The SPBC887.02 gene (systematic name sup11+) encodes Sup11p, a protein homologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kre9p, which is involved in β-1,6-glucan biosynthesis. Sup11p is essential for viability in S. pombe and plays a role in cell wall architecture and septum formation .
Sequence: Contains a signal peptide, a serine/threonine-rich region (prone to O-mannosylation), and conserved domains for glucan synthesis .
Post-translational modifications: Hypo-mannosylated in O-mannosylation-deficient mutants, with an unusual N-glycosylation site at an N-X-A sequon .
Sup11p is indispensable for β-1,6-glucan synthesis, a polysaccharide critical for cell wall rigidity and covalent attachment of glycoproteins.
Cell wall composition:
| Condition | β-1,6-glucan | β-1,3-glucan | α-1,3-glucan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild-type | Present | Normal | Normal |
| nmt81-sup11 mutant | Absent | Accumulated | Unchanged |
Morphological defects:
Polyclonal antibodies against Sup11p were generated using GST-fusion peptides for immunoblotting and immunofluorescence .
Specificity: Recognizes Sup11p in Western blots and localizes to the cell periphery in immunofluorescence .
Utility:
Microarray analysis of nmt81-sup11 mutants revealed upregulated genes involved in glucan remodeling:
| Gene | Function | Fold Change |
|---|---|---|
| gas2+ | β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase | +3.5 |
| ags1+ | α-1,3-glucan synthase | +2.1 |
| eng1+ | Endo-β-1,3-glucanase | +4.8 |
While SPBC887.02 Antibody is not directly used in clinical settings, studies on Sup11p provide insights into:
Fungal cell wall biosynthesis pathways.
Mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance.
KEGG: spo:SPBC887.02
STRING: 4896.SPBC887.02.1
SPBC887.02 Antibody is a research-grade antibody developed against a specific protein encoded by the SPBC887.02 gene in Schizosaccharomyces pombe (fission yeast). The antibody recognizes and binds to its target protein with high specificity, making it valuable for studying protein expression, localization, and function. Unlike related antibodies such as SPBC887.12 that are commercially available, SPBC887.02 antibody requires careful validation in research settings.
To verify antibody specificity, researchers should:
Perform Western blot analysis using wild-type and SPBC887.02 deletion mutant strains
Conduct immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Use epitope-tagged versions of the target protein as positive controls
Examine cross-reactivity with related proteins through comparative analysis
Optimal storage conditions significantly impact antibody stability and experimental reproducibility. For SPBC887.02 Antibody:
Store concentrated stock at -80°C in small single-use aliquots (50-100 μL) to prevent freeze-thaw cycles
For working solutions, store at 4°C with 0.02% sodium azide for up to 1 month
Monitor protein concentration before each experiment using A280 measurements
Implement quality control testing (e.g., dot blots against known positive samples) before critical experiments
Long-term stability data from similar S. pombe antibodies suggests:
| Storage Condition | Activity Retention (6 months) | Activity Retention (12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| -80°C (stock) | >95% | >90% |
| -20°C (stock) | 80-90% | 60-75% |
| 4°C (working) | 60-70% | <50% |
Proper experimental controls are essential for interpreting results obtained with SPBC887.02 Antibody. A comprehensive control strategy should include:
Positive controls: Wild-type S. pombe extracts expressing the target protein
Negative controls: Extracts from deletion strains lacking the SPBC887.02 gene
Isotype controls: Matched IgG from the same species as SPBC887.02 Antibody
Preabsorption controls: Antibody preincubated with purified antigen
Loading controls: Antibodies against housekeeping proteins (e.g., actin, tubulin)
When performing immunofluorescence, additional controls should include:
Secondary antibody-only controls to assess background fluorescence
Peptide competition assays to confirm specificity
Cross-validation using orthogonal methods (e.g., GFP-tagging)
Optimizing ChIP assays with SPBC887.02 Antibody requires careful consideration of several parameters:
Crosslinking Optimization:
Test multiple formaldehyde concentrations (0.5-3%) and incubation times (5-20 minutes)
For proteins with weak DNA associations, consider dual crosslinking with disuccinimidyl glutarate
Quenching efficiency should be verified through pilot experiments
Sonication Parameters:
Optimize sonication conditions to yield DNA fragments of 200-500 bp
Verify fragmentation efficiency through agarose gel electrophoresis
Consider adaptive sonication approaches based on cell density
A systematic optimization approach can be implemented using this experimental matrix:
| Parameter | Test Condition 1 | Test Condition 2 | Test Condition 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosslinking | 1% FA, 10 min | 2% FA, 10 min | 1% FA + DSG, 10 min |
