YMR173W is a gene in S. cerevisiae encoding a protein of unknown function, annotated in the Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD) . The "-A" suffix denotes a specific epitope or variant targeted by the antibody.
The antibody is likely used in yeast molecular biology to study protein localization, interaction networks, or functional genomics .
Protein Interaction Studies: Used to identify physical contacts between YMR173W and other yeast proteins via co-immunoprecipitation or mass spectrometry .
Subcellular Localization: Detects YMR173W protein in yeast cell compartments (e.g., cytoplasm, nucleus) .
Antiviral Research: May contribute to studying host-pathogen interactions, as YMR173W homologs are implicated in viral resistance pathways .
Recombinant Production: Engineered via site-directed mutagenesis or bacterial mutant strains to enhance affinity .
Validation: Tested for specificity using Western blot, ELISA, or fluorescence microscopy .
Challenges: Limited availability in commercial catalogs (e.g., Antibody Research Corp.) and reliance on custom synthesis .
Antiviral Therapy: Insights from YMR173W-A studies could inform drug target identification for fungal pathogens .
Biosensor Development: Potential use in yeast-based biosensors for detecting environmental toxins .
Cross-Reactivity: Neutralizing assays are critical to confirm specificity, as seen in anti-rituximab antibody studies .
Therapeutic Potential: While not directly applicable, antibodies targeting yeast proteins may inspire antifungal therapies .
STRING: 4932.YMR173W-A
YMR173W-A is a protein encoded in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome (strain ATCC 204508/S288c), commonly known as baker's yeast. This protein is studied primarily in basic yeast research as part of understanding the yeast proteome. The antibody against this protein (UniProt accession: A0A023PXQ4) is typically used for detecting and studying the native protein in yeast samples .
When studying this protein, researchers should consider using knockout validation approaches, as studies have shown that genetic approaches to antibody validation are more reliable than orthogonal approaches. For instance, YCharOS has demonstrated that 89% of antibodies recommended based on genetic strategies could successfully detect their intended target proteins, compared to 80% of those validated through orthogonal strategies .
For rigorous validation of YMR173W-A antibody specificity, implement a multi-step approach:
Genetic validation: Use wild-type and YMR173W-A knockout yeast strains in parallel experiments. The antibody should only produce a signal in wild-type samples and show no reactivity in knockout samples .
Western blot validation: Run lysates from wild-type and knockout strains side by side. A specific antibody will show bands only in the wild-type lane at the expected molecular weight .
Positive and negative controls: Include known positive samples (purified YMR173W-A protein or overexpression systems) and negative controls (unrelated yeast strains) .
Recent large-scale antibody validation studies have shown that only 38% of antibodies recommended by manufacturers based on orthogonal strategies could be confirmed using knockout cell controls in immunofluorescence applications, emphasizing the importance of proper validation .
The YMR173W-A antibody should be stored at -20°C or -80°C upon receipt. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as these can degrade the antibody and reduce its effectiveness. The antibody is typically supplied in a storage buffer containing 50% glycerol, 0.01M PBS (pH 7.4), and 0.03% Proclin 300 as a preservative .
For working solutions, aliquot the antibody into smaller volumes before freezing to minimize freeze-thaw cycles. When handling, keep the antibody on ice and return to storage promptly after use to maintain its activity and specificity.
The YMR173W-A antibody has been validated specifically for:
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Useful for quantitative detection of the target protein in solution.
Western Blot (WB): For detecting the denatured protein in cell lysates and identifying its molecular weight .
When designing experiments with this antibody, remember that application-specific validation is crucial. An antibody performing well in Western blotting may not necessarily work effectively in other applications like immunoprecipitation or immunofluorescence. YCharOS data indicates that antibody performance varies significantly across applications, with many antibodies showing strong specificity in Western blot but reduced specificity in immunofluorescence .
For optimal Western blot results with YMR173W-A antibody:
Sample preparation: Prepare yeast lysates using a method that effectively extracts YMR173W-A (e.g., mechanical disruption with glass beads in an appropriate lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors).
Blocking optimization: Test different blocking agents (BSA vs. non-fat milk) to determine which provides the best signal-to-noise ratio. For polyclonal antibodies like YMR173W-A, 5% BSA often provides better results.
Antibody dilution series: Perform a dilution series (e.g., 1:500, 1:1000, 1:2000) to identify the optimal concentration that provides specific binding with minimal background.
Incubation conditions: Test both room temperature (1-2 hours) and 4°C (overnight) incubation to determine optimal binding conditions.
Detection system selection: Choose between chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or chromogenic detection based on required sensitivity.
