KEGG: spo:SPAC630.12
STRING: 4896.SPAC630.12.1
SPAC630.12 is a gene/protein designation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast) nomenclature, with antibodies against this target being valuable tools for studying its cellular functions. Similar to how p63 functions as a transcription factor predominantly localized to the nucleus, SPAC630.12 may play regulatory roles in cellular processes that can be investigated using specific antibodies . The protein belongs to a category of nuclear regulatory factors, potentially involved in transcriptional regulation, chromatin organization, or cell cycle control mechanisms based on patterns observed in related proteins. Understanding the subcellular localization of SPAC630.12 is crucial for designing experiments, as this information helps determine appropriate lysis conditions and experimental approaches. Researchers should consider potential post-translational modifications that might affect antibody recognition, similar to how splice variants of p63 (TAp63 and ΔNp63) exhibit different biological functions despite structural similarities .
Antibodies targeting proteins like SPAC630.12 are commonly employed in multiple experimental techniques similar to those used with other monoclonal antibodies. Western blotting represents a primary application, allowing researchers to detect and quantify target protein expression across different experimental conditions or genetic backgrounds . Immunoprecipitation provides another valuable approach, enabling the isolation of SPAC630.12 and associated protein complexes to identify interaction partners and functional relationships. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections allow visualization of the spatial distribution of SPAC630.12 within cells or tissues, providing insights into its localization and potential function . Flow cytometric analysis can be performed when studying cell populations where SPAC630.12 may mark specific cell types or states, similar to how CD45RB serves as a marker for specific immune cell populations . Additionally, ELISA-based assays may be developed for quantitative detection of SPAC630.12 in solution, offering a high-throughput approach for analyzing protein levels across multiple samples .
Proper storage and handling of SPAC630.12 antibody is essential to maintain its functionality and specificity across experiments. Most monoclonal antibodies require storage at -20°C for long-term stability, with aliquoting recommended to prevent repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can degrade antibody structure and reduce binding efficacy. When working with the antibody, it should be kept on ice or at 4°C to minimize degradation during experimental procedures. Researchers should pay careful attention to buffer compatibility, as some buffers may contain components that interfere with antibody-epitope interactions or cause precipitation. Similar to how flow cytometry antibodies like CD45RB are carefully filtered (0.2 μm post-manufacturing filtration), maintaining sterile conditions when handling antibody solutions prevents contamination that could affect experimental results . It's advisable to centrifuge antibody solutions briefly before use to remove any aggregates that might have formed during storage, which could contribute to non-specific binding or high background in sensitive applications like immunofluorescence.
Optimal antibody dilutions vary significantly across different experimental techniques and must be carefully determined to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio. For Western blotting applications, typical starting dilutions range from 1:500 to 1:2000, though this must be empirically determined for SPAC630.12 antibody based on target abundance and antibody affinity. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry generally require more concentrated antibody solutions, with typical ranges of 1:50 to 1:200, to ensure sufficient binding to fixed targets while minimizing background staining . Flow cytometry applications typically use antibody at ≤0.25 μg per test (where a test is defined as the amount needed to stain a cell sample in 100 μL final volume), with cell numbers ranging from 10^5 to 10^8 cells/test depending on the experiment design . For immunoprecipitation, higher antibody concentrations are usually necessary, with 1-5 μg of antibody typically used per sample to efficiently capture the target protein. Researchers should always perform dilution series during initial optimization experiments to determine the minimum antibody concentration that provides reliable, specific signal for their particular experimental system and conditions.
Successful immunoprecipitation (IP) with SPAC630.12 antibody depends on several critical technical factors that influence both efficiency and specificity. The choice of lysis buffer is paramount, as it must effectively solubilize the target protein while preserving its native conformation and epitope accessibility; buffers containing mild detergents like NP-40 or Triton X-100 at 0.1-1% are typically suitable starting points. Pre-clearing the lysate with protein A/G beads before adding the specific antibody significantly reduces non-specific binding, improving signal-to-noise ratio in downstream analyses. The antibody-to-lysate ratio requires careful optimization, as insufficient antibody leads to incomplete target capture while excess antibody can increase non-specific binding; starting with 1-5 μg of antibody per 500 μL of lysate containing 1-2 mg of total protein provides a reasonable initial condition . Incubation conditions significantly impact IP efficiency, with overnight incubation at 4°C with gentle rotation typically yielding optimal results by allowing sufficient time for antibody-antigen binding while minimizing protein degradation. Washing conditions represent a critical balance - insufficient washing fails to remove non-specifically bound proteins, while overly stringent washing can disrupt legitimate protein-protein interactions; a series of washes with decreasing salt concentrations often provides the best compromise.
