead of 3%)
Add 0.1-0.3% Tween-20 to washing buffers
Pre-absorb antibody with cell lysate from knockout strain
Use more stringent washing steps (increase number and duration)
Inconsistent Results:
For rigorous quantitative analysis:
Densitometric Analysis Protocol:
Quantitative Immunofluorescence:
Use confocal microscopy with consistent acquisition settings
Measure signal intensity within defined cellular compartments
Include calibration standards for absolute quantification
Apply appropriate statistical tests for comparative analysis
ELISA-Based Quantification:
Develop a sandwich ELISA using SPAC17G8.12 antibody
Generate standard curves with recombinant protein
Implement rigorous statistical methods for data analysis
Validate results across multiple experimental runs