KEGG: spo:SPBC1198.03c
STRING: 4896.SPBC1198.03c.1
SPBC1198.03c is an uncharacterized protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast). Although its precise function remains to be fully elucidated, genome-wide deletion studies have identified it as a non-essential gene (Hayles et al., 2013) . The protein shows specific subcellular localization patterns, being present in the cytoplasm and nucleus, with particular concentration at the cell tip and barrier septum.
This localization pattern suggests potential roles in cell division, polarity maintenance, or cell wall formation. For researchers using S. pombe as a model organism, studying SPBC1198.03c contributes to our understanding of conserved eukaryotic cellular processes, particularly those related to cell cycle regulation and chromosome dynamics.
Based on product characterization data, SPBC1198.03c antibody has been validated for the following applications:
| Application | Validation Status | Recommended Dilution |
|---|---|---|
| ELISA | Validated | Determine empirically |
| Western Blot | Validated | Determine empirically |
The antibody is a polyclonal IgG raised in rabbits against recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972/ATCC 24843) SPBC1198.03c protein . It has been purified using antigen affinity chromatography to enhance specificity. While these are the confirmed applications, researchers may need to optimize conditions for their specific experimental systems.
For optimal preservation of antibody activity and specificity, the following storage and handling protocols are recommended:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade antibody performance
The antibody is supplied in liquid form with a storage buffer containing 0.03% Proclin 300 (preservative), 50% Glycerol, and 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
For routine use, small aliquots can be prepared to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
When handling, maintain cold chain whenever possible and use sterile technique to prevent contamination
Before each use, centrifuge the antibody vial briefly to collect solution at the bottom
While specific validation data for commercial SPBC1198.03c antibodies varies between manufacturers, standard validation methodologies typically include:
Antigen-specific validation: Testing against recombinant SPBC1198.03c protein to confirm binding specificity
Application testing: Validation in specific applications such as ELISA and Western blot to ensure performance in those experimental contexts
Purification method: Antigen affinity purification to select antibodies with high specificity for the target
Species reactivity assessment: Confirmation of reactivity with Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972/ATCC 24843) proteins
Researchers should note that additional validation may be required for applications beyond those specifically tested by manufacturers, particularly for specialized techniques like ChIP or immunofluorescence.
While SPBC1198.03c antibody has not been specifically validated for ChIP applications in the available data, researchers investigating potential chromatin associations can adapt established S. pombe ChIP protocols :
Cross-linking optimization:
Test different formaldehyde concentrations (1-3%) and incubation times (10-30 min)
For proteins with weaker DNA interactions, consider dual cross-linking with additional agents like disuccinimidyl glutarate
Chromatin preparation:
Lyse cells using glass bead disruption in buffer containing 100 mM HEPES-KOH pH 7.5, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% Na-deoxycholate, 1 mM EDTA, 140 mM NaCl, protease inhibitors, and phosphatase inhibitors
Optimize sonication to achieve chromatin fragments of ~500-1000 bp
Monitor fragmentation efficiency by agarose gel electrophoresis
Immunoprecipitation conditions:
Test various antibody concentrations (typically 2-10 μg per IP)
Compare different bead types (Protein A/G for rabbit polyclonal antibodies)
Include appropriate controls: IgG control, input sample, and ideally a SPBC1198.03c deletion strain
Analysis strategies:
Given the nuclear localization of SPBC1198.03c, ChIP experiments could provide valuable insights into its potential roles in chromatin organization or gene regulation.
Based on the known localization patterns of SPBC1198.03c to specific cellular structures (cell tip and barrier septum), the following optimized immunofluorescence protocol can be developed:
Cell preparation:
Culture S. pombe cells to mid-log phase (OD600 = 0.5-0.8)
Fix with 3.7% formaldehyde for 30 minutes at room temperature
Wash cells 3× with PEM buffer (100 mM PIPES pH 6.9, 1 mM EGTA, 1 mM MgSO4)
Cell wall digestion optimization:
Create spheroplasts using zymolyase (1 mg/ml) in PEMS (PEM + 1.2 M sorbitol)
Carefully monitor digestion by microscopy to prevent over-digestion
Critical step: Optimization of digestion time (typically 30-60 min) is essential for antibody accessibility
Permeabilization and blocking:
Permeabilize with PEMS + 1% Triton X-100 for 5 minutes
Block with PEMBAL (PEM + 1% BSA, 0.1% sodium azide, 100 mM lysine HCl) for 30 minutes
Antibody incubation parameters:
Primary antibody: Test dilution series (1:100 to 1:1000) of SPBC1198.03c antibody in PEMBAL
Incubate overnight at 4°C in a humid chamber
Secondary antibody: Use fluorophore-conjugated anti-rabbit IgG (1:500 dilution)
Imaging considerations:
Include DAPI staining for nuclear visualization
Use appropriate filters to avoid bleed-through between channels
Pay particular attention to cell tips and septum regions for SPBC1198.03c signals
Validation controls:
Negative control: SPBC1198.03c deletion strain
Antibody specificity control: Primary antibody omission
Positive control: If available, a GFP-tagged SPBC1198.03c strain
This protocol should be optimized for specific laboratory conditions and microscopy equipment.