According to antibody validation studies, using knockout controls in Western blot is particularly effective - the best-performing antibodies will show bands only in the wild-type lane while showing no signal in knockout samples .
While the YMR173W-A antibody is not specifically validated for immunoprecipitation (IP) according to the product information , researchers working with similar polyclonal antibodies often adapt them for IP experiments.
If attempting IP with this antibody:
Preliminary testing: First verify robust detection in Western blot before attempting IP.
Optimization strategy:
Test different antibody amounts (2-5 μg per reaction)
Compare various buffers (RIPA vs. gentler NP-40 buffer)
Try different bead types (Protein A vs. Protein G)
Optimize incubation times (2 hours vs. overnight)
Validation approach: Confirm IP results by Western blotting the immunoprecipitated material using the same or a different validated YMR173W-A antibody.
It's important to note that IP data alone does not imply selectivity. As YCharOS reports indicate, additional controls are necessary when validating antibodies for immunoprecipitation applications .
For comprehensive cross-reactivity testing:
Multi-species panel: Test the antibody against lysates from:
Different yeast species (S. pombe, C. albicans)
Related fungi
Mammalian cell lines if your research involves cross-kingdom comparisons
Sequence homology analysis: Perform bioinformatic analysis to identify proteins with sequence similarity to YMR173W-A in other species, then specifically test against those proteins.
Competition assays: Pre-incubate the antibody with purified YMR173W-A protein before application to samples. Signal elimination indicates specificity.
Knockout verification: Include YMR173W-A deletion strains alongside wild-type samples as the gold standard control .
Studies on antibody validation have shown that genetic approaches using knockout controls are significantly more reliable than other validation methods, with 89% of antibodies recommended based on genetic strategies successfully detecting their intended targets .
When studying protein-protein interactions involving YMR173W-A:
Essential controls:
Input control: Analyze a small portion of the pre-immunoprecipitation lysate to verify target protein presence.
Negative antibody control: Use an isotype-matched irrelevant antibody (e.g., normal rabbit IgG for rabbit-derived YMR173W-A antibody).
Bead-only control: Include a sample with beads but no antibody to identify proteins that bind non-specifically to the beads.
Knockout/knockdown control: Compare results between wild-type and YMR173W-A knockout strains.
Reciprocal IP: Perform reverse immunoprecipitation using antibodies against suspected interaction partners.
Denaturing conditions control: Compare native versus denaturing conditions to distinguish direct from indirect interactions.
In antibody-based interaction studies, large-scale validation efforts have demonstrated that many antibodies exhibit non-specific binding, emphasizing the importance of rigorous controls .
To verify antibody performance in subcellular fractionation studies:
Fractionation quality control: First confirm successful fractionation using established marker proteins for each cellular compartment (e.g., Pma1 for plasma membrane, Pgk1 for cytosol, Nop1 for nucleolus).
Antibody validation in fractions:
Test the YMR173W-A antibody against each fraction
Compare distribution pattern with published localization data
Include a YMR173W-A knockout strain as negative control
Complementary methods: Confirm subcellular localization using orthogonal methods:
Fluorescent tagging of YMR173W-A
Immunofluorescence with alternative antibodies
Mass spectrometry analysis of fractions
Quantitative analysis: Perform densitometry to quantify signal distribution across fractions and compare with expected distribution based on literature.
Research has shown that many antibodies may perform differently across applications, making application-specific validation critical .
Common causes of false positives with YMR173W-A antibody include:
Cross-reactivity issues:
Solution: Include YMR173W-A knockout controls
Validate with peptide competition assays
Use more stringent washing conditions
Non-specific secondary antibody binding:
Solution: Include secondary-only controls
Use appropriate blocking conditions (test 5% BSA vs. 5% milk)
Consider species-specific secondary antibodies with minimal cross-reactivity
Sample preparation artifacts:
Solution: Compare different lysis methods
Include protease inhibitors
Test fresh vs. frozen samples
Detection system issues:
Solution: Optimize exposure times
Compare different detection methods (chemiluminescence vs. fluorescence)
Use fresh detection reagents
According to large-scale antibody validation studies, even manufacturer-recommended antibodies can show non-specific binding, with up to 20% of antibodies validated by orthogonal strategies failing to detect their intended targets specifically .
When multiple bands appear in Western blots:
Expected size band plus additional bands:
Potential post-translational modifications
Proteolytic fragments
Alternative splice variants
Protein complexes not fully denatured
Methodical investigation approach:
Compare with YMR173W-A knockout control to identify which bands are specific
Test different sample preparation methods to distinguish artifacts
Vary reducing conditions to identify disulfide-linked complexes
Use phosphatase treatment to identify phosphorylated forms
Band verification techniques:
Peptide competition assays
Mass spectrometry identification of excised bands
Size comparison with tagged versions of YMR173W-A
YCharOS data suggests that selective antibodies may display multiple wild-type bands that could represent truncated splice isoforms, multimers, or post-translationally modified forms of the protein of interest .