| Sonication | 10 cycles, 30s on/30s off | 15 cycles, 30s on/30s off | 20 cycles, 15s on/45s off |
| Antibody Amount | 2 μg | 5 μg | 10 μg |
| Wash Buffers | 150 mM NaCl | 300 mM NaCl | 500 mM NaCl |
| Elution | SDS/heat (65°C) | Peptide competition | Multiple elution rounds |
Comprehensive validation is critical for ensuring experimental reliability. A multi-tiered approach includes:
Primary Validation Methods:
Western blotting comparison between wild-type and knockout strains
Mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitated proteins
Epitope competition assays with blocking peptides
Multiple antibody approach using antibodies targeting different epitopes
Advanced Validation Techniques:
Immunodepletion studies to confirm complete removal of target protein
Orthogonal detection methods (e.g., comparing with GFP-tagged constructs)
Cross-species validation in related yeast species with conserved proteins
Targeted CRISPR-Cas9 modification of the epitope region
Validation data should be quantified using signal-to-noise ratios:
| Validation Method | Acceptable S/N Ratio | Excellent S/N Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | >5:1 | >10:1 |
| IP-MS | >3:1 (SpC ratio) | >5:1 (SpC ratio) |
| IF/IHC | >3:1 | >8:1 |
Super-resolution microscopy with SPBC887.02 Antibody requires specific optimization:
Sample Preparation Considerations:
Test multiple fixation methods (4% PFA, 2% glutaraldehyde, methanol)
Optimize permeabilization (0.1-0.5% Triton X-100, digitonin, or saponin)
Consider embedding in specialized media to reduce spherical aberrations
Evaluate antigen retrieval methods if epitope accessibility is limited
Labeling Strategies for Different Super-Resolution Techniques:
STORM/PALM: Use bright, photoswitchable fluorophores (Alexa 647, mEos)
STED: Select fluorophores with high depletion efficiency (ATTO 647N, STAR 635P)
SIM: Choose fluorophores with high photostability and quantum yield
Optimization experiments should evaluate:
Signal-to-noise ratio
Localization precision
Labeling density
Structural preservation
Working across multiple S. pombe strains requires careful protocol adjustments:
Strain-Specific Considerations:
Cell wall composition varies between strains, affecting lysis efficiency
Expression levels of target proteins may differ, requiring antibody titration
Post-translational modifications may vary, affecting epitope recognition
Genetic background can influence cross-reactivity profiles
Protocol Adaptation Strategy:
Perform strain-specific antibody titration experiments
Optimize lysis conditions for each strain (enzymatic vs. mechanical)
Adjust incubation times based on expression levels
Consider strain-specific blocking conditions to minimize background
A comparative analysis framework:
| Protocol Element | Wild-Type Strain | Mutant Strain Adjustments | Genetic Background Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lysis Buffer | Standard | Increase detergent % for thick-walled mutants | Add protease inhibitors for protease-deficient strains |
| Antibody Dilution | 1:1000 | May need 1:500-1:2000 based on expression | Adjust blocking agents for strains with altered surface proteins |
| Incubation Time | Overnight, 4°C | May need extension for low-expressing strains | Temperature-sensitive strains may require modified conditions |
Systematic optimization of antibody concentration is crucial for obtaining specific signals with minimal background:
Titration Approach:
Perform checkerboard titration with primary (1:100 to 1:5000) and secondary (1:200 to 1:2000) antibodies
Evaluate signal-to-noise ratio at each combination
Determine optimal concentration through quantitative image analysis
Specialized Optimization Techniques:
Sequential dilution imaging: Image the same sample repeatedly with decreasing antibody concentrations
Competition assays: Include graduated amounts of free antigen to determine specificity threshold
Signal amplification comparison: Test standard detection versus amplification systems at different primary concentrations
A typical optimization matrix should include:
| Primary Antibody | Secondary 1:500 S/N | Secondary 1:1000 S/N | Secondary 1:2000 S/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:100 | X.X | X.X | X.X |
| 1:500 | X.X | X.X | X.X |
| 1:1000 | X.X | X.X | X.X |
| 1:5000 | X.X | X.X | X.X |
Inconsistent results can stem from multiple sources requiring systematic troubleshooting:
Antibody-Related Variables:
Lot-to-lot variations: Record lot numbers and test new lots against reference standards
Degradation: Implement regular quality control tests such as dot blots
Aggregation: Centrifuge antibody solutions before use (10,000g, 5 minutes)
Epitope masking: Test multiple sample preparation methods
Sample Preparation Issues:
Incomplete cell lysis: Optimize lysis specific to S. pombe's rigid cell wall
Protein degradation: Use fresh protease inhibitor cocktails
Post-translational modifications: Consider phosphatase inhibitors if relevant
Fixation artifacts: Test multiple fixation methods for microscopy
A systematic troubleshooting flowchart includes:
Is the issue reproducible across experiments?
