KEGG: spo:SPBC21B10.07
STRING: 4896.SPBC21B10.07.1
SPBC21B10.07 is a gene/protein from Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast), identifiable in databases such as KEGG (spo:SPBC21B10.07) and STRING (4896.SPBC21B10.07.1) . S. pombe serves as an important model organism for studying fundamental eukaryotic cellular processes, including cell cycle regulation, DNA repair mechanisms, and chromosome dynamics. The protein encoded by SPBC21B10.07 is of particular interest for researchers investigating conserved cellular pathways that may have homologs in higher eukaryotes including humans.
The antibody against this protein provides a critical research tool for:
Determining subcellular localization
Studying protein expression levels under different conditions
Investigating protein-protein interactions
Analyzing post-translational modifications
Proper validation of SPBC21B10.07 antibodies is essential for generating reliable experimental data. A multi-faceted approach is recommended:
| Validation Method | Procedure | Expected Result | Common Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | Compare wild-type vs. knockout/knockdown strains | Single band at expected MW in wild-type, reduced/absent in knockout | Non-specific bands, inconsistent loading |
| Immunoprecipitation + MS | Pull-down followed by mass spectrometry identification | SPBC21B10.07 as primary identified protein | Co-precipitation of interacting proteins |
| Immunofluorescence | Compare localization pattern in wild-type vs. knockout cells | Specific subcellular pattern in wild-type, absent in knockout | Autofluorescence, fixation artifacts |
| Peptide Competition | Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide | Loss of specific signal | Incomplete blocking |
To maintain antibody functionality and prevent degradation, SPBC21B10.07 antibodies should be stored according to established guidelines:
Store at 2-8°C for up to 12 months for conjugated antibodies
For long-term storage, aliquot and maintain at -20°C to -80°C
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (limit to <5)
Protect fluorophore-conjugated antibodies from light exposure
Do not freeze certain conjugated antibodies (follow manufacturer specifications)
When investigating SPBC21B10.07 protein interactions, consider implementing these methodological approaches:
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP): Use anti-SPBC21B10.07 antibodies to pull down the protein complex, followed by Western blotting for potential interacting partners. Include appropriate controls:
IgG control precipitation
Reverse Co-IP with antibodies against suspected interacting partners
Knockout/knockdown validation
Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA): This technique can visualize protein-protein interactions in situ with high sensitivity.
Use primary antibodies from different species against SPBC21B10.07 and potential interacting partners
Verify antibody compatibility in multiplex assays
Include positive and negative interaction controls
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC): For live-cell interaction studies.
The experimental approach should incorporate appropriate controls and statistical design principles as outlined in standard reference texts for biological research .
Optimized Western blot protocols for SPBC21B10.07 antibodies should consider:
Sample Preparation:
Lyse cells in buffer containing protease inhibitors
Include phosphatase inhibitors if studying phosphorylation states
Determine optimal protein load (typically 20-50 μg total protein)
Electrophoresis and Transfer:
Use appropriate percentage acrylamide gel based on protein size
Optimize transfer conditions (wet or semi-dry) based on protein size
Antibody Incubation:
Test antibody dilutions (typically starting at 1:1000)
Determine optimal blocking solution (5% BSA or non-fat milk)
Optimize incubation time and temperature (4°C overnight or room temperature for 1-2 hours)
Detection:
Select appropriate secondary antibody (species-specific, conjugated to HRP or fluorophore)
Include molecular weight markers
Consider using loading controls for normalization
Similar methodological considerations should be applied as those used in flow cytometry applications for other research antibodies .
Effective immunofluorescence with SPBC21B10.07 antibodies requires:
Fixation Optimization:
Test multiple fixation methods (paraformaldehyde, methanol, or acetone)
Optimize fixation time and temperature
Evaluate permeabilization conditions (Triton X-100, saponin, or digitonin)
Antibody Parameters:
Titrate primary antibody concentrations
Optimize incubation conditions (time, temperature, buffer composition)
Select appropriate fluorophore-conjugated secondary antibodies
Controls:
Include negative controls (secondary antibody only, isotype control)
Use knockout/knockdown samples as specificity controls
Include positive controls with known localization patterns
Image Acquisition:
Use appropriate microscopy technique (confocal, wide-field, super-resolution)
Standardize exposure settings across samples
Collect z-stacks for 3D localization analysis
Accurate quantification of Western blot data requires:
Image acquisition using a linear detection system (digital imager preferred over film)
Analysis with specialized software (ImageJ, Image Studio, etc.)
Background subtraction using appropriate methods
Normalization to loading controls (GAPDH, β-actin, total protein stain)
Statistical analysis across multiple biological replicates
Quantification Protocol:
Define regions of interest (ROIs) of consistent size
Subtract local background from each lane
Normalize to loading control
Calculate relative expression compared to control condition
Cross-reactivity presents a significant challenge in antibody-based research. For SPBC21B10.07 studies:
Identification of Cross-Reactivity:
Unexpected bands in Western blots
Non-specific staining patterns in immunofluorescence
Positive signals in knockout/knockdown controls
Inconsistent results across different antibody lots
Resolution Strategies:
Test multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Use antibody combination approaches, similar to strategies employed for challenging targets such as SARS-CoV-2 variants
Implement epitope mapping to identify specificity determinants
Adjust blocking conditions (increase BSA concentration, add mild detergents)
Pre-absorb antibody with related proteins or lysates from knockout cells
Investigating post-translational modifications (PTMs) of SPBC21B10.07 requires specialized approaches:
Phosphorylation Studies:
Use phospho-specific antibodies if available
Combine with phosphatase treatments as controls
Consider Phos-tag gels to separate phosphorylated species
Use mass spectrometry to identify specific phosphorylation sites
Ubiquitination Analysis:
Perform immunoprecipitation under denaturing conditions
Blot for ubiquitin after SPBC21B10.07 immunoprecipitation
Use proteasome inhibitors to stabilize ubiquitinated proteins
SUMOylation Detection:
Similar to ubiquitination analysis with SUMO-specific antibodies
Consider temperature-sensitive SUMO protease mutants for validation
Methodological Considerations:
Include appropriate positive controls for each PTM
Validate PTM-specific antibodies rigorously
Consider genetic approaches (mutate PTM sites) for validation
Genetic variations can significantly impact antibody epitope recognition, similar to observations with SARS-CoV-2 variant studies :
Analysis Approach:
Sequence SPBC21B10.07 across different strains to identify variations
Map variations to known antibody epitopes
Test antibody binding using recombinant proteins with specific mutations
Develop antibody combinations targeting conserved epitopes
Mitigation Strategies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
Design new antibodies against highly conserved regions
Consider aptamer-based alternatives for highly variable regions
Implement computational prediction of epitope conservation
Studies of antibody escape in viral variants provide instructive parallels, where single mutations can significantly reduce antibody recognition .
Developing multiplexed systems for simultaneous detection of SPBC21B10.07 and other targets:
Methodological Approaches:
Flow Cytometry Multiplexing:
Multiplex Immunofluorescence Imaging:
Use spectral unmixing for closely overlapping fluorophores
Implement sequential staining protocols if antibody species conflict
Consider tyramide signal amplification for low-abundance targets
Use nuclear counterstains for cell identification
Multiplex Western Blotting:
Utilize different fluorophores for simultaneous detection
Implement stripping and re-probing protocols for sequential detection
Validate that stripping does not affect subsequent antibody binding
Careful validation using single-plex controls is essential for accurate interpretation of multiplex data.
Understanding sources of variability is crucial for reproducible research:
| Variable Source | Impact | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody lot variation | Different epitope recognition, affinity | Test new lots against reference samples |
| Sample preparation | Protein degradation, PTM loss | Standardize protocols, use protease/phosphatase inhibitors |
| Cell/culture conditions | Expression level changes | Maintain consistent growth conditions |
| Detection system | Sensitivity differences | Use standard curves, consistent exposure times |
| Data analysis | Subjective interpretation | Automated analysis, blinded quantification |
Implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality control checkpoints can significantly reduce experimental variability.
When different antibodies targeting SPBC21B10.07 yield contradictory results:
Verify epitope differences:
Map the epitopes recognized by each antibody
Determine if post-translational modifications affect recognition
Consider if protein conformation impacts antibody accessibility
Validate each antibody independently:
Test specificity using knockout/knockdown controls
Perform peptide competition assays
Evaluate performance across multiple applications
Consider biological explanations:
Different isoforms or splice variants
Stage-specific or condition-specific modifications
Protein-protein interactions masking epitopes
Implement orthogonal techniques:
Use non-antibody methods (MS, CRISPR tagging)
Apply genetic approaches (mutational analysis)
Consider in vitro binding studies with recombinant proteins
Similar approaches have been used to reconcile contradictory findings in studies of antibody responses to viral variants .