Assessing and minimizing cross-reactivity is essential for generating reliable data with SPAC630.12 antibody. Comprehensive validation begins with Western blot analysis comparing wild-type samples against knockout or knockdown controls, which provides definitive evidence of antibody specificity by demonstrating band absence in samples lacking the target protein. Peptide competition assays offer another validation approach, where pre-incubation of the antibody with the immunizing peptide should abolish specific binding if the antibody is truly target-specific . When cross-reactivity is observed, increasing antibody dilution can sometimes improve specificity by reducing low-affinity non-specific interactions while maintaining high-affinity specific binding. Buffer optimization represents another strategy, where adjusting salt concentration (typically 100-500 mM NaCl), detergent type/concentration, or adding blocking agents like non-fat milk or BSA (1-5%) can significantly reduce non-specific binding . For techniques like immunofluorescence, implementing additional blocking steps with sera from the same species as the secondary antibody (typically 5-10%) effectively reduces background from secondary antibody cross-reactivity. Researchers should also consider using monoclonal antibodies when possible, as these typically exhibit higher specificity than polyclonal alternatives due to their recognition of a single epitope.
Rigorous experimental controls are critical for ensuring data validity and interpretability when working with SPAC630.12 antibody. Positive controls using samples known to express the target protein establish that the experimental conditions support successful detection, while negative controls using samples lacking the target (knockout/knockdown) confirm signal specificity . Isotype controls using non-specific antibodies of the same isotype and concentration as the SPAC630.12 antibody help distinguish between specific binding and Fc receptor-mediated or other non-specific interactions, particularly important in techniques like flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry . Loading controls (e.g., housekeeping proteins like GAPDH or β-actin for Western blotting) are essential for normalizing target protein signals across samples with potentially different total protein content. Secondary-only controls (omitting primary antibody) identify background from non-specific secondary antibody binding, while primary-only controls (omitting secondary antibody) establish baseline autofluorescence in fluorescence-based applications . Technical replicates assess experimental consistency while biological replicates confirm result reproducibility across independent samples. For quantitative applications, standard curves using recombinant protein at known concentrations enable absolute quantification of target proteins and validate the assay's dynamic range and sensitivity.
Validating antibody specificity across different model systems requires a multi-faceted approach to ensure reliable experimental outcomes. Genetic validation represents the gold standard, where demonstrating signal absence in knockout/knockdown samples provides definitive evidence of specificity; this approach should be implemented in each model system when possible . Orthogonal validation comparing antibody-based results with alternative detection methods (e.g., mass spectrometry, RNA-seq for corresponding transcript levels) increases confidence in antibody specificity. Cross-species validation examining antibody performance across evolutionary related proteins can provide insights into epitope conservation and potential cross-reactivity, particularly relevant when working with homologs of fission yeast proteins in different model organisms . Epitope mapping using truncated protein constructs or peptide arrays identifies the specific region recognized by the antibody, helping predict potential cross-reactivity with similar sequences in other proteins. Multiple antibody validation involves comparing results obtained with different antibodies targeting distinct epitopes on the same protein; concordant results strongly support specificity for the intended target . Signal correlation with expected biological contexts (e.g., subcellular localization, expression patterns, response to stimuli) provides additional evidence for antibody specificity when aligned with established knowledge about the target protein.
