SPBC18H10.05 is identified in the scientific literature as a gene encoding a WD repeat protein of the Wdr44 family in Schizosaccharomyces pombe . The systematic identifier follows standard S. pombe nomenclature where:
SPBC: Indicates a gene located on chromosome II of S. pombe
18H10: Represents the specific cosmid or genomic contig designation
05: Indicates it is the fifth open reading frame on this cosmid
As mentioned in the doctoral dissertation referenced in the search results, SPBC18H10.05 is categorized as a "WD repeat protein Wdr44 family, WD" . This classification provides important insights into the protein's structure and potential functions within the cell.
Based on knowledge of homologous WD repeat proteins, SPBC18H10.05 likely functions as a scaffolding protein that mediates the assembly of protein complexes. Potential cellular roles may include:
Intracellular trafficking and vesicular transport
Signal transduction pathway regulation
Cytoskeletal organization
Cell cycle control mechanisms
Protein complex assembly and coordination
Understanding these functions would be essential for designing appropriate experiments utilizing an antibody against this protein and interpreting the resulting data.
The development of an effective antibody against SPBC18H10.05 would begin with careful antigen design. Based on standard immunological principles and practices observed with other antibodies , several strategies could be employed:
| Antigen Type | Description | Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-length recombinant protein | Complete SPBC18H10.05 protein expressed in bacterial or insect cell systems | Contains all potential epitopes; represents the complete protein | Complex expression and purification; potential folding issues |
| Synthetic peptide | Short peptide sequences unique to SPBC18H10.05 | Easier to synthesize; can target specific regions | May not represent native conformation; limited epitope options |
| Domain-specific fragments | Expressed portions of the protein containing specific functional domains | Balance between specificity and representation of structure | Requires precise knowledge of domain boundaries |
For SPBC18H10.05, the ideal approach would likely involve targeting unique sequences outside the highly conserved WD repeat domains to ensure specificity to this particular protein rather than cross-reactivity with other WD repeat proteins in the cell.
The generation of antibodies against SPBC18H10.05 would follow established immunological protocols, similar to those used for other antibodies like the LDLR Recombinant Monoclonal Antibody described in search result . The process would typically involve:
Immunization of host animals (commonly rabbits, mice, or rats) with the prepared antigen
Collection of serum (for polyclonal antibodies) or isolation of B lymphocytes (for monoclonal antibodies)
For monoclonal antibodies, fusion of B cells with myeloma cells to create hybridomas
Screening and selection of antibody-producing clones with high affinity and specificity
Large-scale production and purification of the antibody
As seen with the His Tag Antibody (clone AD1.1.10) described in search result , successful antibody development requires rigorous selection and validation processes to ensure the final product performs consistently across applications.
Before an SPBC18H10.05 antibody would be suitable for research applications, it would undergo extensive validation testing:
Western blot analysis using S. pombe lysates to confirm specific binding
Testing against SPBC18H10.05 knockout or deletion strains as negative controls
Cross-reactivity assessment with related WD repeat proteins
Application-specific validation for immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and other techniques
Batch-to-batch consistency evaluation
These validation steps are critical for ensuring that the antibody produces reliable and reproducible results in experimental settings.
An antibody targeting SPBC18H10.05 would serve as a valuable tool for multiple research applications in S. pombe biology:
The SPBC18H10.05 antibody would enable researchers to:
Detect and quantify SPBC18H10.05 expression levels via Western blotting
Monitor protein synthesis and degradation under different experimental conditions
Compare expression between wild-type and mutant strains
Assess regulation during different growth phases or stress responses
These applications would be similar to those demonstrated for the His Tag Antibody in detecting His-tagged proteins in HEK293 cell lysates as shown in search result .
Determining the precise localization of SPBC18H10.05 within S. pombe cells would provide valuable insights into its function:
Immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize distribution patterns
Co-localization studies with organelle markers or potential interacting proteins
Tracking changes in localization during cell cycle progression
Examining redistribution under various experimental conditions
The immunofluorescence protocols would require optimization for yeast cells, similar to the methanol fixation method mentioned in search result , which describes "Methanol fixation and immunofluorescence labeling" as a technique used in the study of S. pombe proteins.
Understanding the interaction partners of SPBC18H10.05 would be crucial for elucidating its cellular functions:
Immunoprecipitation to isolate SPBC18H10.05 and associated proteins
Co-immunoprecipitation to confirm suspected protein-protein interactions
Pull-down assays to characterize protein complexes
Chromatin immunoprecipitation if the protein has nuclear functions
These techniques would help place SPBC18H10.05 within the broader context of cellular protein networks and signaling pathways.