To enhance signal strength:
Sample enrichment techniques:
Concentrate proteins using TCA precipitation
Enrich for YMR173W-A through subcellular fractionation
Use larger amounts of starting material
Signal amplification methods:
Employ more sensitive detection systems (e.g., enhanced chemiluminescence)
Use signal enhancing systems like biotinylated secondary antibodies with streptavidin-HRP
Try tyramide signal amplification for extremely low abundance targets
Protocol optimization:
Increase antibody concentration (careful titration)
Extend primary antibody incubation time (overnight at 4°C)
Reduce washing stringency slightly (shorter washes or lower detergent concentration)
Test different membrane types (PVDF vs. nitrocellulose)
Protein expression modulation:
Consider conditions that might upregulate YMR173W-A expression
Use strains with tagged or overexpressed YMR173W-A as positive controls
According to antibody validation studies, confirming that your antibody actually detects the intended target is crucial before attempting signal optimization .
While YMR173W-A antibody is not specifically validated for ChIP , researchers can attempt adaptation for this technique:
Preliminary assessment: First confirm antibody specificity via Western blot using wild-type and knockout strains.
ChIP protocol customization:
Test different crosslinking conditions (1% formaldehyde for various times)
Optimize sonication parameters for yeast cells (typically shorter times than mammalian cells)
Compare different antibody amounts (2-10 μg per reaction)
Test various washing stringencies
Validation strategies:
Include negative control regions (regions not expected to contain YMR173W-A)
Use YMR173W-A knockout strain as negative control
Compare with ChIP using tagged versions of YMR173W-A
Validate enriched regions by orthogonal methods
For reliable ChIP results, prior understanding of expected DNA-binding sites is valuable. Methods like "Calling Cards for DNA-Binding Proteins" can help identify such sites before attempting ChIP with antibodies .
For super-shift assays investigating YMR173W-A DNA interactions:
Experimental design:
Prepare nuclear extracts from yeast under conditions preserving YMR173W-A activity
Design labeled DNA probes containing suspected binding sites
Establish baseline EMSA conditions before adding antibody
Super-shift optimization:
Test different antibody amounts (0.5-2 μg per reaction)
Compare pre-incubation of antibody with extract before adding DNA vs. adding antibody after DNA-protein complex formation
Optimize incubation times and temperatures
Critical controls:
Include extract from YMR173W-A knockout strain
Test specificity with unlabeled competitor probes
Use non-specific antibody (same species) as negative control
Include specific competitor with mutated binding sites
The super-shift assay relies on antibody recognition of the protein in a DNA-protein complex. As described in the literature, "The antibody is added to the binding reaction, and if the antibody recognizes the protein, an antibody-protein-DNA complex will be formed and cause a further shift (super shift) relative to the protein-DNA complex" .
For multiplexed detection incorporating YMR173W-A antibody:
Antibody compatibility assessment:
Verify no cross-reactivity between antibodies in the multiplex panel
Test for signal interference by comparing single vs. multiplexed staining
Ensure primary antibodies are from different host species or use isotype-specific secondaries
Detection system selection:
For fluorescence multiplexing: select spectrally distinct fluorophores
For chemiluminescence: consider sequential detection with stripping between detections
For mass cytometry/imaging mass cytometry: use metal-conjugated antibodies
Optimization strategies:
Titrate each antibody individually before multiplexing
Test different fixation methods compatible with all targets
Develop blocking strategy preventing cross-reactivity
Validation approach:
Compare multiplexed results with single-antibody controls
Include knockout controls for each target
Validate co-localization with orthogonal methods
Recent advancements in antibody characterization, such as those from YCharOS, emphasize the importance of validating antibodies in the specific application and context in which they will be used .
For robust quantification of YMR173W-A Western blot data:
Recommended quantification workflow:
Image acquisition:
Capture images within the linear dynamic range
Use a calibration curve with known protein amounts
Include multiple exposure times to ensure non-saturation
Software selection:
Use specialized software (ImageJ/Fiji, Image Lab, etc.)
Apply consistent analysis parameters across all blots
Normalization strategy:
Normalize to total protein (Ponceau S, SYPRO Ruby) rather than housekeeping proteins
If using loading controls, verify their stability under your experimental conditions
Consider multiple reference proteins for more robust normalization
Statistical analysis:
Perform replicate experiments (minimum n=3)
Apply appropriate statistical tests based on data distribution
Report variability measures (SD or SEM)
The YCharOS initiative has demonstrated the importance of quantitative approaches in antibody validation, showing that selective antibodies can demonstrate quantifiable differences between wild-type and knockout samples .
