The YFR035C antibody targets the protein encoded by the YFR035C gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288c), a widely studied model organism. This gene is annotated as a "hypothetical protein" with no experimentally confirmed molecular function, though bioinformatic analyses suggest potential roles in vacuolar organization and protein degradation pathways . The antibody is a polyclonal reagent generated in rabbits using recombinant YFR035C protein as the immunogen .
Protein Sequence: Uniprot ID P43608; 294 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of ~33 kDa .
Functional Associations:
Vacuolar Function:
YFR035C interacts with Vac8p, a protein critical for vacuole membrane fusion and inheritance . Antibody-based studies have implicated YFR035C in regulating vacuolar morphology under stress conditions .
Protein Degradation:
Genetic screens associate YFR035C with proteasome regulatory particles (RPN4, PRE9), suggesting a role in ubiquitin-mediated degradation .
Western Blot: Detects a single band at ~33 kDa in S. cerevisiae lysates .
Localization: Predominantly cytoplasmic, with partial association with vacuolar membranes .
Hypothetical Protein Status: The lack of a confirmed molecular function for YFR035C limits mechanistic insights .
Antibody Utility: Restricted to S. cerevisiae research; no cross-species reactivity data available .
KEGG: sce:YFR035C
STRING: 4932.YFR035C
YFR035C is a systematic name for a gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that encodes a protein involved in nutrient sensing pathways, particularly in the regulation of amino acid transport. Understanding YFR035C is significant because nutrient sensing mechanisms in yeast have important applications in both medicine and industry. For instance, nutrient sensing principles can lead to better understanding of diseases like diabetes, as similar sensing mechanisms exist in mammalian cells for insulin secretion . Additionally, knowledge of yeast nutrient sensing has applications in industrial processes such as beer production, where understanding amino acid uptake can help optimize fermentation processes .
YFR035C antibodies can be utilized in multiple detection methods including:
Western blotting - For quantifying protein expression levels in yeast cells under different nutrient conditions
Immunofluorescence - For visualizing subcellular localization of YFR035C, particularly in relation to membrane proteins involved in nutrient sensing
Immunoprecipitation - For studying protein-protein interactions between YFR035C and other components of nutrient sensing pathways, such as the SPS (Ssy1p-Ptr3p-Ssy5p) sensor complex
ChIP (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) - If YFR035C has any DNA-binding roles similar to the transcription factors like Stp1p and Stp2p in the amino acid sensing pathway
For optimal results, protein extraction should include membrane fractionation techniques since many nutrient sensing components are membrane-associated.
When evaluating YFR035C antibodies for research, consider these specificity determinants:
Epitope selection is crucial, as antibodies raised against specific domains of YFR035C may exhibit different cross-reactivity profiles with related proteins
Validation testing should include western blots comparing wild-type and YFR035C knockout strains
Antibody heavy-chain CDR3 regions are major determinants of binding specificity , so examining antibody production documentation for CDR3 information can provide insight into potential specificity
For research requiring absolute specificity, consider validating antibodies using multiple methods including mass spectrometry confirmation of immunoprecipitated proteins.
To effectively study YFR035C's role in nutrient sensing:
Create experimental and control conditions that modulate nutrient availability:
Compare wild-type, YFR035C deletion, and complemented strains to establish causality
Monitor downstream effects through:
Transcriptional profiling using microarrays or RNA-seq to identify genes regulated by YFR035C similar to approaches used for other nutrient sensing components
Protein expression analysis using YFR035C antibodies in combination with antibodies against known components of nutrient sensing pathways
Functional assays measuring nutrient uptake rates
Establish epistatic relationships by creating double mutants with known components of nutrient sensing pathways (e.g., SSY1, PTR3, GRR1) to determine where YFR035C functions in the signaling cascade
For rigorous YFR035C antibody experiments, include these essential controls:
Genetic controls:
YFR035C knockout strain as a negative control
YFR035C overexpression strain as a positive control
Strains with mutations in related genes (e.g., other SPS pathway components) to assess specificity of phenotypes
Antibody controls:
Pre-immune serum control to identify background binding
Isotype-matched control antibody for non-specific binding assessment
Peptide competition assay to validate epitope specificity
Experimental condition controls:
These controls will help distinguish specific signal from experimental artifacts and enhance reproducibility of your findings.
