The YMR001C-A Antibody (Product Code: CSB-PA844758XA01SVG) is a monoclonal antibody targeting the protein encoded by the YMR001C-A gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain ATCC 204508 / S288c. This gene is part of the yeast reference genome, with its sequence derived from laboratory strain S288C .
Protein Function: While the exact biological role of YMR001C-A remains under investigation, it is annotated as a hypothetical protein. Yeast genome databases highlight its presence in conserved genomic regions, suggesting potential functional significance .
Sequence Features:
DNA sequence length: 261 bp
Protein molecular weight: ~10 kDa (predicted)
The antibody’s epitope is conformation-dependent, requiring intact tertiary structures for binding .
The YMR001C-A Antibody is primarily utilized in:
Protein Localization Studies: Mapping subcellular distribution in yeast cells via immunofluorescence .
Expression Profiling: Quantifying protein levels under varying growth conditions using Western blotting .
Interaction Networks: Identifying binding partners in yeast proteome-wide screens.
A hypothetical study might reveal:
Western Blot: A distinct band at ~10 kDa in lysates from wild-type yeast, absent in YMR001C-A knockout strains.
Immunofluorescence: Punctate cytoplasmic staining, suggesting vesicular or organelle association.
The YMR001C-A Antibody is part of a broader catalog targeting yeast proteins. For example:
| Antibody Target | Product Code | UniProt ID | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| YLR278C | CSB-PA779538XA01SVG | Q05854 | Apoptosis studies |
| YKL097C | CSB-PA333871XA01SVG | P34245 | Cell cycle regulation |
This antibody’s uniqueness lies in its specificity for a less-characterized yeast protein, distinguishing it from antibodies targeting well-studied homologs .
YMR001C-A is a gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain ATCC 204508 / S288c), commonly known as baker's yeast, that encodes a hypothetical protein. The gene is located on chromosome XIII of S. cerevisiae . This protein (UniProt accession number Q8TGS9) has been identified through genomic sequencing but its precise function remains largely uncharacterized .
In yeast genetics, genes with the "YMR" prefix indicate their location on chromosome XIII, with the subsequent numbers and letters providing information about their specific position and orientation. The "C" in YMR001C-A indicates that this gene is encoded on the complementary strand (i.e., it's transcribed in the reverse direction) .
While the exact function of this hypothetical protein remains to be fully elucidated, many such proteins identified through genomic sequencing are now being studied for potential roles in cellular processes including metabolism, stress response, or cell cycle regulation in yeast .
For validating YMR001C-A antibody specificity, researchers should implement a multi-pillar approach in accordance with the International Working Group on Antibody Validation (IWGAV) guidelines . Since YMR001C-A is a yeast protein, the following validation methods are particularly relevant:
Genetic validation strategy: This is the gold standard approach. Researchers should:
Perform Western blot analysis comparing wild-type yeast with YMR001C-A knockout strains
The antibody signal should be present in wild-type samples but absent in the knockout
Use two or more antibodies that recognize different epitopes of YMR001C-A
Consistent detection patterns between antibodies suggest specificity
Compare antibody detection with non-antibody methods like mass spectrometry
Positive correlation between detection methods strengthens validation
Generate yeast strains expressing YMR001C-A with epitope tags (e.g., FLAG, HA)
Compare detection patterns between anti-tag antibodies and YMR001C-A antibodies
Test the antibody against closely related yeast proteins to ensure specificity
Especially important for polyclonal antibodies which may recognize multiple epitopes
Proper experimental controls are essential for interpreting results with YMR001C-A Antibody:
| Control Type | Implementation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Control | Wild-type S. cerevisiae extract expressing YMR001C-A | Confirms antibody binding capability |
| Negative Control | YMR001C-A knockout S. cerevisiae strain | Validates antibody specificity |
| Isotype Control | Non-specific antibody of same isotype and concentration | Assesses non-specific binding |
| Secondary Antibody Control | Samples with secondary antibody only (no primary) | Evaluates background from secondary antibody |
| Loading Control | Antibody against housekeeping protein (e.g., actin) | Ensures equal protein loading |
For genetic validation studies, it's particularly important to include YMR001C-A knockout strains created using CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene editing techniques . When using tagged YMR001C-A constructs, both anti-tag antibodies and YMR001C-A-specific antibodies should be used in parallel to confirm specificity .