To investigate cell cycle-dependent and meiotic expression patterns of SPBC1198.03c, researchers can employ the following methodological approaches:
Cell cycle analysis:
Synchronize cells using methods such as lactose gradient centrifugation, nitrogen starvation followed by release, or cdc25-22 temperature-sensitive mutants
Collect samples at defined time points across the cell cycle
Analyze SPBC1198.03c protein levels by Western blot and localization by immunofluorescence
Meiotic expression profiling:
Utilize the pat1-114 temperature-sensitive system for synchronous meiosis induction
Prepare pat1-114/pat1-114 diploid cells as described in previous studies
Sample collection at defined meiotic stages (typically hourly for 8-12 hours)
RNA analysis using qRT-PCR or RNA protection assays with specific probes
Protein expression analysis by Western blot using the SPBC1198.03c antibody
Data analysis framework:
Live-cell imaging option:
Generate strains expressing fluorescently tagged SPBC1198.03c
Perform time-lapse imaging during normal growth or meiotic induction
Quantify changes in protein concentration at specific cellular locations
While specific data on SPBC1198.03c expression during meiosis is not provided in the available information, this methodological approach would provide comprehensive insights into its regulation and potential functions during these cellular processes.
To identify and validate protein interaction partners of SPBC1198.03c, several complementary approaches can be employed:
Co-immunoprecipitation optimization:
Cell lysis: Use buffer containing 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 0.2% Triton X-100, 0.5 mM EDTA, 20% glycerol, 100 mM NaCl, and protease/phosphatase inhibitors
Antibody immobilization: Conjugate SPBC1198.03c antibody to appropriate beads or use pre-coupled anti-rabbit IgG beads
Incubation conditions: Mix lysate with antibody-beads by inversion for 2 hours at 4°C
Wash stringency: Optimize to reduce non-specific interactions while maintaining true partners
Elution methods: Compare SDS-based elution vs. peptide competition
Proximity-based approaches:
BioID fusion: Generate SPBC1198.03c-BioID fusion protein to biotinylate proximal proteins
APEX2 tagging: Alternative proximity labeling with shorter labeling time
Split-BiFC: For validating specific interactions in vivo
Mass spectrometry analysis pipeline:
Sample preparation: Process immunoprecipitates for LC-MS/MS analysis
Data analysis: Use appropriate search algorithms and databases
Filtering criteria: Compare against controls to identify specific interactors
Validation: Confirm key interactions by reverse co-IP or other methods
Genetics-based validation:
Synthetic genetic array (SGA) analysis to identify functional relationships
Phenotypic analysis of double mutants
Suppressor/enhancer screens
| Approach | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Co-IP/MS | Identifies direct and indirect interactors | Requires good antibody specificity |
| Proximity labeling | Works for transient interactions | May identify non-specific proximal proteins |
| BiFC | Visualizes interactions in vivo | May stabilize transient interactions |
| Genetic approaches | Reveals functional relationships | Indirect evidence of physical interaction |
These approaches provide complementary data that together build a comprehensive picture of SPBC1198.03c's protein interaction network and cellular functions.
Although specific domain information for SPBC1198.03c is limited in the available data, researchers can employ the following methodological strategy to identify domains and optimize epitope selection:
Bioinformatic domain prediction:
Analyze the primary sequence using tools such as:
SMART (Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool)
Pfam for conserved domain identification
InterPro for integrated protein signature recognition
Predict secondary structure elements (α-helices, β-sheets)
Identify transmembrane regions, signal peptides, and localization signals
Structural considerations for epitope selection:
Predict protein surface exposure using algorithms like Emini Surface Accessibility
Analyze hydrophilicity profiles using Kyte-Doolittle plots
Identify regions with high predicted antigenicity (Jameson-Wolf antigenic index)
Avoid highly conserved domains if specificity between related proteins is desired
Experimental epitope mapping:
Generate overlapping peptide arrays spanning the SPBC1198.03c sequence
Test antibody binding to identify specific recognition regions
Validate findings using recombinant protein fragments
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Test antibody against related proteins in S. pombe
Evaluate specificity using SPBC1198.03c deletion strains as negative controls
Consider cross-species reactivity if studying conserved mechanisms
Understanding domain organization informs not only epitope selection but also hypotheses about protein function. For example, the localization of SPBC1198.03c to cell tips and the septum suggests potential domains involved in targeting to these structures, which may influence antibody accessibility in different experimental contexts.