Troubleshooting weak or absent Western blot signals requires systematic evaluation of each experimental step. Sample preparation issues may include insufficient protein extraction, degradation during handling, or incompatible buffer components; implementing protease inhibitors, optimizing lysis conditions, and verifying protein concentration through Bradford/BCA assays can address these concerns . Transfer efficiency problems commonly manifest as weak signals and can be resolved by optimizing transfer conditions (buffer composition, voltage/current, duration) and verifying transfer success using reversible staining methods like Ponceau S. Primary antibody binding might be compromised by incorrect dilution, degradation, or epitope masking; researchers should try multiple dilutions, fresh antibody aliquots, and alternative membrane blocking agents (switching between milk and BSA can significantly impact results for some antibodies) . Detection system limitations can be addressed by extending substrate incubation time, switching to more sensitive detection methods (e.g., from colorimetric to chemiluminescent), or using signal enhancement systems like avidin-biotin amplification. Epitope accessibility issues may occur if proteins are not sufficiently denatured; increasing SDS concentration in the sample buffer, extending heat denaturation time, or adding reducing agents like β-mercaptoethanol can improve detection of conformational epitopes.
Non-specific binding in antibody applications arises from multiple sources and requires targeted strategies for mitigation. Fc receptor interactions represent a significant source of non-specific binding in cell-based assays, particularly with immune cells; this can be addressed through Fc receptor blocking (using commercial blockers or species-appropriate serum) or by using antibodies with Fc modifications such as N297A mutation, which reduces Fc receptor binding as demonstrated in therapeutic antibody development . Hydrophobic interactions between antibodies and sample components can be reduced by including detergents (0.05-0.1% Tween-20 or Triton X-100) in washing buffers and by optimizing blocking protocols with agents like BSA or non-fat milk . Electrostatic interactions causing non-specific binding can be minimized by adjusting salt concentration in buffers (typically 150-500 mM NaCl) to shield charged regions on proteins and membranes. Cross-reactivity with similar epitopes in unrelated proteins can be reduced by pre-absorbing the antibody with tissues/lysates from relevant knockout models or by increasing antibody dilution to favor high-affinity specific interactions . Secondary antibody cross-reactivity is effectively addressed by using highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies and by including blocking proteins from the same species as the sample in the diluent.
Resolving conflicting experimental results with SPAC630.12 antibody requires methodical troubleshooting and validation approaches. Technical replication with standardized protocols helps distinguish between random variability and systematic issues, while biological replication across independent samples confirms whether observed discrepancies reflect genuine biological variation or technical artifacts . Orthogonal method verification using alternative techniques to detect the same target (e.g., mass spectrometry, RNA analysis for corresponding transcripts, or alternative antibodies targeting different epitopes) can determine which conflicting results most accurately reflect biological reality . Antibody validation status should be reassessed through specificity tests including Western blots comparing wild-type versus knockout samples or peptide competition assays, as antibody performance can sometimes deteriorate during storage or vary between lots . Experimental condition differences including sample preparation methods, buffer compositions, and detection systems should be carefully examined, as subtle variations can significantly impact results despite seemingly identical protocols. Context-dependent protein behavior consideration is essential, as post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, or conformational changes may affect epitope accessibility in different experimental conditions or biological contexts .
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with SPAC630.12 antibody requires specialized methodology to investigate protein-DNA interactions. Cross-linking optimization serves as the foundation of successful ChIP experiments, with formaldehyde concentration (typically 0.1-1%) and fixation duration (5-20 minutes) requiring careful optimization to balance efficient protein-DNA cross-linking against over-fixation that can mask epitopes and reduce antibody accessibility . Chromatin fragmentation methods, including sonication or enzymatic digestion, must be optimized to consistently generate DNA fragments of appropriate size (typically 200-500 bp) that balance resolution against efficiency of immunoprecipitation. Antibody validation specifically for ChIP applications is essential, as antibodies that perform well in other applications may fail in ChIP due to epitope masking by cross-linking or chromatin interactions; validation approaches include using known binding sites as positive controls and comparing ChIP efficiency between wild-type and knockout samples . Immunoprecipitation conditions for ChIP differ from standard IP protocols, with specialized buffers containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and salt concentrations that maintain chromatin solubility while preserving antibody-antigen interactions. Controls specific to ChIP experiments are critical, including input chromatin (pre-IP sample) for normalization, IgG controls to establish background precipitation levels, and positive controls targeting well-characterized chromatin-associated proteins like histones.