The antibody could facilitate various functional studies:
Tracking post-translational modifications using specific detection methods
Monitoring protein levels in response to genetic manipulations
Assessing changes in expression or localization during cellular processes like cell division
Potential antibody-mediated inhibition studies, if feasible
Working with antibodies in yeast systems presents unique challenges that would need to be addressed:
Cell wall interference: The rigid yeast cell wall can impede antibody penetration, requiring enzymatic digestion methods for immunofluorescence applications
Fixation protocols: Specialized fixation methods like methanol fixation (mentioned in search result ) are often needed for optimal epitope preservation in yeast cells
Background signal: Yeast cells can exhibit nonspecific binding, necessitating careful blocking and washing procedures
WD repeat proteins like SPBC18H10.05 fold into compact structures that may present challenges for antibody binding:
Tertiary structure may conceal potential epitopes
Protein-protein interactions might mask binding sites
Post-translational modifications could alter epitope recognition
Strategies to address these issues would include targeting multiple regions of the protein and using denaturing conditions for some applications.
Rigorous experimental design would require appropriate controls:
SPBC18H10.05 deletion or knockout strains as negative controls
Tagged versions of the protein (e.g., epitope tags) as positive controls
Peptide competition assays to confirm specificity
Secondary antibody-only controls to assess background
To contextualize the development and application of an SPBC18H10.05 antibody, comparison with antibodies against other fungal proteins is instructive:
| Antibody Type | Typical Applications | Common Challenges | Optimization Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell wall proteins | Surface labeling, flow cytometry | Cell wall permeability | Enzymatic digestion protocols |
| Cytoskeletal components | Immunofluorescence, co-IP | Structure preservation | Specialized fixation methods |
| Transcription factors | ChIP, nuclear localization | Low abundance | Signal amplification techniques |
| WD repeat proteins (like SPBC18H10.05) | Western blot, IP, IF | Epitope accessibility | Target unique regions, optimize permeabilization |
This comparative framework helps place the technical considerations for an SPBC18H10.05 antibody within the broader context of tools used in fungal research.
The development of a reliable SPBC18H10.05 antibody would enable several important research directions:
Systematic analysis of SPBC18H10.05 expression under various environmental conditions
Examination of its role in specific cellular pathways
Investigation of potential phenotypes associated with altered expression
Investigation of functional conservation with homologs in other fungi
Comparison with mammalian Wdr44 family proteins
Evolutionary analysis of WD repeat protein functions
These studies would contribute to our understanding of fundamental cellular processes in eukaryotes, potentially with broader implications for human cell biology and disease, similar to the insights gained from fission yeast research described in search result .
KEGG: spo:SPBC18H10.05
STRING: 4896.SPBC18H10.05.1
Proper validation is critical before experimental use, as antibody performance varies significantly across applications. A multi-step validation approach should include:
Western blot analysis comparing wild-type S. pombe with a SPBC18H10.05 deletion strain
Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to confirm the pulled-down protein
Testing cross-reactivity with recombinant SPBC18H10.05 protein
Epitope-tagging the endogenous protein and comparing antibody detection with tag-specific antibodies
This approach follows established validation protocols observed in multiple studies. For example, researchers studying Shb protein employed two positive controls: "The first one corresponds to an over-expression system resulting from HEK 293T cells transiently transfected with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven Stag-Shb-V5 construct. The second one corresponds to an endogenous expression situation where the HEK 293T-derived CE12 cell line has one of its Shb alleles V5-tagged" . Similar methodology should be applied to SPBC18H10.05 antibody validation.
When developing or selecting antibodies against S. pombe proteins like SPBC18H10.05, epitope selection significantly impacts specificity and functionality:
Target unique regions that lack homology with other S. pombe proteins
For polyclonal antibodies, N-terminal or C-terminal regions often make good targets
Avoid transmembrane regions or highly conserved functional domains
Consider protein modifications that might affect epitope accessibility
For better immunogenicity, conjugate peptides to carrier proteins like keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)
Commercial antibodies typically adopt these approaches, as seen with other proteins: "Anti-Shb: ab175553 - C-terminal amino acids (67-95) of mouse Shb conjugated to keyhole limpet haemocynin (KLH)" .
SPBC18H10.05 antibodies can be utilized in various experimental contexts, but researchers should note that a single antibody may not perform equally well across all applications:
Western blotting for protein expression analysis
Immunoprecipitation for protein interaction studies
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) if the protein has DNA-binding properties
Immunofluorescence microscopy for subcellular localization
Flow cytometry for quantitative analysis
As observed in antibody validation studies: "Several of the antibodies showed shortcomings or were not acceptable for detection of the endogenous protein. The few that could detect Shb were doing so in either western blotting or immunoprecipitation experiments but a given antibody could not work in both applications" . Therefore, validate each antibody specifically for your intended application.
For successful co-IP experiments with SPBC18H10.05 antibodies in S. pombe:
Cell lysis: Test NP-40 (0.5-1%), RIPA, or milder detergents like digitonin
Salt concentration: Start with 150mM NaCl, then adjust based on interaction strength
Antibody amounts: Typically 2-5μg per 500μg of protein lysate
Pre-clearing: Use protein A/G beads to remove non-specific binders
Washing stringency: Balance between maintaining interactions and reducing background
Controls: Include IgG control and when possible, a SPBC18H10.05 deletion strain
Effective approaches for S. pombe proteins include: "epitope-tagged each protein at the endogenous locus, affinity purified it from cell lysates, and identified co-precipitating proteins by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry" .
