The SPAC23H3.11c gene encodes a protein involved in β-1,6-glucan synthesis, a critical component of the S. pombe cell wall . β-1,6-glucan is a polysaccharide layer that interacts with other cell wall components, such as glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored mannoproteins, to form a robust structural matrix .
Cell Wall Integrity: SPAC23H3.11c is essential for proper β-1,6-glucan formation. Mutants with reduced SPAC23H3.11c expression exhibit absent β-1,6-glucan and defective septum assembly, leading to morphological abnormalities.
Multicopy Suppressor Screen: The gene was identified in a screen for suppressors of a conditionally lethal O-mannosyltransferase mutant (nmt81-oma2), highlighting its role in compensating for defects in cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis.
Homology to Kre9 in S. cerevisiae: SPAC23H3.11c shares sequence similarity with Kre9, a β-1,6-glucan synthesis protein in budding yeast, suggesting conserved mechanisms across yeast species.
The SPAC23H3.11c Antibody is primarily used to study β-1,6-glucan synthesis and cell wall dynamics in S. pombe. Potential applications include:
Western Blot: Quantification of SPAC23H3.11c protein levels in wild-type vs. mutant strains.
ELISA: Detection of SPAC23H3.11c in cell lysates or purified cell wall fractions.
Co-IP/ChIP: Investigating interactions with other cell wall synthesis factors (e.g., GPI-anchored proteins).
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Gene Product | β-1,6-glucan synthesis protein |
| Cell Wall Role | Forms polysaccharide layer with GPI-anchored proteins |
| Homolog | S. cerevisiae Kre9 |
| Phenotype in Mutants | Defective septum assembly, absent β-1,6-glucan |
Sample Preparation: Use S. pombe lysates or cell wall fractions for assays.
Cross-reactivity: Limited to S. pombe due to sequence specificity.
Optimization: Adjust antibody dilution (1:500–1:1000 for WB) based on experimental conditions.
KEGG: spo:SPAC23H3.11c
STRING: 4896.SPAC23H3.11c.1
SPAC23H3.11c is a protein expressed in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast). Based on current research, this protein is required for the synthesis of major beta-glucans in the yeast cell wall . Understanding this protein's function has implications for fundamental research in cell wall biosynthesis and maintenance, which is critical for cellular integrity in fungi.
The protein belongs to a group of gene products that may be involved in heterochromatin regulation networks, as other proteins in similar regions (such as those mentioned in search result ) interact with chromatin modifying complexes. For example, research has shown that proteins in similar chromosomal regions are upregulated during specific conditions such as meiosis .
Currently, polyclonal antibodies against SPAC23H3.11c are available for research purposes. These are primarily:
Rabbit anti-Schizosaccharomyces pombe SPAC23H3.11c Polyclonal Antibodies
The antibodies are typically raised against recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972/ATCC 24843) SPAC23H3.11c protein
These antibodies are supplied in liquid form with specific storage buffer compositions:
They are designed for research applications including ELISA and Western Blot analyses, specifically focusing on the identification of the target antigen in experimental systems.
Proper storage and handling of SPAC23H3.11c antibodies is crucial for maintaining their efficacy:
Storage Recommendations:
Upon receipt, store at -20°C or -80°C
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as these can damage antibody structure and function
Small volumes of antibody may occasionally become entrapped in the seal of the product vial during shipment and storage
If necessary, briefly centrifuge the vial on a tabletop centrifuge to dislodge any liquid in the container's cap
Handling Guidelines:
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment
Allow antibodies to equilibrate to room temperature before opening
When diluting, use appropriate buffers as recommended in the product documentation
Prepare working aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
Document lot numbers, receipt dates, and usage to track antibody performance
Based on available data, SPAC23H3.11c antibodies have been validated for the following applications:
| Application | Validation Status | Recommended Dilutions |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA (EIA) | Validated | Typically 1:1000-1:5000 (check specific product documentation) |
| Western Blot (WB) | Validated for antigen identification | Typically 1:500-1:2000 (optimize for specific lot) |
Researchers should note that these applications have been specifically tested to ensure identification of the target antigen . Additional applications may require further validation by the end-user.