SPBC1198.03c antibody can be incorporated into several proteomic workflows to investigate its function and regulation:
Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS):
Immunoprecipitate SPBC1198.03c and associated proteins using optimized IP conditions
Process samples for LC-MS/MS analysis using established protocols
Implement appropriate controls (IgG control, SPBC1198.03c deletion strain)
Data analysis: Compare identified proteins against background using statistical methods
Validation: Confirm key interactions by complementary methods
Chromatin proteomics approaches:
Given the nuclear localization of SPBC1198.03c, chromatin proteomics may be informative
Adapt protocols from quantitative proteomic analysis of chromatin-bound proteins in S. pombe
Fractionate cells to isolate chromatin-bound proteins
Compare chromatin proteome between wild-type and SPBC1198.03c deletion strains
Post-translational modification mapping:
Immunoprecipitate SPBC1198.03c under various conditions
Analyze by MS/MS to identify phosphorylation, ubiquitination, or other modifications
Investigate condition-dependent changes in modification patterns
Absolute quantification strategy:
Develop a targeted MS assay (PRM or SRM) for SPBC1198.03c
Use stable isotope-labeled standard peptides for absolute quantification
Measure protein abundance changes across conditions or mutant strains
Data analysis framework:
Implement appropriate statistical methods for comparison between conditions
Network analysis to place SPBC1198.03c in functional protein clusters
Pathway enrichment analysis to identify biological processes associated with SPBC1198.03c
These proteomic approaches provide complementary information about SPBC1198.03c function, regulation, and position within cellular networks.
For researchers investigating SPBC1198.03c function through mutational analysis, the following methodological framework can be implemented:
Deletion strain construction:
Utilize PCR-based gene targeting with selection markers (e.g., ura4+, kan)
Design primers with ~80 bp homology to regions flanking SPBC1198.03c
Transform S. pombe using lithium acetate method as described in previous protocols
Select transformants on appropriate selective media
Confirm deletion by PCR across deletion junctions and Southern blotting
Point mutation and domain deletion strategy:
Implement CRISPR/Cas9 system adapted for S. pombe
Alternatively, use PCR-based site-directed mutagenesis
Design repair templates containing desired mutations
For domain deletions, ensure in-frame fusion of remaining regions
Verification by sequencing
Conditional systems implementation:
Fluorescent tagging strategy:
C- or N-terminal tagging with GFP or other fluorescent proteins
Consider linker optimization to maintain protein function
Verify fusion protein functionality by complementation tests
Phenotypic validation framework:
Growth assays under various conditions (temperature, nutrients, stress)
Cell morphology analysis
Cell cycle progression assessment
Specific assays based on localization at cell tips and septum
Chromosome segregation analysis given potential nuclear functions
| Mutation Type | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Complete deletion | Eliminates all function | May miss conditional or domain-specific roles |
| Domain deletions | Reveals domain-specific functions | Requires domain knowledge |
| Point mutations | Precise targeting of specific residues | Requires structure/function information |
| Conditional systems | Allows study of essential functions | System-specific limitations |
This comprehensive approach provides multiple avenues to investigate SPBC1198.03c function through complementary mutational strategies.
To establish functional relationships between SPBC1198.03c and homologous proteins in other organisms, researchers can employ the following analytical framework:
Sequence-based homology identification:
BLAST/PSI-BLAST searches against protein databases
Hidden Markov Model (HMM) approaches for sensitive detection of remote homologs
Multiple sequence alignment to identify conserved residues and domains
Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary relationships
Structural comparison methodology:
Predict or determine three-dimensional structures
Structural alignment to identify conserved folding patterns
Analysis of conserved surface patches that may indicate functional sites
Comparison of electrostatic surface potentials
Functional conservation assessment:
Comparative analysis of knockout/mutant phenotypes across species
Complementation studies (can homologs functionally substitute for each other?)
Comparison of protein-protein interaction networks
Subcellular localization comparison
Expression pattern analysis:
Compare tissue/cell type-specific expression in multicellular organisms
Analyze condition-dependent expression changes across species
Identify conserved regulatory elements in promoter regions
Data integration strategy:
Synthesize findings from multiple approaches
Weight evidence based on reliability of methods
Develop testable hypotheses about conserved functions
This comparative approach leverages evolutionary conservation to gain insights into SPBC1198.03c function, particularly when direct experimental data is limited.