For co-immunoprecipitation experiments, include a pre-clear step with non-immune serum or IgG to reduce non-specific binding, and perform reverse immunoprecipitation to validate protein interactions .
The performance of YMR001C-A Antibody varies significantly between native and denatured conditions, affecting experimental design choices:
Native conditions (non-denaturing):
Most suitable for: Immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, ELISA, ChIP
Epitope recognition: The antibody recognizes the three-dimensional structure of the protein
Buffer considerations: Gentle lysis buffers (e.g., RIPA without SDS) preserve protein structure
Advantages: Allows detection of protein-protein interactions and functional studies
Limitations: Lower sensitivity for detecting low-abundance proteins
Most suitable for: Western blotting, immunohistochemistry with FFPE samples
Epitope recognition: The antibody recognizes linear epitopes exposed after denaturation
Buffer considerations: Strong lysis buffers containing SDS, heat treatment, reducing agents
Advantages: Often provides higher sensitivity for protein detection
Limitations: Loss of conformational epitopes and protein interactions
An antibody validated for Western blotting may fail in applications requiring native protein (and vice versa)
Validation must be performed for each specific application and condition
For comprehensive studies, consider using multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes
The mismatch between conditions is a frequent cause of immunoassay failure—for example, when an antibody developed against denatured protein (typical for Western blots) is used to detect native protein in serum samples .
Detecting low-abundance proteins like YMR001C-A in yeast presents several technical challenges:
Hypothetical proteins like YMR001C-A often have low expression levels
Non-specific binding can easily overwhelm true signal
Solution: Implement rigorous validation and optimize antibody concentration
Cell wall interference: Yeast cell walls can limit accessibility to target proteins
Recommendation: Optimize spheroplast preparation using zymolyase or enzymatic digestion
For subcellular localization studies, use gentle fractionation protocols to preserve protein compartmentalization
Protein enrichment techniques:
Signal amplification methods:
Genetic modifications:
Epitope selection is a critical determinant of antibody performance across experimental contexts:
Linear vs. conformational epitopes: Linear epitopes are more reliable for Western blotting but may be inaccessible in native conditions
Transmembrane domains: Antibodies targeting these regions often perform poorly in solution-based assays
Post-translational modifications: These can block epitope recognition if they occur at or near the binding site
For cross-species studies, target highly conserved epitopes
For strain-specific detection, target unique sequence regions
Bioinformatic analysis should precede epitope selection to avoid crossreactivity with homologous proteins
For Western blotting: Target hydrophilic regions, avoid transmembrane domains
For immunoprecipitation: Target surface-exposed regions in native conformation
For fixed tissue detection: Consider epitope masking by fixatives like formaldehyde
Multiple epitope targeting strategy:
Using antibodies against different epitopes of YMR001C-A provides:
Validation through independent antibody approach
Comprehensive protein detection regardless of modifications
Ability to distinguish between protein isoforms or fragments
Optimized Western Blotting Protocol for YMR001C-A Detection:
Sample preparation:
Culture yeast cells to mid-log phase (OD₆₀₀ = 0.6-0.8)
Harvest cells by centrifugation (3,000 × g, 5 minutes, 4°C)
Lyse cells using one of two recommended methods:
Clear lysate by centrifugation (14,000 × g, 15 minutes, 4°C)
Quantify protein concentration using Bradford or BCA assay
Gel electrophoresis and transfer:
Load 20-50 μg total protein per lane
Include positive control (wild-type yeast) and negative control (YMR001C-A knockout)
Separate proteins on 12-15% SDS-PAGE (optimal for low molecular weight proteins)
Transfer to PVDF membrane (better for low abundance proteins than nitrocellulose)
Transfer conditions: 100V for 1 hour or 30V overnight at 4°C
Immunodetection:
Block membrane with 5% non-fat milk or BSA in TBST for 1 hour at room temperature
Incubate with primary YMR001C-A antibody (1:500-1:1000 dilution) overnight at 4°C
Wash 4 × 5 minutes with TBST
Incubate with appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibody (1:5000) for 1 hour at room temperature
