Related Experiment Videos

MPM-12: a monoclonal antibody that predominantly stains mitotic cells and recognizes a protein kinase

R K Ganju1, J E Penkala, D A Wright

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.

Insights

Monoclonal antibody MPM-12 targets phosphorylated proteins in mitotic cells, identifying distinct molecular weight bands. This antibody reveals key differences between mitotic and interphase cell protein profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Monoclonal antibodies are crucial tools for identifying specific cellular components.
  • Understanding protein differences between cell cycle phases is vital for cell biology research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the monoclonal antibody MPM-12 and its reactivity with cellular proteins.
  • To investigate the role of phosphorylation in MPM-12 antibody binding.

Main Methods:

  • Indirect immunofluorescence staining of mitotic cells.
  • Immunoblotting of mitotic and interphase HeLa cell extracts.
  • Peptide analysis and kinase activity assays.

Main Results:

  • MPM-12 preferentially stains mitotic cell cytoplasm and recognizes 155, 88, and 68 kDa proteins in mitotic cells.
  • Only the 68 kDa protein, associated with chromatin, is detected in interphase cells.
  • All recognized proteins are phosphorylated, and this phosphorylation is necessary for antibody reactivity.
  • MPM-12 immunocomplexes display autophosphorylating and histone H1 kinase activity.

Conclusions:

  • MPM-12 is a specific monoclonal antibody that recognizes phosphorylated proteins differentially expressed during mitosis.
  • The antibody identifies distinct protein targets in mitotic versus interphase cells, highlighting cell cycle-specific modifications.
  • MPM-12 may serve as a valuable probe for studying mitotic events and associated kinase activities.

Related Concept Videos