Analysis of epitope conservation across species provides valuable insights for both antibody development and evolutionary biology:
Conservation mapping methodology:
Perform multiple sequence alignment of SPBC1198.03c homologs
Map regions recognized by the antibody onto the alignment
Quantify conservation scores for epitope regions
Identify invariant residues within epitopes
Cross-reactivity prediction framework:
Based on epitope conservation, predict potential cross-reactivity with homologs
Evaluate cross-species conservation of three-dimensional epitope structure
Assess impact of non-conserved residues on antibody binding
Experimental cross-reactivity assessment:
Test antibody reactivity against recombinant homologs from other species
Perform Western blot and immunoprecipitation using lysates from related yeasts
Quantify binding affinity differences between homologs
Functional epitope analysis:
Determine if conserved epitopes correspond to functional domains
Assess whether antibody binding affects protein function
Use antibody as a probe for evolutionarily conserved interaction surfaces
Application to evolutionary studies:
Use conservation patterns to infer selective pressures
Identify regions under purifying selection (highly conserved)
Detect regions under diversifying selection (highly variable)
When encountering variable or unexpected results with SPBC1198.03c antibody in Western blotting, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Sample preparation optimization:
Compare different lysis methods: TCA extraction vs. mechanical disruption
Test various lysis buffers with different detergents and salt concentrations
Include appropriate protease and phosphatase inhibitors
Standardize protein quantification method and loading amount
Evaluate both denaturing and native conditions if protein complexes are relevant
Electrophoresis parameter optimization:
Test different gel percentages to optimize resolution
Compare reducing vs. non-reducing conditions
Adjust running conditions (voltage, time, temperature)
Evaluate the impact of different sample buffers and heating conditions
Transfer and detection optimization:
Compare wet and semi-dry transfer methods
Optimize transfer time and current based on protein size
Test different membrane types (PVDF vs. nitrocellulose)
Evaluate blocking reagents (BSA vs. milk) for optimal signal-to-noise ratio
Titrate primary antibody concentration (typically 1:500 to 1:5000)
Optimize secondary antibody dilution and incubation conditions
Controls and validation:
Include positive control (recombinant protein if available)
Use SPBC1198.03c deletion strain as negative control
Consider epitope-tagged version as additional control
Perform peptide competition assay to confirm specificity
Data analysis recommendations:
This systematic approach identifies variables affecting Western blot performance and leads to a robust, reproducible protocol for SPBC1198.03c detection.
Non-specific binding in immunoprecipitation with SPBC1198.03c antibody can be addressed through this systematic optimization framework:
Pre-clearing optimization:
Implement pre-clearing step with beads alone
Test different pre-clearing durations (1-3 hours)
Optimize bead type and amount for pre-clearing
Buffer composition adjustments:
Systematically test increasing salt concentrations (100-500 mM)
Evaluate different detergent types and concentrations
Add competing proteins (BSA, gelatin) to reduce non-specific interactions
Consider adding agents like glycerol to stabilize specific interactions
Bead selection and blocking:
Compare different matrices (Sepharose, magnetic, agarose)
Test pre-blocking of beads with BSA or non-fat milk
Evaluate directly conjugated antibody vs. protein A/G-mediated capture
Washing protocol optimization:
Implement increasingly stringent wash conditions
Test graduated washing with buffers of increasing stringency
Optimize number of washes and wash volume
Compare different handling methods to minimize bead loss
Experimental controls implementation:
Include no-antibody control
Use non-specific IgG as negative control
Include SPBC1198.03c deletion strain as specificity control
Consider denaturing IPs for direct interactors vs. native conditions for complexes
| Parameter | Test Range | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Salt concentration | 100-500 mM NaCl | Reduces non-specific ionic interactions |
| Detergent | 0.1-1% Triton/NP-40 | Decreases hydrophobic interactions |
| Bead amount | 10-50 μl packed volume | Balances specific binding vs. background |
| Antibody amount | 1-10 μg | Optimizes signal-to-noise ratio |
| Wash stringency | Mild to harsh | Removes non-specific binders while retaining specific ones |
This comprehensive approach systematically identifies and addresses sources of non-specific binding to optimize immunoprecipitation specificity.