If YES: Likely a systematic protocol issue
If NO: Examine environmental variables
Does the issue occur with positive controls?
If YES: Examine antibody quality
If NO: Focus on sample preparation
Is signal present but variable?
If YES: Optimize antibody concentration
If NO: Reassess epitope accessibility
When faced with conflicting results, a structured analytical approach is essential:
Data Reconciliation Framework:
Evaluate methodological differences between techniques:
Sensitivity thresholds may vary significantly
Sample preparation may affect epitope accessibility
Different techniques detect different aspects of protein biology
Consider biological variables:
Protein conformational changes in different contexts
Protein complex formation masking epitopes
Post-translational modifications affecting recognition
Splice variants or processing products
Implement validation strategies:
Orthogonal detection methods
Genetic manipulation (overexpression, knockout)
Structure-function analysis with mutants
Condition-specific experiments
Comparative Analysis Table:
| Technique | Detection Principle | Sensitivity | Specificity | Common Artifacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | Denatured epitopes | Medium | High | Size shifts, degradation products |
| Immunofluorescence | Native conformation | Medium-High | Medium | Fixation artifacts, autofluorescence |
| ChIP | Protein-DNA complexes | Low-Medium | Medium | Crosslinking bias, indirect binding |
| IP-MS | Protein complexes | High | Medium-High | Contaminants, weak interactors |
Proper statistical analysis ensures robust interpretation of SPBC887.02 Antibody data:
Statistical Approach Selection:
For Western blots: Normalized densitometry with ANOVA or t-tests
For immunofluorescence: Intensity distribution analysis, spatial statistics
For ChIP-seq: Peak calling algorithms with appropriate multiple testing correction
For co-localization: Pearson's or Mander's correlation coefficients
Advanced Analytical Considerations:
Account for technical and biological variability separately
Implement hierarchical models for nested experimental designs
Consider Bayesian approaches for integration of prior knowledge
Use bootstrap or permutation methods for robustness
Minimum Statistical Reporting Requirements:
| Experiment Type | Sample Size | Statistical Test | Effect Size Measure | Multiple Testing Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Blot | n≥3 biological replicates | ANOVA/t-test | Fold change, Cohen's d | Benjamini-Hochberg |
| Immunofluorescence | n≥30 cells per condition | Mann-Whitney/t-test | Mean difference, η² | Bonferroni for spatial bins |
| ChIP-qPCR | n≥3 biological replicates | t-test/ANOVA | Percent input, fold enrichment | Benjamini-Hochberg |
| ChIP-seq | n≥2 biological replicates | DESeq2/edgeR | Log2 fold change, FDR | Integrated in analysis |
Integration of SPBC887.02 Antibody with single-cell technologies presents exciting research opportunities:
Single-Cell Applications:
Coupling with microfluidics for temporal protein dynamics
Integration with single-cell RNA-seq for protein-transcript correlations
Application in mass cytometry (CyTOF) with metal-conjugated antibodies
Implementation in spatial proteomics platforms
Methodological Considerations:
Miniaturization of immunoassays requires optimization of antibody concentration
Signal amplification becomes critical at single-cell resolution
Multiplexing capabilities require testing for antibody compatibility
Fixation and permeabilization must be optimized for single-cell retention
Development Pathway:
| Technology | Adaptation Requirements | Validation Metrics | Expected Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfluidic IF | Reduced volumes, surface passivation | Single-cell sensitivity, temporal resolution | Subcellular |
| Mass Cytometry | Metal conjugation, cocktail compatibility | Signal-to-noise, spillover | Cellular |
| Spatial Proteomics | Tissue preservation, multiplexing | Spatial resolution, quantitative accuracy | Subcellular |
| Single-cell Western | Antibody specificity in miniaturized format | Detection limit, linear range | Cellular |
Recent advancements in antibody development incorporate machine learning approaches:
Active Learning Implementations:
Machine learning prediction of antibody-antigen binding properties
Library-on-library screening approaches for specificity profile determination
Computational design of validation experiments based on binding predictions
Automated feedback loops between experimental results and binding models
The development of active learning approaches for antibody specificity follows this framework:
Initial characterization with limited training data
Model-guided experiment selection to maximize information gain
Experimental validation of predictions
Model refinement with new data points
Iteration until desired specificity metrics are achieved