BCL Antibodies

BCL antibodies are designed to target members of the B-cell lymphoma (BCL) family of proteins, which play a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis (programmed cell death). The BCL family includes both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins that maintain the balance between cell survival and death, thus controlling critical cellular processes like cancer development, immune responses, and tissue homeostasis. Key members of this family include BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-W (anti-apoptotic) as well as BAX, BAK, and BAD (pro-apoptotic). BCL antibodies are essential tools for studying the regulation of apoptosis and their dysregulation in diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Application of BCL Antibodies

• Western Blotting (WB): BCL antibodies are extensively used in Western blotting to detect the expression of specific BCL family members in various cell and tissue lysates. This application is particularly important for understanding the balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins in cancer cells. For example, increased expression of BCL-2 or BCL-XL is often associated with cancer cell survival, and their detection helps in studying resistance to apoptosis and therapeutic interventions.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): In IHC, BCL antibodies are used to localize the expression of BCL family proteins in tissue samples. This is valuable for studying the distribution of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in different cancer tissues or for evaluating their levels in normal versus diseased tissue. The spatial distribution of BCL proteins provides insights into the regulatory networks governing apoptosis in various tissue types, especially in the context of tumorigenesis.
• Immunofluorescence (IF): BCL antibodies are frequently used in IF to visualize the subcellular localization of BCL proteins within cells. This is particularly important for understanding how BCL proteins regulate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), a critical step in the initiation of apoptosis. Immunofluorescence can also reveal the dynamic relocalization of BCL proteins in response to apoptotic stimuli.
• Flow Cytometry (FACS): Conjugated BCL antibodies are used in flow cytometry to quantify the expression of BCL family proteins in cell populations. This method is particularly useful for high-throughput analysis of apoptosis regulation in cancer cell lines or primary cells, helping researchers identify populations with altered survival signaling. FACS with BCL antibodies can be used to study therapeutic effects, such as the induction of apoptosis through BCL-2 inhibition.

Technical Specifications

• Clonality: Monoclonal or Polyclonal
• Isotype: IgG (species-specific variants available)
• Species Reactivity: Human, Mouse, Rat, and others depending on the antibody
• Applications: WB, IHC, IF, FACS, ChIP, Co-IP
• Post-Translational Modification Detection: Available for phosphorylated or cleaved forms of BCL proteins
• Storage Conditions: Typically stored at -20°C or -80°C for long-term use