To optimize ELISA performance with SPBC1198.03c antibody, researchers should consider this detailed methodological framework:
Antigen preparation optimization:
For direct ELISA: Use purified recombinant SPBC1198.03c
For sandwich ELISA: Test different capture antibodies or recombinant protein
Optimize coating concentration (typically 1-10 μg/ml)
Compare coating buffers (carbonate buffer pH 9.6 vs. PBS)
Evaluate coating temperature and duration (4°C overnight vs. 37°C for 2 hours)
Blocking conditions assessment:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, non-fat milk, commercial blockers)
Optimize blocking time and temperature
Evaluate washing buffer composition (PBS-T concentration)
Determine optimal washing protocol (number of washes, volume, duration)
Antibody dilution optimization:
Perform antibody titration (serial dilutions from 1:100 to 1:100,000)
Test different diluents (with/without blocking protein)
Optimize incubation time and temperature
For sandwich ELISA: Test different detection antibody combinations
Detection system considerations:
Compare HRP vs. AP enzyme conjugates
Evaluate different substrate options (TMB, ABTS, pNPP)
Optimize substrate incubation time
Select appropriate stopping method and timing
Validation and quality control:
Include standard curve with recombinant protein
Implement positive and negative controls
Assess intra- and inter-assay variability
Determine detection limit and dynamic range
| Parameter | Optimization Range | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Coating concentration | 1-10 μg/ml | Higher isn't always better; can increase background |
| Antibody dilution | 1:1,000-1:100,000 | Balance signal strength vs. specificity |
| Incubation time | 1-16 hours | Longer may increase sensitivity but also background |
| Temperature | 4°C, RT, 37°C | Higher temperature speeds reaction but may reduce specificity |
These systematic optimization steps ensure maximum sensitivity and specificity for quantitative detection of SPBC1198.03c in ELISA formats.
SPBC1198.03c antibody can be adapted for emerging single-cell techniques using the following methodological approaches:
Single-cell immunofluorescence optimization:
Implement microfluidic cell capture devices for consistent processing
Optimize fixation for single cells (concentration, duration, temperature)
Develop automated imaging protocols with consistent parameters
Implement machine learning-based image analysis for quantification
Correlate SPBC1198.03c localization with cell cycle markers
Flow cytometry adaptation:
Optimize cell permeabilization for intracellular staining
Test fixation methods compatible with antibody epitope
Develop co-staining protocols with cell cycle markers
Implement controls for autofluorescence and non-specific binding
Consider fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate specific subpopulations
Single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) implementation:
Metal-conjugate SPBC1198.03c antibody using commercial kits
Develop multiplexed panel with other proteins of interest
Optimize staining concentrations for balanced signal
Implement clustering and dimensionality reduction for data analysis
Single-cell Western blotting approach:
Adapt protocols for microfluidic single-cell western platforms
Optimize lysis conditions for single cells
Determine detection limits for SPBC1198.03c at single-cell level
Correlate protein levels with phenotypic features
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) for protein interactions:
Combine SPBC1198.03c antibody with antibodies against potential interactors
Optimize probe concentrations and hybridization conditions
Implement appropriate controls for specificity
Quantify interaction signals at single-cell resolution
These advanced techniques provide insights into cell-to-cell variability in SPBC1198.03c expression, localization, and interactions that might be masked in population-based analyses.
To place SPBC1198.03c in broader genomic contexts, researchers can implement these integrative approaches:
ChIP-seq methodology:
Optimize ChIP protocol for SPBC1198.03c as described in section 2.1
Prepare libraries for next-generation sequencing
Implement appropriate controls (input DNA, non-specific IgG)
Analysis pipeline:
Quality control and read alignment to reference genome
Peak calling using appropriate algorithms
Motif discovery for potential DNA binding sites
Integration with gene expression data
Genetic interaction mapping:
Synthetic genetic array (SGA) with SPBC1198.03c deletion
Quantify genetic interactions using growth phenotypes
Classify interactions (synthetic lethal, suppressor, etc.)
Network analysis to identify functional clusters
Transcriptome analysis integration:
Compare RNA-seq profiles between wild-type and SPBC1198.03c mutant strains
Identify differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways
Correlate expression changes with potential direct and indirect effects
Integration with ChIP-seq data to identify direct regulatory targets
Protein interaction network analysis:
Combine IP-MS data with published protein interaction databases
Network visualization and community detection
Identification of SPBC1198.03c in protein complexes
Integration with genetic interaction data
Multi-omics data integration:
Develop computational framework to integrate diverse datasets
Implement machine learning approaches for pattern recognition
Construct predictive models of SPBC1198.03c function
Validate key predictions experimentally
This integrative approach places SPBC1198.03c in the context of cellular networks and reveals its position in broader biological processes.