Comprehensive Validation Protocol:
Positive and Negative Controls:
Use wild-type S. pombe strains (strain 972/ATCC 24843) as positive controls
Use SPAC23H3.11c deletion mutants or knockdown strains as negative controls
Include closely related species as specificity controls
Western Blot Validation:
Confirm single band of expected molecular weight (check predicted MW of SPAC23H3.11c)
Run parallel blots with pre-immune serum or isotype controls
Perform peptide competition assays by pre-incubating antibody with excess recombinant SPAC23H3.11c protein
Immunoprecipitation Followed by Mass Spectrometry:
Perform IP using the antibody
Analyze precipitated proteins by mass spectrometry
Confirm presence of SPAC23H3.11c and assess off-target binding
Cross-validation with Tagged Protein:
Genetic Approaches:
Test antibody reactivity in strains with varying expression levels of SPAC23H3.11c
Use inducible systems to demonstrate correlation between expression and signal intensity
While specific ChIP protocols for SPAC23H3.11c are not directly described in the provided search results, researchers can adapt protocols used for similar S. pombe proteins such as Epe1:
Optimized ChIP Protocol for S. pombe Proteins:
Cell Culture and Crosslinking:
Grow S. pombe cultures in appropriate media (e.g., YES media) to logarithmic phase
Harvest cells by centrifugation at 4°C
Crosslink protein-DNA interactions with 1% formaldehyde for 10 minutes at room temperature
Quench with 125 mM glycine
Cell Lysis and Chromatin Preparation:
Immunoprecipitation:
Pre-clear chromatin with protein A/G beads
Incubate cleared chromatin with SPAC23H3.11c antibody (2-5 μg) overnight at 4°C
Include appropriate controls (IgG, no antibody)
Capture antibody-chromatin complexes with protein A/G beads
Wash extensively with increasingly stringent buffers
DNA Recovery and Analysis:
Reverse crosslinks (65°C overnight)
Treat with RNase A and Proteinase K
Purify DNA using commercial kits
Analyze by qPCR, sequencing, or other appropriate methods
Data Analysis:
Optimized Western Blot Protocol:
Sample Preparation:
Harvest S. pombe cells during logarithmic growth phase
Prepare whole cell extracts using mechanical disruption (glass beads or bead beater)
Extract proteins in appropriate lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors
Quantify protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay
Gel Electrophoresis:
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels (adjust based on SPAC23H3.11c molecular weight)
Load 20-50 μg of total protein per lane
Include molecular weight markers
Run at constant voltage (100-120V) until adequate separation
Transfer Optimization:
Use PVDF membrane (0.45 μm) for standard applications
Transfer at constant current (250-300 mA) for 60-90 minutes
Verify transfer efficiency with reversible staining (Ponceau S)
Blocking and Antibody Incubation:
Block with 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Incubate with SPAC23H3.11c antibody (typical starting dilution 1:1000) overnight at 4°C
Wash 3x with TBST, 10 minutes each
Incubate with secondary antibody (anti-rabbit HRP, 1:5000) for 1 hour at room temperature
Wash 4x with TBST, 10 minutes each
Detection and Analysis:
Troubleshooting Tips:
If high background occurs, increase blocking time or washing stringency
If weak signal occurs, increase antibody concentration or incubation time
For non-specific bands, optimize antibody dilution and consider pre-absorbing with non-specific proteins
Optimized Immunofluorescence Protocol for S. pombe:
Cell Preparation:
Grow S. pombe cells to mid-log phase
Fix with 3.7% formaldehyde for 30 minutes at room temperature
Wash cells in PEM buffer (100 mM PIPES, 1 mM EGTA, 1 mM MgSO₄, pH 6.9)
Digest cell wall with zymolyase (1 mg/ml) in PEMS (PEM + 1.2 M sorbitol) for 30-60 minutes
Permeabilize with 1% Triton X-100 in PEM for 1 minute
Antibody Staining:
Block with PEMBAL (PEM + 1% BSA, 0.1% sodium azide, 100 mM lysine hydrochloride) for 30 minutes
Incubate with primary SPAC23H3.11c antibody (1:100-1:500 dilution in PEMBAL) overnight at 4°C
Wash 3x with PEMBAL
Incubate with fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibody (1:500 in PEMBAL) for 2 hours at room temperature
Wash 3x with PEMBAL
Mount with anti-fade mounting medium containing DAPI
Controls and Validation:
Imaging and Analysis:
Capture images using confocal or widefield fluorescence microscopy
Analyze protein localization patterns (e.g., nuclear, cytoplasmic, or specific foci)
Quantify signal intensity and distribution using appropriate image analysis software
Expected Results:
Experimental Design Framework:
Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Generate S. pombe lysates under non-denaturing conditions
Perform IP with SPAC23H3.11c antibody
Analyze co-precipitated proteins by Western blot or mass spectrometry