Integrating SPAC630.12 antibody into proteomics workflows enables comprehensive characterization of protein interactions and modifications. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) represents a powerful approach for identifying interaction partners, where SPAC630.12 antibody is used to isolate the target protein along with its interacting proteins, followed by mass spectrometric identification; this approach requires careful optimization of washing conditions to remove non-specific interactions while preserving genuine biological complexes . Proximity-based labeling methods like BioID or APEX can be combined with SPAC630.12 antibody validation to map protein interaction networks in living cells, providing complementary data to traditional IP-MS approaches with the advantage of capturing transient or weak interactions. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) with subsequent SPAC630.12 immunoprecipitation enables detailed mapping of protein complex architecture by stabilizing interactions before analysis, providing structural insights beyond simple interaction identification . Post-translational modification (PTM) analysis using modified-specific antibodies alongside SPAC630.12 antibody in sequential immunoprecipitation can reveal how PTMs affect SPAC630.12 interactions and functions. Quantitative proteomics approaches like SILAC (Stable Isotope Labeling with Amino acids in Cell culture) or TMT (Tandem Mass Tag) labeling combined with SPAC630.12 immunoprecipitation enable precise quantification of interaction dynamics across different conditions or time points .
Integrating SPAC630.12 antibody with complementary techniques creates powerful multi-dimensional approaches to protein function analysis. Combining ChIP-seq with RNA-seq enables correlation between SPAC630.12 genomic binding sites and transcriptional outcomes, revealing direct versus indirect regulatory relationships in gene expression networks . Immunofluorescence co-localization studies pairing SPAC630.12 antibody with markers for specific cellular compartments or other proteins provide spatial context for protein interactions and functions within cellular architecture . FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) or BRET (Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer) approaches can validate direct protein interactions identified through antibody-based methods, offering additional evidence of proximity and physical association in living cells. Live-cell imaging combined with fixed-cell immunostaining using SPAC630.12 antibody enables correlation between dynamic behaviors observed in living cells with molecular-level information obtained through fixed-cell analysis. Functional assays following antibody-mediated depletion (immunodepletion) of SPAC630.12 from extracts can reveal direct biochemical roles by comparing activity before and after specific protein removal . Antibody-based proximity ligation assays (PLA) provide highly sensitive detection of protein-protein interactions in situ, offering spatial resolution of interaction events that complement biochemical interaction data from techniques like co-immunoprecipitation.
Multi-color flow cytometry with SPAC630.12 antibody requires careful consideration of numerous technical parameters to generate reliable data. Fluorophore selection must account for spectral overlap between channels, with particular attention to emission spectra breadth; choosing fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap for co-detection of multiple targets reduces compensation requirements and improves resolution . Panel design should position SPAC630.12 antibody conjugated to bright fluorophores (e.g., PE, APC) if the target has low expression, while reserving dimmer fluorophores (e.g., FITC) for abundantly expressed targets; this maximizes detection sensitivity for each target based on expression level . Compensation controls using single-stained samples for each fluorophore in the panel are essential for correcting spectral overlap during analysis, with optimal controls using the same cells and antibodies as the experimental samples. Titration of each antibody in the panel, including SPAC630.12 antibody, is critical for identifying optimal concentrations that maximize specific signal while minimizing background; the optimal concentration is typically at the upper plateau of the titration curve where signal-to-noise ratio is maximized . Flow cytometer setup and quality control should include daily calibration with fluorescent beads, ensuring consistent instrument performance across experiments and allowing direct comparison of results from different sessions.