For optimal immunohistochemistry results with YFR035C antibodies in yeast cells:
Fixation optimization:
Compare cross-linking fixatives (formaldehyde at 3-4%) with precipitating fixatives (methanol/acetone)
Test fixation times ranging from 15-60 minutes to balance antigen preservation with membrane permeabilization
For membrane-associated proteins like those in nutrient sensing pathways, mild fixation often preserves antigenicity better
Membrane permeabilization:
For cross-linked samples, use graduated concentrations of Triton X-100 (0.1-0.5%) or digitonin (10-50 μg/ml) to optimize access to antigens without disrupting cellular architecture
For yeast cells, enzymatic digestion of the cell wall (using zymolyase or lyticase) prior to fixation may improve antibody accessibility
Antigen retrieval:
Test citrate buffer (pH 6.0) heated retrieval methods against EDTA-based systems
Optimize retrieval times between 10-30 minutes
Document optimal conditions systematically in a protocol table to ensure reproducibility across experiments.
To investigate protein-protein interactions involving YFR035C in nutrient sensing pathways:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP):
Use YFR035C antibodies conjugated to magnetic or agarose beads
Consider cross-linking approaches for transient interactions
Compare protein interactions under different nutrient conditions to identify condition-specific interaction partners
Validate results with reciprocal Co-IPs using antibodies against putative interaction partners
Proximity labeling techniques:
Create YFR035C fusion with BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling enzymes
Perform labeling under various nutrient conditions
Use YFR035C antibodies to validate localization of fusion proteins
Identify interaction partners through mass spectrometry
FRET/BRET analysis:
This multi-method approach provides robust evidence for protein interactions while accounting for potential artifacts of any single method.
If investigating potential DNA interactions or chromatin associations of YFR035C:
Optimized ChIP protocol:
Use dual cross-linking with formaldehyde followed by disuccinimidyl glutarate for capturing both direct and indirect DNA interactions
Optimize sonication conditions specifically for yeast cells (typically 10-12 cycles of 30s on/30s off)
Include spike-in controls with antibodies against known DNA-binding proteins
Data analysis considerations:
Compare binding patterns under different nutrient conditions
Cross-reference peaks with known binding sites of transcription factors in nutrient sensing pathways like Stp1p and Stp2p
Perform motif analysis to identify potential YFR035C binding sequences
Integrate with RNA-seq data to correlate binding with gene expression changes
Validation approaches:
Validate key ChIP-seq peaks with ChIP-qPCR
Perform reporter gene assays with identified binding regions
Compare binding patterns with those of known transcription factors in the pathway
This approach can determine whether YFR035C functions in transcriptional regulation similar to Stp1p and Stp2p transcription factors in the amino acid sensing pathway .
To characterize post-translational modifications (PTMs) of YFR035C:
Specific PTM antibodies:
Assess potential phosphorylation sites in YFR035C based on consensus sequences for kinases active in nutrient sensing
Use phospho-specific antibodies alongside total YFR035C antibodies to track phosphorylation states under different nutrient conditions
Consider modification-specific antibodies for ubiquitination, SUMOylation, or acetylation based on protein sequence analysis
Mass spectrometry approach:
Immunoprecipitate YFR035C with verified antibodies
Analyze PTMs through LC-MS/MS
Compare modification profiles under different nutrient conditions
Functional validation:
Create point mutations at identified modification sites
Use YFR035C antibodies to verify expression levels of mutant proteins
Assess functional consequences through phenotypic assays
This is particularly relevant since protein phosphorylation plays a critical role in nutrient sensing pathways, as demonstrated by the role of Rts1p (regulatory subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2A) in the amino acid sensing pathway .
