KEGG: spo:SPAC1002.16c
STRING: 4896.SPAC1002.16c.1
SPAC1002.16c is a gene in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) that encodes a predicted nicotinic acid plasma membrane transporter. Understanding its function is important for several reasons:
As a membrane transporter, it plays a potential role in nutrient acquisition pathways
It represents one of many genes with specific roles in the fission yeast model system
The protein's function may provide insights into conserved membrane transport mechanisms across species
According to genetic database information, SPAC1002.16c is categorized within the GO (Gene Ontology) classifications for specific biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components .
When selecting a SPAC1002.16c antibody, researchers should evaluate:
Antibody type: The commercially available SPAC1002.16c antibody is a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbit against recombinant Schizosaccharomyces pombe (strain 972/ATCC 24843) SPAC1002.16c protein .
Validation status: Ensure the antibody has been validated for your specific application (e.g., Western blot, ELISA).
Species reactivity: Confirm specificity for S. pombe, as antibody cross-reactivity with other yeast species may complicate data interpretation.
Purification method: The available antibody is antigen affinity-purified, which enhances specificity .
Storage conditions: Proper storage at -20°C or -80°C is essential to maintain antibody integrity and performance .
Validation for well-characterized proteins often relies on established protocols and reference data. For less-studied proteins like SPAC1002.16c, validation requires additional considerations:
Knockout controls: Generation of SPAC1002.16c knockout strains is essential for validating antibody specificity, similar to approaches used in validating other yeast protein antibodies .
Orthogonal methods: Correlation with alternative detection methods (e.g., mass spectrometry, RNA-seq) provides stronger validation.
Expression systems: Recombinant expression systems can help establish baseline signals for validation.
Cross-reactivity assessment: Thorough testing against related membrane transporters is critical to confirm specificity.
Research shows well-characterized antibody reagents play a key role in research reproducibility, and inconsistent antibody performance leads to variability in Western blotting and other immunoassays .
For optimal Western blot results with SPAC1002.16c antibody:
Sample preparation:
Extract membrane proteins from S. pombe using appropriate buffer systems containing detergents suitable for membrane proteins
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
For membrane proteins like SPAC1002.16c, avoid boiling samples as this may cause aggregation
Gel electrophoresis and transfer:
Use 4-20% gradient gels for optimal separation
Transfer to nitrocellulose membranes at controlled voltage (e.g., 100V for 1 hour)
Blocking and antibody incubation:
Block with 5% milk in TBST for 1 hour
Incubate with SPAC1002.16c antibody at recommended dilution overnight at 4°C
Wash thoroughly with TBST (3 times, 5 minutes each)
Incubate with appropriate secondary antibody for 1 hour at room temperature
Detection and validation:
Use enhanced chemiluminescence for detection
Include positive and negative controls
Perform replicate experiments to ensure reproducibility
This protocol is based on standardized approaches for membrane protein detection in yeast .
For successful immunoprecipitation of SPAC1002.16c:
Antibody-bead preparation:
Add 2 μg of SPAC1002.16c antibody to 500 μL of IP lysis buffer
Add 30 μL of Protein A Dynabeads (for rabbit antibodies)
Incubate with rocking for ~1 hour at 4°C
Wash twice to remove unbound antibodies
Sample preparation:
Prepare membrane protein extracts from S. pombe using gentle lysis conditions
Adjust protein concentration to 1.5-2.0 mg/mL
Add protease inhibitor cocktail
Immunoprecipitation:
Incubate prepared extract with antibody-bead conjugate for ~1 hour at 4°C
Collect unbound fractions
Wash beads three times with 1.0 mL of IP lysis buffer
Process for SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis
Detection specificity:
This protocol is adapted from standardized approaches described for immunoprecipitation of membrane proteins .
Essential controls include:
Genetic controls:
SPAC1002.16c knockout strains as negative controls
Strains overexpressing SPAC1002.16c as positive controls
Wild-type strains for baseline expression
Antibody controls:
Non-specific IgG from the same species (rabbit) as a negative control
Pre-absorption with antigen to confirm specificity
Serial dilution of antibody to establish optimal concentration
Technical controls:
Loading controls for Western blot (e.g., actin or tubulin)
Dye-free gel lanes to detect autofluorescence
Replicate experiments to assess reproducibility
Validation controls:
Secondary antibody-only samples to detect non-specific binding
Correlation with orthogonal methods (e.g., mass spectrometry)
Research demonstrates that routine implementation of standardized antibody validation and reporting in immunoassays promotes improved reproducibility across the global life sciences community .
The antibody can be strategically employed to investigate:
Subcellular localization:
Immunofluorescence microscopy to determine precise membrane localization
Co-localization studies with other membrane markers
Changes in localization under different nutrient conditions, especially varying nicotinic acid concentrations
Temporal dynamics:
Protein-protein interactions:
Post-translational modifications:
Detection of phosphorylation, ubiquitination, or other modifications
Correlation of modifications with transporter activity
This multifaceted approach aligns with contemporary research on membrane protein dynamics in fission yeast .
Integration strategies include:
Multi-omics correlation:
Correlation of protein expression data with transcriptomics
Integration with metabolomics data to link transporter function with metabolic changes
Comparison with proteomics datasets from different growth conditions
Network analysis:
Construction of protein-protein interaction networks
Pathway analysis incorporating SPAC1002.16c function
Comparative analysis with other membrane transporters
Systems biology approaches:
Mathematical modeling of transporter dynamics
Integration with genome-scale metabolic models
Simulation of transporter activity under varying conditions
Comparative genomics:
Analysis across yeast species to identify conserved functions
Evolutionary studies of membrane transporter families
This integrated approach aligns with current fungal systems biology strategies described in research literature .