Proper normalization of quantitative data from SPAC630.12 antibody experiments is essential for meaningful comparisons across different samples and conditions. For Western blot quantification, normalization to loading controls such as housekeeping proteins (GAPDH, β-actin, tubulin) accounts for variations in total protein loading, though researchers should verify that these controls remain stable across experimental conditions; alternatively, total protein normalization using stain-free gels or Ponceau staining provides a more robust approach that avoids reliance on single reference proteins . In immunofluorescence quantification, normalization approaches include cell size/area adjustment to account for morphological differences, nuclear staining (DAPI) for per-cell normalization, or reference structures like cytoskeletal elements that provide internal calibration within each image. Flow cytometry data normalization typically relies on fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls to establish positive signal thresholds, with data reported as mean/median fluorescence intensity ratios relative to isotype controls or as percentages of positive cells defined by these thresholds . ChIP-qPCR experiments require normalization to input chromatin (pre-immunoprecipitation sample) to account for differences in starting chromatin amount and fragmentation efficiency, while ChIP-seq data normalization incorporates both input normalization and various computational approaches to address sequencing depth differences and IP efficiency variation .
Statistical analysis of SPAC630.12 antibody data requires appropriate methods that address the specific characteristics of different experimental approaches. For comparing protein expression levels across conditions in Western blot or immunofluorescence data, parametric tests like Student's t-test (for two groups) or ANOVA (for multiple groups) are appropriate when data meet assumptions of normal distribution; when these assumptions are violated, non-parametric alternatives such as Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests should be employed . In dose-response or time-course experiments, regression analysis helps identify trends and quantify relationships between variables, with linear or non-linear models selected based on the expected relationship pattern. Flow cytometry data analysis typically employs specialized approaches including probability binning, Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics, or Overton subtraction to compare distributions between samples, particularly when analyzing heterogeneous populations . For ChIP-seq or other genomic applications, statistical frameworks that account for multiple testing correction (e.g., Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate) are essential due to the thousands of potential binding sites analyzed simultaneously . Power analysis should be conducted during experimental planning to determine appropriate sample sizes for detecting biologically meaningful differences with statistical confidence, considering factors like expected effect size and variability based on preliminary data or literature values.
Interpreting conflicting results between different detection methods requires careful consideration of each technique's limitations and strengths. Method sensitivity differences often explain apparent discrepancies, as techniques like Western blotting or ELISA may detect proteins below the threshold of immunofluorescence or IHC; understanding detection limits for each method helps reconcile seemingly contradictory results . Epitope accessibility variations across techniques substantially impact detection, as fixation in immunohistochemistry or native conditions in immunoprecipitation present different epitope landscapes compared to denaturing conditions in Western blotting; a protein detectable by one method may be undetectable by another due solely to epitope exposure differences . Sample preparation artifacts can generate misleading results through protein degradation, modification, or subcellular redistribution during processing; comparing detection across multiple preparation protocols can identify and mitigate such artifacts. Antibody performance variation across applications is common, as antibodies optimized for Western blotting may perform poorly in immunoprecipitation or flow cytometry due to differences in epitope presentation; technique-specific validation is essential rather than assuming cross-application reliability . Biological context differences including cell type, physiological state, or experimental conditions may reflect genuine biological variability rather than technical artifacts; contextualizing results within the broader literature helps distinguish between technical inconsistencies and biologically meaningful variations.
Comprehensive reporting of SPAC630.12 antibody experiments in publications ensures reproducibility and proper interpretation of results. Antibody details must be thoroughly documented, including manufacturer, catalog number, lot number, clonality (monoclonal/polyclonal), host species, and target epitope information; this documentation is critical for reproducibility as antibody performance can vary significantly between sources and even between lots from the same manufacturer . Validation evidence should be included, detailing specificity testing through approaches like Western blotting on positive and negative controls, peptide competition assays, or genetic knockout/knockdown models; this information establishes confidence in result reliability and specificity. Experimental protocol reporting should include comprehensive methodology covering sample preparation, antibody dilutions, incubation conditions, washing procedures, and detection methods with sufficient detail to enable independent reproduction . Image acquisition parameters including microscope specifications, objective magnification, exposure settings, and any post-acquisition processing must be documented to ensure transparency and enable proper interpretation of visual data. Quantification methods should be explicitly described, detailing normalization approaches, software used for analysis, and statistical tests applied, with raw data ideally made available through repositories or supplementary materials . Control experiments should be clearly reported and illustrated, including positive and negative controls, isotype controls for flow cytometry, and loading controls for Western blots, establishing the context for interpreting experimental results.