Antibodies to  Polycomb and Trithorax Group Proteins

The development of body parts is determined by transcriptional activators encoded by homeotic (Hox) genes. Maintenance of Hox gene expression in either an active or silenced state is critical to normal development from the stage of embryo to adult. The importance of these genes is indicated by the striking effects of their incorrect expression in flies.  Incorrect expression causes homeotic transformations where one body part is transformed into the likeness of another. Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) proteins are highly conserved key regulators of homeotic genes that were originally discovered in Drosophila as mutant genes that resulted in homeotic transformations involving the thorax. Such transformations include the transformation of the second leg into the first resulting in the appearance of the sex comb in the mid-legs of male flies. This phenotype gave rise to the term polycomb and was observed as a phenotype common among mutati ons in the PcG genes.  The trxG mutations were identified by way of phenotypes that displayed the transformation of the dorsal prothorax to mesothorax resulting at times in the development of 6 wings (trithorax). PcG and trxG proteins work as opposing forces to maintain Hox gene expression by epigenetically modifying chromatin structure via Polycomb/trithorax group response elements (PRE/TREs). PcG proteins maintain silenced states of gene expression, while trxG proteins maintain active states. Much of what is known about PcG and trG function and their regulation of Hox gene expression has been established through the extensive study of the Drosophila model. Human homologs of PcG proteins and trxG proteins have been identified and found to be involved in similar processes controlling stem cell self-renewal and cell fate.  There is evidence that post-translational modifications of histones is part of the mechanism for transcriptional regulation by PcG and trxG; however the mystery still remains of how these proteins switch and balance between silencing and activation and how they maintain memory of these states. Additionally, little is also known about the cis-acting elements in the human genome recognized by these factors. Clues to these mysteries will advance our understanding of epigenetic regulation of gene transcription and ultimately lead to answers concerning how these factors contribute to human stem cell function and  cancer formation.

Bethyl’s portfolio of antibodies against polycomb and trithorax proteins includes: ARID1A/BAF250, ASH2, ASXL2, BMI1, BRG1/SMARCA4, CBX8, CHD4/Mi2beta, CHD7, EZH2, FALZ/BPTF, HDAC2, Jarid1B, Jarid1C, MLL1, p400, PHC3, RbBP4, RbBP5, RBBP7, Sirt1, SMARCA1/SNF2L, SMARCA2/BRM, SMARCB1/SNF5, SMARCC2/BAF170 and TRX2.

Detection of Human HDAC2 by IHC.

Samples: FFPE section of human breast adenocarcinoma.  Antibody: Affinity purified rabbit anti-HDAC2 (Cat. No. IHC-00057) used at a dilution of 1:250. Detection: DAB.

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Detection of CKI epsilon by Immunoprecipitation and Western Blot.

Samples: Whole cell lysate (5, 15 and 50 mcg for WB; 1 mg for IP, 20% of IP loaded) from HeLa cells. Antibodies: CKI epsilon antibody A302-135A used for WB at 0.04 mcg/ml (A) and 1 mcg/ml (B) and used for IP at 10 mcg/mg lysate. CKI epsilon was also immunoprecipitated by a rabbit antibody directed to an epitope that is common to CKI epsilon and CKI delta. CKI delta was immunoprecipitated and blotted using A302-136A.  Detection: Chemiluminescence with exposure times of 30 seconds (A) and 3 seconds (B).

New IHC Antibodies

Detection of Human cAbl by IHC-IF.

Sample: FFPE section of human K562 cells (contains the chromosomal translocation, t(9:22) that creates the BCR/ABL fusion gene). Antibody: Affinity purified rabbit anti-cAbl (Cat. No. IHC-00405) used at a dilution of 1:250.  Detection: Red-fluorescent goat anti-rabbit IgG highly cross-adsorbed Antibody Hilyte Plus 555 (A120-501E) used at a dilution of 1:100.

Detection of Human BCR by IHC-IF.

Sample: FFPE section of human K562 cells (contains the chromosomal translocation, t(9:22) that creates the BCR/ABL fusion gene).  Antibody: Affinity purified rabbit anti-BCR (Cat. No. IHC-00406) used at a dilution of 1:250.  Detection: Red-fluorescent goat anti-rabbit IgG highly cross-adsorbed Antibody Hilyte Plus 555 (A120-501E) used at a dilution of 1:100.

Hilyte is a trademark of AnaSpec, Inc.

Last Month's New Products

Polyclonal Antibodies - AKT1, ARIP4, ASAP1, ASF, BCR, C1orf55, CCDC6, CLASP1, Cyclin L1, ERK1, ERK2, FANCB, FBXO31, GAPex5, GIT1, GIT2, GSK3-beta, hPrp3p, INT3, LAP1B, LARP1, NF-YA, NF-YC, Notch2, Par4, PHIP, PRKCBP1, QSER1, Rab3-GAP1, RALY, RASAL2, RelA (S468), RelA (S529), RelA (S536), SAM68, SAS10, SMC3, SRcyp, THOC5, U2AF35, VPS4B, and Ymer

IHC Antibodies - ABCB9, BRD4, Ki-67, and TCEB3

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Bethyl Laboratories is best known for our portfolio of over 3500 polyclonal antibodies to over 1000 proteins. We test our antibodies in a wide range of applications including ELISA, western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry, and immunocytochemistry. We have recently validated many of our antibodies for flow cytometry and ChIP. Our antibody range also includes secondary antibodies, loading controls and antibodies to epitope tags.

Apoptosis | Cell Cycle | Cell Division | Chromatin Remodeling | Cytoskeletal Organization
DNA Damage/Repair | Histone Modification | Hypoxia | Kinase/Phosphatase | Neurobiology
Nuclear Import/Export | Nuclear Receptor Coactivators | Phospho-specific
RNA Processing | Signal Transduction | Telomeric Maintenance | Transcription Factor/Regulator Translation Control | Transport/Trafficking | Tumor Suppressors/Oncoproteins | Ubiquitination