Include appropriate controls (IgG, lysate from deletion strains)
Validate interactions with reciprocal Co-IP experiments
Two-Hybrid Assays:
Proximity Labeling:
Generate strains expressing SPAC23H3.11c fused to BioID or APEX2
Induce proximity labeling in living cells
Purify biotinylated proteins and identify by mass spectrometry
Validate interactions using orthogonal methods
Genetic Interaction Mapping:
Create double mutants combining SPAC23H3.11c deletion with other gene deletions
Analyze genetic interactions using epistasis analysis
Look for synthetic phenotypes that suggest functional relationships
Consider global approaches like synthetic genetic array (SGA) analysis
Fluorescence Microscopy Approaches:
Comprehensive PTM Investigation Strategy:
Mass Spectrometry Analysis:
Immunoprecipitate SPAC23H3.11c from S. pombe lysates
Perform tryptic digestion and LC-MS/MS analysis
Search for common PTMs (phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination)
Use enrichment methods specific for certain PTMs (e.g., TiO₂ for phosphopeptides)
Western Blot Analysis:
Use antibodies specific for common PTMs
Perform IP with SPAC23H3.11c antibody, then probe with PTM-specific antibodies
Compare PTM patterns under different growth conditions or genetic backgrounds
Use appropriate controls (phosphatase treatment, deacetylase treatment)
Genetic Approaches:
Generate mutants with predicted PTM sites altered (e.g., S→A for phosphorylation sites)
Assess functional consequences of mutations
Create deletion/knockout strains of enzymes predicted to modify SPAC23H3.11c
Assess changes in SPAC23H3.11c function or localization
Inhibitor Studies:
Treat cells with inhibitors of specific PTM enzymes
Assess changes in SPAC23H3.11c function, localization, or interaction network
Consider both general inhibitors and S. pombe-specific approaches
Functional Validation:
Express modified forms of SPAC23H3.11c in deletion backgrounds
Assess complementation of phenotypes
Compare cellular responses under different stress conditions
Analyze changes in protein-protein interactions
Systematic Troubleshooting Strategy:
Identify the Problem:
Multiple bands on Western blot
Unexpected localization patterns in IF
High background in all applications
Positive signal in negative controls
Optimize Blocking Conditions:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, milk, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking time or concentration
Add non-ionic detergents (Tween-20, Triton X-100) to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Consider specialized blocking agents for problematic samples
Antibody Dilution Optimization:
Perform titration experiments to determine optimal concentration
Typically start with manufacturer's recommendation and adjust as needed
For Western blots, consider dilutions from 1:500 to 1:5000
For IF, consider dilutions from 1:50 to 1:500
Pre-absorption Strategies:
Incubate antibody with lysates from deletion strains or other species
Use recombinant proteins or peptides not containing the epitope
Consider commercial pre-absorption kits
Alternative Detection Methods:
Try different secondary antibodies or detection systems
Consider more specific detection methods (monoclonal vs. polyclonal)
Use protein/epitope tags as alternative approaches
Apply proximity ligation assay (PLA) for greater specificity
Signal Enhancement Strategies:
Sample Preparation Optimization:
Enrich for subcellular fractions where SPAC23H3.11c is expected
Use gentle lysis methods to preserve protein integrity
Add protease and phosphatase inhibitors to prevent degradation
Concentrate samples using TCA precipitation or similar methods
Immunoprecipitation Before Analysis:
Perform IP to concentrate SPAC23H3.11c before Western blot
Use high-affinity capture methods (e.g., protein A/G magnetic beads)
Optimize elution conditions to maximize recovery
Signal Amplification Methods:
Use tyramide signal amplification (TSA) for immunofluorescence
Apply polymer-based detection systems for immunohistochemistry
Consider biotin-streptavidin amplification systems
Use high-sensitivity ECL substrates for Western blot
Instrument Settings Optimization:
Increase exposure time for Western blots
Optimize PMT settings for confocal microscopy
Use sensitive cameras and longer exposure times for fluorescence imaging
Apply deconvolution algorithms to improve signal-to-noise ratio
Consider Expression Induction:
Managing Antibody Variability:
Establish Validation Protocols:
Develop standardized validation tests for each new antibody batch
Create a reference sample set for quality control testing
Document performance metrics for each batch (sensitivity, specificity, background)
Maintain detailed records of validation results
Batch Reservation Strategy:
