SPAC1A6.11 refers to the systematic gene identifier for sup11+ in S. pombe. The SPAC1A6.11 antibody specifically targets the Sup11 protein, a homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kre9, which is implicated in β-1,6-glucan biosynthesis . Sup11p is a glycosylated protein critical for cell wall integrity, with a molecular weight and structure influenced by post-translational modifications such as O-mannosylation .
Domain structure: Contains a serine/threonine-rich region prone to O-mannosylation, masking an atypical N-X-A sequon for N-glycosylation under certain conditions .
Localization: Associated with the cell wall and septum formation machinery .
Sup11p is essential for viability in S. pombe, as demonstrated by gene-knockdown studies. Its depletion leads to:
Cell wall defects: Loss of β-1,6-glucan in the cell wall, compromising structural integrity .
Septum malformation: Aberrant accumulation of β-1,3-glucan at the septum during cytokinesis, resulting in cell separation failure .
Transcriptomic changes: Upregulation of glucanases (e.g., gas2+) and other cell wall-remodeling enzymes, indicating compensatory mechanisms .
The antibody has been instrumental in:
Protein localization: Immunofluorescence studies reveal Sup11p’s association with the cell septum and cell wall .
Post-translational modification analysis: Western blotting detects hypo-mannosylated Sup11p in O-mannosylation-deficient mutants .
Functional studies: Conditional sup11+ knockdown mutants show synthetic lethality with O-mannosyltransferase mutants (oma2Δ), highlighting genetic interactions .
Sup11p depletion reduces β-1,6-glucan levels by >90%, confirming its role in β-1,6-glucan polymerization .
Compensatory upregulation of β-1,3-glucan synthases (bgs1+, bgs4+) and glucanases (gas2+) occurs to maintain cell wall rigidity .
Sup11p’s O-mannosylation in wild-type cells prevents N-glycosylation at the cryptic N-X-A site. In oma4Δ mutants, this site becomes accessible, enabling atypical N-glycosylation .
Antibody specificity: Validated via Western blot and immunofluorescence in wild-type vs. sup11+-depleted strains .
Experimental limitations: Cross-reactivity with other GPI-anchored proteins has not been fully ruled out .
Current research focuses on:
Elucidating Sup11p’s enzymatic mechanism in β-1,6-glucan synthesis.
Engineering sup11+ conditional alleles to study dynamic cell wall remodeling.
SPAC1A6.11 is a protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) with the UniProt number Q9C114 and Entrez Gene ID 2542238 . While detailed functional characterization is still emerging in research literature, this protein is being studied primarily in S. pombe cellular processes. Methodologically, researchers investigating this protein typically employ a combination of genetic manipulation (gene knockouts, mutations) alongside immunological detection methods using antibodies like the polyclonal SPAC1A6.11 antibody to elucidate its localization, interaction partners, and functional role in yeast cellular pathways.
The commercially available SPAC1A6.11 polyclonal antibody has been validated for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western Blot (WB) applications . For researchers designing experiments, this means the antibody can reliably detect the target protein in denatured samples separated by gel electrophoresis (WB) and in solution-based immunoassays (ELISA). When implementing these methods, researchers should consider using the provided positive control antigens (200μg) to establish detection parameters and the pre-immune serum negative control to confirm specificity .
The SPAC1A6.11 antibody should be stored at either -20°C or -80°C to maintain its stability and binding efficacy . When handling the antibody, researchers should follow standard antibody handling protocols including:
Minimizing freeze-thaw cycles (aliquot upon receipt)
Centrifuging briefly before opening vials to collect all material
Maintaining sterile technique when handling
Diluting in appropriate buffers depending on the application
Confirming activity periodically by running positive controls
When designing a western blot experiment with SPAC1A6.11 antibody, researchers should consider the following methodological approach:
Sample preparation: Extract proteins from S. pombe using appropriate lysis buffers (typically containing protease inhibitors)
Protein quantification: Standardize protein concentration across samples
Gel electrophoresis: Separate proteins using SDS-PAGE (typically 8-12% gels)
Transfer: Transfer proteins to membrane (PVDF or nitrocellulose)
Blocking: Block with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST
Primary antibody: Incubate with SPAC1A6.11 antibody at optimized dilution
Secondary antibody: Use anti-rabbit IgG conjugated to HRP or fluorophore
Detection: Visualize using chemiluminescence or fluorescence imaging
Controls: Include the provided positive control antigen and pre-immune serum as a negative control
Optimization should include antibody dilution series and validation of specificity using known positive samples.
For ELISA applications using SPAC1A6.11 antibody, consider the following protocol outline:
Plate coating: Coat wells with purified target protein or cell lysate
Blocking: Block with BSA or appropriate blocking buffer
Primary antibody: Apply SPAC1A6.11 antibody in series of dilutions
Secondary antibody: Use HRP-conjugated anti-rabbit antibody
Detection: Develop using TMB or other appropriate substrate
Quantification: Measure absorbance using spectrophotometer
Controls: Include wells with pre-immune serum (negative control) and positive control antigen
For sandwich ELISA applications, researchers may need to pair this polyclonal antibody with a monoclonal antibody targeting a different epitope of the SPAC1A6.11 protein.
Optimization of SPAC1A6.11 antibody concentration follows methodological principles similar to other polyclonal antibodies:
| Application | Starting Dilution Range | Optimization Approach | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | 1:500 - 1:2000 | Serial dilution | Background signal, specific band intensity |
| ELISA | 1:1000 - 1:5000 | Checkerboard titration | Signal-to-noise ratio |
| Immunoprecipitation | 1:50 - 1:200 | Varying antibody amount | Pull-down efficiency, non-specific binding |
| Immunofluorescence | 1:100 - 1:500 | Multiple sample testing | Background fluorescence, specific signal localization |
Researchers should perform preliminary experiments with serial dilutions of the antibody, comparing signal strength and specificity across conditions. The optimal concentration balances maximum specific signal with minimal background. Using the provided positive control antigens facilitates this optimization process .
Advanced studies of protein interactions involving SPAC1A6.11 can employ multiple complementary approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP): Use SPAC1A6.11 antibody to pull down the target protein complex from yeast lysates, followed by mass spectrometry or western blotting to identify interaction partners
Proximity-based labeling: Employ BioID or APEX2 fused to SPAC1A6.11, followed by streptavidin pulldown and detection using SPAC1A6.11 antibody for validation
FRET/BRET analysis: Use fluorescent or bioluminescent proteins fused to SPAC1A6.11 and potential interaction partners, with antibody validation of expression
ChIP-seq: If SPAC1A6.11 has DNA-binding properties, chromatin immunoprecipitation using this antibody can map genomic binding sites
Single-molecule imaging: Combine with fluorescent secondary antibodies for tracking protein dynamics in live or fixed cells
The affinity-purified nature of this polyclonal antibody makes it suitable for these applications, though each would require specific optimization protocols to minimize background and maximize specific detection .
Robust comparative studies across yeast strains require comprehensive controls:
Pre-immune serum control: The included pre-immune serum serves as a primary negative control to assess non-specific binding
Genetic knockouts: SPAC1A6.11 deletion strains provide critical negative controls
Protein expression controls: Housekeeping proteins should be measured to normalize loading across samples
Species-specific controls: When examining cross-reactivity, include control samples from related species
Epitope-blocked controls: Pre-incubation of antibody with purified target protein (the included antigen) to demonstrate specificity
Sample preparation controls: Identically processed samples that differ only in the protein of interest
Technical replicates: Multiple experimental runs to assess reproducibility
Proper implementation of these controls enables rigorous statistical analysis and increases confidence in observed differences between strains.
Methodological approaches to assess cross-reactivity include:
Sequence homology analysis: Computational comparison of the immunogen sequence (Recombinant S. pombe SPAC1A6.11) with homologous proteins in target and non-target species
Western blot analysis: Testing the antibody against lysates from:
Wild-type S. pombe
SPAC1A6.11 knockout S. pombe
Related yeasts with homologous proteins
Comparing band patterns and intensities
Competitive binding assays: Pre-incubating antibody with purified homologous proteins before the primary detection assay
Epitope mapping: Determining the specific regions recognized by the polyclonal antibody to predict potential cross-reactivity
The antibody is specifically reactive with yeast species as indicated in the product information , but researchers should validate specificity for their particular experimental system, especially when working with closely related homologs.
When troubleshooting weak or absent signals with SPAC1A6.11 antibody, consider these methodological factors:
Protein expression level: SPAC1A6.11 may be expressed at low levels in your specific conditions
Solution: Increase protein loading or use concentration techniques like immunoprecipitation before western blot
Protein extraction efficiency: Yeast cell walls can hinder efficient protein extraction
Solution: Optimize lysis protocol with appropriate mechanical disruption (glass beads, sonication) and detergents
Antibody concentration: Insufficient primary antibody
Incubation conditions: Suboptimal binding conditions
Solution: Adjust temperature, time, and buffer composition for antibody incubation
Detection sensitivity: Standard ECL may be insufficient
Solution: Use enhanced sensitivity substrates or switch to fluorescent detection systems
Transfer efficiency: Poor transfer of protein to membrane
Solution: Verify transfer efficiency with reversible staining; optimize transfer conditions for proteins of similar size
Systematically testing these variables while including the positive control antigen will help identify the specific issue.
High background can compromise data quality. To reduce background when using this antibody:
Optimize blocking conditions:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, milk, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking time or concentration
Include detergents like Tween-20 at appropriate concentrations
Antibody dilution and incubation:
Increase antibody dilution systematically
Compare overnight incubation at 4°C vs. shorter incubations at room temperature
Add 0.1-0.5% BSA to antibody dilution buffer
Washing optimization:
Increase number and duration of washes
Use higher detergent concentration in wash buffers
Consider different detergents (Tween-20, Triton X-100)
Pre-adsorption technique:
Secondary antibody optimization:
Test more highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies
Reduce secondary antibody concentration
The polyclonal nature of this antibody means it contains multiple antibody populations, which can sometimes contribute to background signals that require careful optimization.
Inconsistency between replicates when using SPAC1A6.11 antibody may stem from several sources:
Antibody storage and handling:
Sample preparation variability:
Standardize protein extraction methods
Implement rigorous protein quantification
Prepare fresh samples when possible
Technical execution:
Develop standardized protocols with precise timing
Use automated systems where possible
Implement consistent transfer conditions
Statistical considerations:
Determine appropriate sample size for statistical power
Apply appropriate statistical tests for your experimental design
Consider blocking experimental variables
Environmental factors:
Control laboratory temperature and humidity
Standardize incubation equipment (shakers, rockers)
Use calibrated pipettes and validated reagents
Researchers should implement a systematic quality control approach, documenting all variables and conditions for each experiment to identify potential sources of variation.
Adapting SPAC1A6.11 antibody for high-throughput applications requires methodological considerations:
Assay miniaturization:
Optimize antibody concentrations for 384-well or 1536-well formats
Determine minimum detection limits in reduced volumes
Validate signal consistency across well positions
Automation compatibility:
Formulate antibody dilutions stable for automated handling
Test robotic dispensing effects on antibody activity
Validate batch consistency across plates
Readout optimization:
Develop fluorescence or luminescence-based detection
Calibrate signal dynamic range for screening windows
Implement Z'-factor analysis to assess assay quality
Data analysis pipelines:
Establish normalization methods appropriate for antibody-based signals
Develop statistical approaches for hit identification
Implement quality control metrics for plate acceptance
Validation strategies:
Contemporary high-throughput applications might employ machine learning approaches similar to those used in antibody development to analyze complex datasets generated with SPAC1A6.11 antibody.
Co-localization studies require detailed methodological planning:
Fixation optimization:
Test multiple fixatives (formaldehyde, methanol, etc.)
Determine optimal fixation duration and temperature
Validate antibody performance after each fixation method
Antibody compatibility:
Ensure secondary antibodies don't cross-react
Select fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap
Establish sequential staining protocols if using multiple rabbit antibodies
Microscopy parameters:
Optimize exposure settings to prevent saturation
Establish consistent acquisition parameters
Implement appropriate optical sectioning techniques
Quantification approaches:
Select appropriate co-localization coefficients (Pearson's, Manders', etc.)
Establish thresholding criteria
Develop statistical analysis for biological replicates
Controls:
For yeast studies, the small cell size may necessitate super-resolution techniques for meaningful co-localization analysis with SPAC1A6.11 antibody.
Emerging single-cell technologies offer exciting possibilities for SPAC1A6.11 research:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF) applications:
Metal-conjugated SPAC1A6.11 antibodies could enable multiplexed protein detection
Requires validation of metal conjugation effects on binding efficiency
Could reveal population heterogeneity in SPAC1A6.11 expression
Single-cell proteomics:
Antibody-based enrichment prior to mass spectrometry
Target identification in complex single-cell lysates
Correlation of SPAC1A6.11 levels with other proteins at single-cell resolution
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Combining antibody detection with RNA localization
Correlating protein presence with gene expression in situ
Developing combined protocols for simultaneous detection
Microfluidic applications:
Antibody immobilization in droplet-based assays
Single-cell western blotting using SPAC1A6.11 antibody
Development of yeast-compatible microfluidic devices
These emerging technologies would require significant protocol development but could provide unprecedented insights into SPAC1A6.11 function at the single-cell level, similar to recent advancements in antibody technology development .
Advanced methods to enhance SPAC1A6.11 antibody specificity include:
Epitope-specific purification:
Immobilize specific peptide epitopes for antibody subset isolation
Enrich antibodies targeting unique regions of SPAC1A6.11
Validate specificity of each epitope-specific fraction
Competitive blocking strategies:
Develop peptide libraries for selective blocking
Identify minimal epitope sequences for specific blocking
Implement graduated blocking protocols
CRISPR-based validation:
Generate epitope-tagged or epitope-modified variants
Create cell lines with specific mutations in antibody-binding regions
Validate antibody specificity across engineered cell lines
Advanced bioinformatic approaches:
Implement epitope prediction algorithms
Map potential cross-reactivity using proteome-wide sequence analysis
Develop species-specific binding prediction models
Combinatorial detection methods:
Pair antibody detection with orthogonal methods (MS, activity assays)
Implement multiplexed detection systems
Develop correlation metrics between detection methods
These approaches align with emerging trends in antibody technology, where computational methods enhance experimental design and validation .