The antibody can reveal critical insights through:
Stress-induced expression changes:
Quantification of protein levels under various stressors (oxidative, osmotic, nutritional)
Correlation with stress-responsive transcription factors
Comparison with other nutrient transporters during stress
Functional analysis:
Association with stress-induced membrane reorganization
Changes in localization during stress response
Potential role in stress recovery
Genetic interaction studies:
Comparative analysis with stress-related proteins:
Co-regulation patterns with known stress proteins
Integration with data from stress response studies
Fission yeast stress response research reveals that membrane proteins often play critical roles in adaptation to changing environmental conditions .
| Challenge | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Weak or no signal | Low target expression | Use enriched membrane fractions; optimize extraction methods for membrane proteins |
| Insufficient antibody binding | Increase antibody concentration; extend incubation time to overnight at 4°C | |
| Poor transfer efficiency | Optimize transfer conditions for membrane proteins (use lower methanol concentration) | |
| Multiple bands/non-specific binding | Cross-reactivity | Use SPAC1002.16c knockout as negative control; pre-absorb antibody with recombinant antigen |
| Protein degradation | Use fresh samples; add additional protease inhibitors | |
| Post-translational modifications | Treat with phosphatases or deglycosylation enzymes to confirm band identity | |
| High background | Insufficient blocking | Increase blocking time; test alternative blocking agents (BSA vs milk) |
| Secondary antibody issues | Reduce secondary antibody concentration; include 0.05% Tween-20 in washing buffer |
Practical strategies for antibody validation address specificity, selectivity, and reproducibility in Western blot analysis, with emphasis on complementary methods to confirm observed effects .
For robust quantitative analysis:
Sample standardization:
Normalize protein loading using multiple housekeeping proteins
Include calibration curves with recombinant SPAC1002.16c protein
Process all comparative samples simultaneously
Image acquisition:
Use calibrated digital imaging systems with linear dynamic range
Capture multiple exposures to ensure signal is within linear range
Avoid saturated pixels that prevent accurate quantification
Data analysis:
Apply background subtraction consistently across all samples
Use software that enables precise band intensity measurement
Analyze replicate samples to establish statistical significance
Validation approaches:
Compare results from multiple antibody dilutions
Correlate Western blot data with other quantitative methods
Perform statistical analysis with appropriate tests (ANOVA, t-test)
Methodology papers emphasize that antibody should produce reproducible results within and between Western blotting experiments, with observed effects confirmed using complementary methods .
To differentiate true signals from artifacts:
Rigorous controls:
Use SPAC1002.16c knockout cells as negative controls
Pre-absorb antibody with recombinant antigen
Include secondary antibody-only controls
Validation techniques:
Confirm localization with multiple antibodies (if available)
Correlate with fluorescently tagged SPAC1002.16c
Use orthogonal approaches (subcellular fractionation)
Image acquisition and analysis:
Use identical acquisition settings for experimental and control samples
Perform colocalization analysis with known membrane markers
Implement statistical analysis of signal distribution
Signal verification:
Test specificity through competitive blocking with recombinant protein
Perform signal quantification across multiple cells and experiments
Apply deconvolution or super-resolution techniques for precise localization
Research demonstrates that standardized approaches to immunolocalization significantly improve reproducibility and reliability of results .
Future evolutionary studies could leverage the antibody to:
Comparative expression analysis:
Examine cross-reactivity with homologous transporters in related yeast species
Compare expression patterns and regulation across evolutionary distances
Investigate structural conservation of epitopes recognized by the antibody
Functional conservation studies:
Determine if localization patterns are conserved across species
Investigate whether regulatory mechanisms are maintained through evolution
Study complementation of function across species
Structural biology applications:
Use antibodies to purify native protein for structural studies
Compare membrane topology across species
Identify conserved functional domains
Evolutionary proteomics:
Track evolutionary changes in post-translational modifications
Investigate co-evolution with interacting proteins
Study species-specific adaptations in membrane transporter function
Genome evolution studies in Hemiascomycete yeasts provide context for understanding the evolution of membrane transporters across fungal species .
The antibody could reveal sporulation-related functions through:
Expression dynamics during sporulation:
Time-course analysis of protein levels throughout sporulation
Localization changes during forespore membrane formation
Potential roles in nutrient transport during spore maturation
Functional investigations:
Mechanistic studies:
Potential involvement in forespore membrane breakdown
Investigation of interactions with cytochrome c and other sporulation factors
Assessment of roles in spore wall formation
Genetic interaction analysis:
Examination of genetic interactions with known sporulation genes
Construction of double mutants to identify synthetic phenotypes
Integration with sporulation-specific gene expression data
Research in S. pombe has identified that membrane transporters and RNA-binding proteins like Meu5 play crucial roles in sporulation, particularly in forespore membrane dynamics .
Integration strategies include:
Systematic interaction mapping:
Large-scale co-immunoprecipitation studies to map the interactome
Proximity labeling approaches to identify membrane-proximal proteins
Correlation of interactions with functional genomics data
Advanced screening approaches:
Antibody-based screens in deletion libraries
Synthetic genetic array analysis incorporating antibody-based readouts
Chemical-genetic profiling with antibody detection
Multi-dimensional data integration:
Correlation of protein expression with transcriptomics and metabolomics
Integration with protein-protein interaction networks
Incorporation into genome-scale metabolic models
Systems-level analysis:
Network analysis of membrane transporter systems
Pathway modeling incorporating transporter functions
Mathematical modeling of nutrient acquisition systems
Current functional genomics studies in S. pombe demonstrate that integrative approaches provide comprehensive understanding of biological systems at the cellular level .