Purchase larger quantities of a validated batch for long-term studies
Aliquot and store properly to maintain stability
Consider negotiating with manufacturers for batch reservation
Internal Reference Standards:
Create standardized positive control samples
Use consistent loading controls for Western blots
Develop calibration curves for quantitative applications
Normalize results to account for batch differences
Parallel Testing:
Test new batches alongside previously validated batches
Document differences in performance characteristics
Establish correction factors if necessary
Consider using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Long-term Solutions:
Consider developing recombinant antibodies for consistent performance
Investigate alternatives like nanobodies or aptamers
Develop tagged constructs that can be detected with highly standardized antibodies
Share validation data with manufacturers to improve product consistency
Integration Strategies for Proteomics:
Antibody-Based Enrichment Prior to Mass Spectrometry:
Use SPAC23H3.11c antibodies for immunoprecipitation
Enrich for protein complexes containing SPAC23H3.11c
Apply to samples from different growth conditions or genetic backgrounds
Analyze by LC-MS/MS to identify interaction partners and modifications
Reverse Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA):
Spot samples from multiple conditions or strains on arrays
Probe with SPAC23H3.11c antibody
Quantify expression changes across conditions
Integrate with other proteomic datasets
Proximity-Dependent Labeling:
Create SPAC23H3.11c fusion with BioID, APEX2, or TurboID
Identify proximal proteins through biotinylation
Map protein interaction networks under different conditions
Validate interactions using SPAC23H3.11c antibodies
Chromatin Proteomics:
Data Integration:
Combine antibody-based data with global proteomics datasets
Correlate with transcriptomics data to identify regulatory relationships
Map onto known protein interaction networks
Use bioinformatics to predict functional relationships
Customization Considerations:
Antibody Fragmentation:
Generate Fab or F(ab')₂ fragments for reduced background in certain applications
Consider pepsin or papain digestion followed by purification
Test fragment functionality in your specific application
Optimize concentration due to potential changes in binding characteristics
Conjugation Strategies:
Direct conjugation to fluorophores for single-step detection
Biotin conjugation for streptavidin-based amplification
Enzyme conjugation (HRP, AP) for direct detection
Consider site-specific conjugation methods to preserve binding sites
Immobilization for Research Tools:
Couple to affinity resins for immunoprecipitation or protein purification
Attach to sensor surfaces for SPR or BLI studies
Immobilize on beads for pull-down assays
Optimize orientation to maintain binding capacity
Recombinant Modifications:
Consider developing recombinant versions with standardized formats
Explore single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) for smaller size
Investigate nanobody or VHH formats for specialized applications
Design fusion proteins with functional domains for specific purposes
Quality Control Considerations:
Validate activity after each modification step
Determine optimal storage conditions for modified antibodies
Assess shelf-life of modified preparations
Document batch-to-batch consistency of modification process
CRISPR-Based Complementary Strategies:
Endogenous Tagging:
Design CRISPR-Cas9 strategy to insert fluorescent or epitope tags at the SPAC23H3.11c locus
Use established S. pombe CRISPR protocols with appropriate modifications
Verify tag integration by PCR and sequencing
Validate protein expression and function after tagging
Functional Genomics:
Create CRISPR knockout or knockdown of SPAC23H3.11c
Apply CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) for tunable repression
Develop CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) for overexpression studies
Compare phenotypes with antibody-based functional inhibition
Domain Analysis:
Use CRISPR to create specific domain deletions or mutations
Target conserved regions identified through bioinformatics
Analyze effects on protein function, localization, and interactions
Validate with antibody-based detection of modified proteins
Regulome Analysis:
Apply CRISPR screens to identify regulators of SPAC23H3.11c
Use CRISPRi library to identify factors affecting SPAC23H3.11c expression
Combine with antibody-based quantification of SPAC23H3.11c levels
Validate hits with targeted experiments
Live Cell Studies:
Create CRISPR knock-in of split fluorescent proteins
Develop CRISPR-based optogenetic controllers of SPAC23H3.11c
Apply CRISPR-based proximity labeling systems
Complement with fixed-cell antibody studies for validation