SPBC21D10.08c refers to a specific gene/protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast), which serves as an important model organism in cell biology research. This protein is part of the extensive research into S. pombe cell wall formation and cell cycle regulation. Antibodies against this protein allow researchers to study its expression, localization, and function in various cellular processes .
The significance of studying this protein stems from the broader importance of S. pombe in understanding fundamental cellular mechanisms, including cell cycle regulation, cell wall formation, and protein degradation pathways that are conserved in higher eukaryotes, including humans.
When selecting a SPBC21D10.08c antibody, consider these critical specifications:
Most importantly, review validation data provided by the manufacturer and independent literature to confirm the antibody's performance in your intended application .
Proper antibody validation is crucial for reliable research results. Follow this step-by-step validation approach:
Positive and negative controls:
Multiple technique validation:
Application-specific validation:
Documentation:
Remember that antibody validation is not a one-time process but should be repeated for new antibody batches and applications .
For optimal Western blotting with SPBC21D10.08c antibody in S. pombe samples:
Sample Preparation:
Extract total proteins using the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) method for best results with S. pombe
For membrane proteins, consider spheroplasting of S. pombe cells first
Use appropriate protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Quantify protein concentrations to ensure equal loading
Western Blot Protocol:
Protein Separation:
Use 10-12% SDS-PAGE gels depending on the target protein's molecular weight
Load 20-30 μg of total protein per lane
Include molecular weight markers
Transfer and Blocking:
Antibody Incubation:
Dilute primary SPBC21D10.08c antibody 1:500 to 1:2000 in blocking buffer
Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle shaking
Wash 3-5 times with TBST, 5 minutes each
Incubate with appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (typically anti-rabbit IgG)
Wash 3-5 times with TBST, 5 minutes each
Detection:
Critical Considerations:
Always include positive and negative controls
For time-course experiments, maintain consistent protocols across all time points
Consider using recombinant tagged proteins as additional specificity controls
Optimized Immunofluorescence Protocol for S. pombe:
Co-Immunoprecipitation Strategy for SPBC21D10.08c:
Experimental Design Considerations:
Determine if you need to preserve weak or transient interactions
Consider using crosslinking agents for transient interactions
Plan for appropriate controls (non-specific IgG, input samples, etc.)
Consider using tagged versions of interacting proteins for verification
Cell Lysis Optimization:
Use gentle lysis buffers to preserve protein-protein interactions
Standard buffer: 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 0.5% NP-40, 1 mM EDTA
For membrane proteins: Consider using 1% digitonin or 0.5% CHAPS
Include protease inhibitors, phosphatase inhibitors, and reducing agents
Keep samples cold throughout the procedure
Antibody Binding and Precipitation:
Pre-clear lysates with Protein A/G beads to reduce non-specific binding
Use 2-5 μg of SPBC21D10.08c antibody per mg of total protein
Incubate antibody with lysate for 2-4 hours at 4°C with gentle rotation
Add pre-washed Protein A or G beads (for rabbit antibodies, Protein A is often preferred)
Incubate overnight at 4°C with gentle rotation
Washing and Elution:
Perform 4-5 washes with lysis buffer containing reduced detergent
Use gentle centrifugation (1000 × g for 1 minute) between washes
Elute proteins by boiling in SDS sample buffer or use specific peptide elution
Analysis Methods:
Critical Controls:
Input sample (5-10% of starting material)
IgG control (non-specific antibody of same isotype)
Beads-only control (no antibody)
Reciprocal co-IP with antibodies against suspected interacting partners
Troubleshooting Tips:
If no interaction is detected, consider crosslinking to stabilize transient interactions
Optimize salt and detergent concentrations to balance specificity and sensitivity
For weak interactions, consider proximity labeling approaches as alternatives
The study of proteasome and autophagy pathways in S. pombe using SPBC21D10.08c antibody requires specialized approaches:
Monitoring Protein Degradation:
Proteasome Inhibition Studies:
Autophagy Pathway Analysis:
Advanced Microscopy Approaches:
Perform co-localization studies with proteasome markers (e.g., Pad1) and autophagy markers (e.g., Atg8)
Use live-cell imaging to track protein dynamics during normal growth and stress conditions
Implement super-resolution microscopy for detailed localization studies
Stress Response Experiments:
Quantitative Analysis Methods:
Experimental Design Considerations:
To investigate SPBC21D10.08c in cell wall biosynthesis and septum formation:
Cell Wall Component Analysis:
Septum Formation Studies:
Genetic Interaction Analysis:
Gene Expression Studies:
Protein Localization During Cell Cycle:
Use the antibody for immunofluorescence at different cell cycle stages
Pay special attention to:
Localization during septum initiation
Redistribution during septum maturation
Presence during septum dissolution
Biochemical Interaction Studies:
Immunoprecipitate SPBC21D10.08c and identify interacting partners
Focus on interactions with known cell wall biosynthesis enzymes
Investigate protein complexes during different cell cycle stages
Cell Wall Integrity Pathway Analysis:
Examine SPBC21D10.08c regulation under cell wall stress (e.g., micafungin treatment)
Study protein levels after osmotic stress
Analyze localization changes in response to cell wall perturbations
Advanced Method: Cell Wall Fractionation:
Fractionate cell walls to separate different glucan layers
Analyze protein distribution across these fractions
Determine association with specific cell wall components
When facing conflicts between antibody-based protein detection and gene expression data for SPBC21D10.08c, consider these analytical approaches:
Common Causes of Discrepancies:
Systematic Validation Approach:
Verify antibody specificity using genetic controls:
Test in deletion or knockdown strains
Compare with epitope-tagged versions
Conduct time-course experiments to capture dynamic changes
Employ multiple detection methods (Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry)
Quantify protein using recombinant standards if possible
Post-Transcriptional Regulation Assessment:
Examine microRNA regulation of SPBC21D10.08c
Investigate RNA-binding protein interactions
Analyze mRNA stability and translation efficiency
Post-Translational Modification Analysis:
Identify potential modifications using phospho-specific or other PTM-specific antibodies
Perform proteomic analysis to identify modifications
Test if modifications affect antibody recognition
Cell Cycle-Dependent Expression:
Synchronize cells and analyze both mRNA and protein throughout the cell cycle
Look for time delays between transcription and translation
Consider protein degradation timing
Technical Considerations:
Evaluate sample preparation differences between techniques
Assess normalization methods used in each approach
Consider detection sensitivity limits for each method
Integrated Data Analysis:
Combine proteomics, transcriptomics, and antibody-based detection
Use mathematical modeling to reconcile different data types
Consider biological context in interpreting discrepancies
Common Issues and Solutions for SPBC21D10.08c Antibody Experiments:
No Signal or Weak Signal:
Potential Causes:
Insufficient antibody concentration
Protein degradation during sample preparation
Low expression of target protein
Epitope masking due to protein folding or modifications
Solutions:
Optimize antibody concentration (1:100 to 1:5000 dilution series)
Include protease inhibitors in all buffers
Enrich for the target protein via fractionation or immunoprecipitation
Try different epitope exposure methods (e.g., heat-mediated antigen retrieval)
Use alternative lysis methods that may better preserve the protein
High Background:
Potential Causes:
Non-specific binding of primary or secondary antibody
Insufficient blocking
Too high antibody concentration
Cross-reactivity with similar proteins
Solutions:
Optimize blocking conditions (try BSA vs. milk, increase blocking time)
Increase washing steps (number and duration)
Reduce antibody concentration
Pre-absorb antibody with non-specific proteins
Use more stringent washing buffers (increase salt or detergent slightly)
Multiple Bands in Western Blot:
Potential Causes:
Protein degradation
Post-translational modifications
Splice variants
Cross-reactivity
Solutions:
Use fresh samples with appropriate protease inhibitors
Analyze with phosphatase treatment if phosphorylation is suspected
Compare with recombinant protein standard
Perform peptide competition assay to confirm specificity
Test in knockout/knockdown cells to identify specific band
Inconsistent Results Between Experiments:
Potential Causes:
Sample preparation inconsistencies
Cell cycle-dependent expression
Experimental condition variations
Solutions:
Poor Immunofluorescence Staining:
Potential Causes:
Inadequate fixation
Insufficient permeabilization
Epitope masking
Antibody concentration issues
Solutions:
Test different fixation methods (PFA vs. methanol)
Optimize permeabilization conditions
Try different antigen retrieval methods
Adjust antibody concentration and incubation times
Include known localization markers as controls
Failed Immunoprecipitation:
Potential Causes:
Low affinity of antibody for native protein
Harsh lysis conditions disrupting epitope
Epitope masked in protein complexes
Insufficient antibody amount
Solutions:
Verify antibody works with native (non-denatured) protein
Try gentler lysis buffers
Cross-link protein complexes before lysis
Increase antibody amount or incubation time