Wash 4 × 5 minutes with TBST
Optimization considerations:
For enhanced sensitivity, consider using fluorescently-labeled secondary antibodies
If non-specific bands appear, increase blocking time and optimize antibody concentration
Incubating primary antibody in blocking solution containing 0.1% Tween-20 may reduce background
For reproducible results, standardize lysate preparation method across experiments
Optimized Immunoprecipitation Protocol for YMR001C-A:
Pre-immunoprecipitation considerations:
Verify antibody suitability for IP (not all antibodies that work in Western blot work in IP)
Determine optimal lysis conditions:
Step-by-step protocol:
1. Sample preparation:
Start with 10⁷-10⁸ yeast cells in mid-log phase
Harvest and wash cells in cold PBS
Lyse cells using glass bead disruption in appropriate buffer
Clear lysate by centrifugation (14,000 × g, 15 minutes, 4°C)
Measure protein concentration
2. Pre-clearing (reduces non-specific binding):
Incubate lysate with Protein A/G beads for 1 hour at 4°C
Remove beads by centrifugation
3. Immunoprecipitation:
Direct method:
Add 2-5 μg YMR001C-A antibody to lysate
Incubate with rotation overnight at 4°C
Add 50 μl Protein A/G beads, incubate 2-4 hours at 4°C
Indirect method:
4. Washing:
Wash beads 4-5 times with lysis buffer
For final wash, use buffer with reduced detergent
Remove wash buffer completely before elution
5. Elution options:
Denaturing: Add SDS sample buffer and boil
Native: Use peptide competition or pH elution if protein activity must be preserved
Analysis of immunoprecipitated complexes:
For protein identification: Mass spectrometry analysis
For confirmation of known interactions: Western blot
Critical controls:
IgG control: Perform parallel IP with non-specific IgG
Input control: Save aliquot of pre-IP lysate
Knockout control: Use YMR001C-A knockout strain as negative control
Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide for Non-Specific Binding:
Non-specific binding is a common challenge when working with antibodies against yeast proteins like YMR001C-A. The following systematic approach will help identify and resolve these issues:
1. Evaluate antibody quality and validation:
Verify antibody validation data (genetic knockout controls, independent antibody confirmation)
Check lot-to-lot variations by requesting validation data specific to your antibody lot
Consider switching to a different antibody or using monoclonal antibodies for higher specificity
2. Optimize blocking conditions:
Test different blocking agents:
BSA (1-5%): Good for phosphoprotein detection
Non-fat milk (3-5%): Effective for most applications but contains phosphoproteins
Commercial blocking buffers: Often provide lower background
Extend blocking time (1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight at 4°C)
3. Adjust antibody conditions:
Titrate primary antibody concentration (perform a dilution series)
Reduce incubation temperature (4°C instead of room temperature)
Add 0.1-0.3% Tween-20 to antibody dilution buffer
Consider overnight incubation at 4°C with more dilute antibody
4. Modify washing procedures:
Increase number of washes (5-6 washes instead of 3-4)
Extend wash duration (10 minutes per wash)
Use higher stringency wash buffers (increase salt concentration to 250-500 mM)
For Western blots, use TBST instead of PBST for phosphoprotein detection
5. Sample preparation refinements:
Freshly prepare lysates with complete protease inhibitor cocktails
For yeast samples, optimize cell lysis methods to reduce background:
Compare mechanical (glass beads) vs. enzymatic (zymolyase) lysis
Centrifuge lysates at higher speed to remove particulates
Pre-clear lysates with Protein A/G beads before immunoprecipitation
6. Technique-specific troubleshooting:
| Technique | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | Multiple bands | Optimize gel percentage; use gradient gels for better separation |
| High background | Increase membrane blocking time; filter antibody solutions | |
| Immunoprecipitation | Co-precipitation of non-specific proteins | Use more stringent wash buffers; cross-link antibody to beads |
| Low target protein yield | Ensure antibody recognizes native protein; reduce wash stringency | |
| Flow Cytometry | High autofluorescence | Include unstained and FMO controls; use spectral unmixing |
| Non-specific binding | Add Fc block; optimize fixation conditions |
7. Add competitive inhibitors to reduce non-specific interactions:
Include 0.1-0.5% non-ionic detergents (Triton X-100, NP-40)
Add carrier proteins (0.1-1% BSA or gelatin)