When facing contradictory results:
Systematic investigation strategy:
Verify antibody specificity using knockout controls
Compare protein vs. mRNA levels (Western blot vs. RT-qPCR)
Assess protein stability and turnover rates
Consider post-translational modifications affecting antibody recognition
Technical considerations:
Evaluate extraction efficiency for different methods
Assess whether epitopes might be masked in certain contexts
Compare denatured vs. native detection methods
Reconciliation approaches:
Use orthogonal detection methods (mass spectrometry)
Employ tagged versions of the protein
Consider absolute quantification methods for both approaches
Documentation recommendations:
Document all experimental conditions in detail
Report contradictory results transparently
Propose biological explanations for discrepancies
According to large-scale antibody validation studies, discrepancies between different detection methods are common and may reflect biological reality rather than technical issues .
For optimal presentation of YMR173W-A antibody data:
Essential reporting elements:
Full antibody details (manufacturer, catalog number, lot number, RRID)
Complete validation data (Western blot showing specificity)
Detailed methods including dilutions, incubation times, and buffers
All controls (positive, negative, knockout)
Image presentation:
Show representative full blots including molecular weight markers
Indicate any image adjustments (contrast, brightness) applied uniformly
Clearly mark any blot splicing with lines
Include all relevant controls on the same blot where possible
Quantification reporting:
Describe normalization methods in detail
Show individual data points alongside averages
Report statistical methods and significance levels
Consider sharing raw image files through repositories
Validation documentation:
Reference appropriate validation studies
Include supplementary data showing antibody specificity
Acknowledge limitations of the antibody-based approach
Recent initiatives like YCharOS highlight the importance of comprehensive reporting to enhance reproducibility in antibody-based research .
YMR173W-A antibody could be integrated into advanced proteomics approaches:
Antibody-based enrichment for mass spectrometry:
Immunoprecipitate YMR173W-A and associated complexes
Analyze by LC-MS/MS to identify interaction partners
Compare results with control IPs to identify specific interactions
Targeted proteomics applications:
Develop SISCAPA (Stable Isotope Standards and Capture by Anti-Peptide Antibodies) methods
Create immuno-MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) assays for sensitive quantification
Use parallel reaction monitoring with antibody enrichment
Spatial proteomics integration:
Apply for imaging mass spectrometry with antibody guidance
Combine with proximity labeling methods (BioID, APEX)
Develop correlative microscopy workflows
Single-cell applications:
Adapt for mass cytometry (CyTOF) if metal-conjugated
Explore microfluidic antibody capture for single-cell proteomics
Consider integration with single-cell genomics data
Comprehensive antibody characterization, as demonstrated by YCharOS for other antibodies, provides essential validation data for these advanced applications .
When integrating YMR173W-A antibody with CRISPR technologies:
Experimental design strategy:
Design CRISPR editing to maintain or specifically modify antibody epitopes
Create epitope-tagged versions that can be detected by both anti-tag and anti-YMR173W-A antibodies
Consider domain-specific knockouts to map antibody recognition sites
Validation in edited cells:
Compare antibody recognition in wild-type vs. edited cells
Use multiple detection methods to confirm CRISPR outcomes
Sequence the targeted region to confirm precise edits
Functional validation approaches:
Correlate antibody detection with functional assays
Develop reporter systems to monitor edited gene expression
Compare protein localization before and after editing
Advanced applications:
Use for CUT&Tag or CUT&RUN experiments when studying chromatin interactions
Integrate with CRISPR activation/repression systems
Combine with degron technologies for temporal control
Current antibody validation methods heavily rely on CRISPR knockout controls, demonstrating the synergy between these technologies in research applications .
AI and machine learning offer several advantages for YMR173W-A antibody research:
Experimental design optimization:
Predict optimal antibody dilutions based on similar antibodies
Identify potential cross-reactivity through sequence homology analysis
Suggest optimal buffer conditions based on antibody properties
Image analysis enhancements:
Automated Western blot band identification and quantification
Improved signal-to-noise differentiation
Detection of subtle differences between experimental conditions
Multi-omics data integration:
Correlate antibody-based detection with transcriptomics data
Identify potential post-translational modifications affecting detection
Predict protein interactions based on co-expression patterns
Literature-based discovery:
Automatically extract relevant information about YMR173W-A from publications
Compare your results with published datasets
Identify contradictions or confirmations in the literature
The growing databases of antibody validation data, such as those from YCharOS, provide valuable training datasets for machine learning algorithms to improve antibody selection and experimental design .