Try different antibody orientation (e.g., direct coupling to beads)
Evaluating Antibody Effectiveness After Storage:
Initial Quality Assessment:
Check for visible precipitates or cloudiness in the antibody solution
Verify pH stability with pH strips if sufficient volume is available
Document physical appearance before proceeding
Functional Validation Protocol:
Quick Western Blot Test:
Run a Western blot with a known positive control sample
Use the same protocol that previously worked well
Compare signal intensity and specificity to previous results
Include a loading control to normalize results
ELISA Validation (if applicable):
Perform a simple ELISA with known positive samples
Create a standard curve using serial dilutions
Compare sensitivity and detection range to previous data
Dot Blot Screening (for rapid assessment):
Spot 1-2 μl of positive control protein in serial dilutions
Proceed with standard antibody incubation and detection
Compare sensitivity to previous results or fresh antibody
Sensitivity Determination:
Prepare serial dilutions of the antibody (e.g., 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:5000)
Test each dilution under identical conditions
Compare optimal dilution to previously established working concentration
A significant shift in optimal dilution suggests degradation
Specificity Assessment:
Test on both positive and negative control samples
Verify that the pattern of reactivity remains consistent
Check for emergence of new cross-reactivity or background
Storage Recommendations for Future Use:
Recovery Strategies for Partially Degraded Antibodies:
Concentrate the antibody if signal is weak but specific
Add stabilizing proteins (BSA) if not already present
Filter to remove any precipitates
Test higher concentrations to compensate for partial loss of activity
Documentation and Decision Making:
Document all validation results systematically
Establish go/no-go criteria based on your specific application needs
Consider replacement if activity falls below 70% of original effectiveness
When facing contradictory results between different antibody validation methods for SPBC21D10.08c, apply this systematic evaluation framework:
Hierarchical Evaluation of Validation Methods:
| Validation Method | Reliability Ranking | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic knockout/knockdown controls | Highest | Definitively identifies specific signal | Not always available for essential genes |
| Orthogonal detection methods (MS, CRISPR) | Very High | Independent verification of protein identity | Requires specialized equipment |
| Independent antibodies to different epitopes | High | Confirms target identity through multiple sites | May have different affinities/specificities |
| Tagged protein expression | Medium-High | Direct comparison with antibody signal | Tagging may alter protein behavior |
| Peptide competition | Medium | Confirms epitope specificity | Does not rule out cross-reactivity with similar epitopes |
| Western blot molecular weight | Medium-Low | Basic verification of target size | Many proteins have similar molecular weights |
| Manufacturer validation data | Variable | Provides baseline expectations | May not match your experimental conditions |
Application-Specific Considerations:
Different validation methods may be more relevant for specific applications
For Western blots: molecular weight, knockout controls, and peptide competition are most relevant
For immunofluorescence: localization pattern, knockout controls, and tagged protein comparisons are critical
For IP: enrichment of specific interactors and mass spectrometry verification are key
Systematic Troubleshooting Approach:
Start with the most reliable validation method available for your system
Test multiple sample preparation methods to rule out technical artifacts
Investigate whether contradictions are application-specific or universal
Consider post-translational modifications that may affect recognition
Decision-Making Framework:
When contradictions exist between methods, prioritize results from genetic controls
If contradictions persist, consider:
Using multiple antibodies and reporting all results
Implementing orthogonal detection methods
Redesigning experiments to accommodate limitations
Reporting and Transparency:
Advanced Resolution Strategies:
Epitope mapping to identify exact binding sites
Mass spectrometry validation of immunoprecipitated proteins
Cross-validation with CRISPR-engineered cell lines
Consultation with antibody specialists for technical input
Integrating SPBC21D10.08c Antibody with Proximity Labeling Techniques:
BioID Approach:
Create a fusion of SPBC21D10.08c with BirA* biotin ligase
Express in S. pombe under native promoter or controlled conditions
Supplement growth media with biotin (50 μM) for 12-24 hours
Lyse cells under denaturing conditions to capture all interacting proteins
Purify biotinylated proteins using streptavidin beads
Identify interactors through mass spectrometry analysis
Validate key interactions using SPBC21D10.08c antibody by co-IP
TurboID Implementation:
Generate TurboID-SPBC21D10.08c fusion (faster labeling than BioID)
Optimize biotin pulse length (10 minutes to 2 hours)
Process samples as with BioID approach
This method allows for temporal mapping of interactions
APEX2 Proximity Labeling:
Create APEX2-SPBC21D10.08c fusion
Treat cells with biotin-phenol (500 μM) for 30 minutes
Add H₂O₂ (1 mM) for 1 minute to catalyze labeling
Quench immediately with antioxidants
This method offers superior spatial and temporal resolution
Split-BioID for Specific Interaction Contexts:
Split BirA* into two fragments
Fuse one fragment to SPBC21D10.08c
Fuse the other to suspected interaction partners
Reconstitution of BirA* activity occurs only when proteins interact
This approach reduces background and increases specificity
Validation and Analysis Strategies:
Create interaction network maps using bioinformatics tools
Classify interactors based on cellular compartments and functions
Perform GO term enrichment analysis
Compare interactome in different conditions (e.g., cell cycle stages, stress)
Validate key interactions with reciprocal BioID experiments
Confirm selected interactions with SPBC21D10.08c antibody co-IP
Advanced Applications:
Combine with cell fractionation to focus on specific compartments
Implement with synchronized cultures to map cell cycle-dependent interactions
Integrate with CRISPR perturbations to identify functional dependencies
Combine with phosphoproteomics to link interactions with signaling events
Technical Considerations:
Confirm fusion protein functionality compared to native SPBC21D10.08c
Optimize expression levels to minimize artifacts from overexpression
Include appropriate controls (untransfected, BirA* alone, unrelated protein fusions)
Consider inducible systems for temporal control of labeling
Adapting SPBC21D10.08c Antibody for Super-Resolution Microscopy:
Antibody Modification Strategies:
Direct Fluorophore Conjugation:
Conjugate antibody with bright, photostable fluorophores compatible with super-resolution (e.g., Alexa Fluor 647, Janelia Fluor dyes)
Optimize degree of labeling (DOL) to maintain binding while maximizing signal
Purify conjugated antibody to remove free dye
Click Chemistry Approach:
Modify antibody with clickable handles (e.g., DBCO, azide)
Perform bio-orthogonal reaction with complementary fluorophores
This allows for greater flexibility in fluorophore selection
Secondary Antibody Methods:
Use high-quality secondary antibodies specifically designed for super-resolution
Consider Fab fragments for reduced size and closer proximity to targets
Specific Super-Resolution Techniques:
STORM/dSTORM Implementation:
Use buffer systems with oxygen scavengers (GLOX) and reducing agents (MEA)
Optimize switching buffer composition for S. pombe imaging
Collect 10,000-50,000 frames for reconstruction
PALM Adaptation:
Combine antibody labeling with photoactivatable/photoconvertible proteins
Create dual-color systems for correlative imaging
SIM Optimization:
Select high quantum yield fluorophores
Optimize sample mounting to minimize spherical aberration
Use thin sections or carefully optimized whole-cell preparations
Expansion Microscopy:
Link antibody to gel matrix before expansion
Validate epitope preservation after expansion
This technique is particularly useful for crowded structures
S. pombe-Specific Sample Preparation:
Cell Wall Considerations:
Optimize cell wall digestion to improve antibody penetration
Consider partial rather than complete cell wall removal to maintain structure
Use nanobodies or Fab fragments for better penetration
Fixation Optimization:
Test multiple fixation protocols to preserve ultrastructure
Combine with cytoskeleton stabilization for structural studies
Validate that fixation maintains target protein localization
Mounting Considerations:
Use imaging-specific mounting media with appropriate refractive index
For STORM, use specifically formulated switching buffers
Consider hardening mounting media for long acquisitions
Validation and Controls:
Compare with conventional imaging to verify localization patterns
Use multiple labeling approaches to confirm findings
Include appropriate fiducial markers for drift correction
Implement GFP/RFP tagged versions for correlation
Quantitative Analysis Methods:
Apply cluster analysis algorithms to quantify protein organization
Measure co-localization at nanoscale resolution
Implement specialized software for super-resolution image analysis
Develop custom analysis pipelines for S. pombe cellular architecture
Combining with Other Advanced Techniques:
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM)
Live-cell and fixed-cell correlative imaging
Multi-color super-resolution for interactome mapping
Time-resolved super-resolution for dynamic processes
Technical Considerations:
Optimize antibody concentration to achieve single-molecule density
Balance between specific signal and background fluorescence
Consider using smaller probes like nanobodies for improved resolution
Implement rigorous drift correction methods during image acquisition