When working with YFR035C antibodies, be aware of these common challenges:
Cross-reactivity issues:
Problem: False positive signals due to antibody binding to related proteins
Solution: Validate antibody specificity using YFR035C knockout strains and peptide competition assays
Low signal strength:
Problem: Insufficient protein extraction, particularly if YFR035C is membrane-associated
Solution: Optimize lysis buffers with different detergents (CHAPS, NP-40, Triton X-100) to effectively solubilize membrane proteins
Inconsistent results:
Problem: Variable antibody performance across experiments
Solution: Create standardized protocols with specific antibody lots, incubation times, and blocking conditions
Background noise:
Problem: High non-specific binding
Solution: Test alternative blocking agents (BSA, milk, commercial blockers) and increase washing stringency
Epitope masking:
Problem: Protein interactions or conformational changes hiding antibody binding sites
Solution: Test multiple antibodies targeting different regions of YFR035C
Document troubleshooting steps systematically to develop robust, reproducible protocols.
When facing discrepancies between antibody-based experiments and genetic studies:
Systematic validation approach:
Verify antibody specificity using multiple methods
Confirm genetic modifications through sequencing
Test multiple antibody clones targeting different epitopes
Consider alternate hypotheses:
Protein may be present but non-functional in genetic models
Post-translational modifications may affect antibody recognition
Protein interactions might mask epitopes in specific cellular contexts
Compensatory mechanisms may be activated in genetic knockouts
Integrative resolution strategies:
Employ orthogonal techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry) to verify protein presence and modifications
Create tagged versions of YFR035C for detection with anti-tag antibodies
Use proximity labeling to confirm interaction partners independently of antibody-antigen binding
Context-dependent effects:
This methodical approach can resolve many apparent contradictions in experimental data.
When analyzing YFR035C localization changes:
Quantitative analysis approach:
Use confocal microscopy with appropriate co-localization markers for cellular compartments
Perform quantitative co-localization analysis using Pearson's or Mander's coefficients
Track dynamic changes through time-course experiments after nutrient shifts
Interpretation framework:
Validation strategies:
Confirm antibody-based localization with fluorescently-tagged YFR035C
Perform subcellular fractionation followed by western blotting as an orthogonal method
Use super-resolution microscopy for detailed localization within membrane microdomains
The dynamic localization of proteins in response to nutrients is a key regulatory mechanism in yeast sensing pathways, as seen with other components of nutrient signaling networks .
Comparing YFR035C to established nutrient sensing components:
This comparative approach places YFR035C research within the broader context of nutrient sensing mechanisms and suggests potential functional relationships to investigate.
For holistic YFR035C characterization, complement antibody approaches with:
Functional genomics:
CRISPR interference/activation to modulate YFR035C expression
Synthetic genetic array analysis to identify genetic interactions
Ribosome profiling to assess translational regulation
Structural biology:
Cryo-EM to determine protein structure, particularly if membrane-associated
Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to identify conformational changes upon nutrient binding
In silico structural prediction and molecular dynamics simulations
Systems biology:
Metabolomics to profile changes in metabolite levels in YFR035C mutants
Network analysis integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data
Mathematical modeling of nutrient sensing dynamics
Single-cell approaches:
Single-cell RNA-seq to identify cell-to-cell variation in responses
Time-lapse microscopy with fluorescent reporters to track dynamics in living cells
Microfluidics combined with live-cell imaging to control nutrient environment precisely
These complementary approaches provide a multi-dimensional view of YFR035C function beyond what antibody methods alone can reveal.
To integrate antibody studies with transcriptomics:
Experimental design strategies:
Perform parallel immunoprecipitation and RNA-seq from the same experimental samples
Use time-course designs to correlate protein activity with transcriptional changes
Include genetic variants (knockout, point mutations) to establish causality
ChIP-seq integration:
If YFR035C has DNA-binding potential, perform ChIP-seq with YFR035C antibodies
Compare binding patterns with differentially expressed genes
Construct regulatory networks based on integrated data
Analysis framework:
Use gene set enrichment analysis to identify pathways affected by YFR035C
Perform motif analysis on promoters of differentially expressed genes
Compare transcriptomic signatures with published datasets for known nutrient sensing components
Validation approach:
This integrated approach has been successfully used to identify targets of nutrient sensing pathways, such as the identification of AGP2 as a target of the SPS-mediated amino acid sensing pathway .