For comprehensive identification of SPBC18H10.05-interacting partners:
Buffer optimization: Test various ionic strengths and detergent concentrations
Cross-linking approaches: Consider formaldehyde or DSP cross-linking to capture transient interactions
Mass spectrometry analysis: Use both label-free and isotope-labeled approaches for quantitative assessment
Validation: Confirm key interactions by reciprocal IP or proximity ligation assays
This approach has proven successful in studying fission yeast protein complexes: "Saf5 was found to specifically associate with components of the splicing machinery, most notably, all components of the core snRNP including Smd3" .
Chromatin immunoprecipitation with SPBC18H10.05 antibodies requires specific optimization for fission yeast:
Cell fixation: Use 1% formaldehyde for 15-30 minutes at room temperature
Cell lysis: Optimize mechanical disruption with glass beads for S. pombe's tough cell wall
Sonication: Adjust conditions to achieve chromatin fragments of 200-500bp
Antibody concentration: Titrate to determine optimal amount (typically 2-5μg per ChIP reaction)
Controls: Include IgG control, input samples, and a strain with deleted or tagged SPBC18H10.05
For validation of ChIP results, consider orthogonal approaches as used in centromeric studies, where researchers measured "centromeric siRNAs in all the mutants, indicative of defective RNAi-mediated processing of non-coding centromeric transcripts" .
When facing inconsistent results between antibody lots:
Epitope mapping: Determine if different lots recognize distinct epitopes
Validation series: Re-validate each lot using knockout/knockdown controls
Sensitivity testing: Compare detection limits using dilution series of recombinant protein
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test against related proteins or in knockout systems
Researchers have noted significant variability: "The few that could detect Shb were doing so in either western blotting or immunoprecipitation experiments but a given antibody could not work in both applications" . This highlights the importance of comprehensive validation for each experimental application.
For creating effective knockout controls in S. pombe:
CRISPR-Cas9 approach: Design guide RNAs targeting early exons of SPBC18H10.05
Homologous recombination: Use antibiotic resistance cassettes flanked by homology regions
Verification methods: Combine PCR genotyping, sequencing, RT-qPCR, and western blotting
Phenotypic characterization: Assess growth, morphology, and related pathway functions
Systematic gene deletion approaches have been successfully employed in fission yeast studies to create comprehensive mutant collections: "we obtained a comprehensive catalog of autophagy genes in this highly tractable organism, including genes encoding three heretofore unidentified core Atg proteins" .
To investigate PTMs of SPBC18H10.05:
Modification-specific antibodies: Consider developing phospho-, acetyl-, or ubiquitin-specific antibodies
Enrichment strategies: Use phosphatase inhibitors, deacetylase inhibitors during sample preparation
Sequential immunoprecipitation: First IP with SPBC18H10.05 antibody, then probe with modification-specific antibodies
Mass spectrometry validation: Use IP followed by MS to map modification sites
These approaches are particularly important for studying proteins involved in signaling pathways, as demonstrated in studies of platform proteins "involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signalling" .
For cell-cycle dependent studies in S. pombe:
Synchronization methods: Optimize nitrogen starvation/release for S. pombe
Time-course sampling: Collect samples at regular intervals following synchronization
Fixation protocols: Optimize to preserve cell cycle stage and protein localization
Quantitative imaging: Use fluorescence intensity measurements for relative protein levels
Co-localization studies: Combine with established cell cycle markers
Similar approaches have been used effectively to study protein dynamics in fission yeast, allowing researchers to "systematically examined the subcellular localization of fission yeast autophagy factors" .
When investigating complex assemblies:
Buffer optimization: Test various ionic strengths and detergent concentrations
Sequential immunoprecipitation: Consider tandem IP to isolate specific subcomplexes
Density gradient fractionation: Combine with antibody detection to identify complex size
Cross-linking strategies: Use graduated cross-linking to preserve interactions
As demonstrated in fission yeast studies: "Saf5 was found to specifically associate with components of the splicing machinery, most notably, all components of the core snRNP including Smd3" , revealing how proper immunoprecipitation conditions can uncover complex protein assemblies.
For chromatin association studies in fission yeast:
Fractionation protocols: Optimize cytoplasmic, nucleoplasmic, and chromatin fraction separation
Salt extraction series: Use increasing NaCl concentrations (100mM to 500mM) to determine binding strength
Nuclease treatment: Apply DNase or RNase to distinguish DNA vs. RNA-mediated associations
Controls: Include histone antibodies (chromatin), tubulin (cytoplasmic), and nuclear markers
These approaches have been valuable in characterizing novel factors in fission yeast. For instance, researchers identified that "Ctl1 interacts with Atg9 and is required for autophagosome formation" using similar biochemical fractionation approaches.