For yeast applications, add 0.1-1% yeast tRNA to block nucleic acid interactions
Strategic Epitope Mapping for YMR001C-A Antibody:
Epitope mapping is crucial for understanding antibody specificity and optimizing experimental conditions. The following comprehensive approach combines computational prediction with experimental validation:
1. In silico prediction approaches:
Sequence-based analysis:
Structure-based prediction:
2. Experimental mapping strategies:
Peptide Array Mapping:
Synthesize overlapping peptides (15-20 amino acids with 5-10 residue overlap) covering YMR001C-A sequence
Spot peptides onto membranes or use pre-made peptide arrays
Probe with YMR001C-A antibody
Identify reactive peptides through colorimetric or fluorescent detection
Narrow down to minimal epitope by synthesizing shorter overlapping peptides
Mutagenesis-Based Mapping:
Create point mutations or small deletions in YMR001C-A sequence
Express mutant proteins in yeast
Test antibody binding using Western blot or immunoprecipitation
Alanine scanning mutagenesis is particularly effective for identifying critical binding residues
Proteolytic Fragmentation:
Digest native or recombinant YMR001C-A with various proteases
Identify antibody-reactive fragments by Western blot
Sequence reactive fragments by mass spectrometry
This approach is especially useful for conformational epitopes
3. Validation of mapped epitopes:
Test synthetic peptides for ability to block antibody binding
Create recombinant fragments containing identified epitope
Compare binding characteristics in different applications (Western blot, IP, etc.)
Assess epitope conservation across yeast strains if cross-reactivity is desired
4. Applications of epitope mapping results:
Design better immunogens for generating improved antibodies
Develop blocking peptides to serve as specificity controls
Predict conditions that might mask or denature the epitope
5. Technical considerations for yeast proteins:
Codon optimization may be necessary when expressing yeast protein fragments in E. coli
Include proper controls when working with hypothetical proteins like YMR001C-A
Consider testing epitope accessibility in different yeast compartments if subcellular localization is unknown
Critical Evaluation Framework for YMR001C-A Antibody Sources:
When selecting between commercial sources of YMR001C-A antibody, researchers should systematically evaluate the following factors:
1. Validation comprehensiveness:
Number of validation pillars employed (genetic, orthogonal, independent antibody)
Relevance of validation to your intended application
Validation in yeast strains similar to your experimental system
Availability of raw validation data rather than cropped images
2. Technical specifications comparison:
| Specification | Importance | Evaluation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody format | Affects storage, stability | Match to application needs (e.g., conjugated vs. unconjugated) |
| Clonality | Affects specificity and lot consistency | Monoclonals: higher consistency between lots Polyclonals: potentially higher sensitivity but lot variation |
| Host species | Affects secondary antibody choice | Consider compatibility with other antibodies in multiplexed experiments |
| Immunogen design | Critical for epitope accessibility | Full-length protein vs. peptide (check if immunogen matches your experimental conditions) |
| Purification method | Affects specificity | Affinity-purified antibodies generally superior to crude sera |
3. Application-specific performance data:
Examine provided images for each application
Check signal-to-noise ratio in validation data
Verify detection of endogenous (not just overexpressed) protein
Confirm successful use in your specific application (WB, IP, etc.)
4. Cross-reactivity information:
Review tested cross-reactivity with related yeast proteins
Assess cross-species reactivity if relevant to your research
5. Production and quality control:
Manufacturing consistency between lots
QC metrics provided for each lot
Recombinant vs. animal-derived antibodies (recombinant offers better reproducibility)
6. Supplier scientific support:
Availability of technical specialists familiar with yeast applications
Responsiveness to technical inquiries
Provision of detailed protocols specific to YMR001C-A
Willingness to share additional validation data upon request
7. Scientific literature presence:
Citations in peer-reviewed publications
Performance in independent antibody validation studies
User reviews and feedback in antibody validation databases
Commercial antibody scoring systems (e.g., Antibodypedia scores)
8. Practical considerations: