The Beclin-1 (BECN1) gene encodes a 60 kDa coiled-coil protein that interacts with the prototypic apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2 (1). Beclin-1 promotes autophagy in autophagy-defective yeast with a targeted disruption of agp6/vps30, and in human MCF7 breast carcinoma cells. The autophagy-promoting activity of Beclin-1 in MCF7 cells is associated with inhibition of MCF7 cellular proliferation, in vitro clonigenicity, tumorigenesis, and has been found to ameliorate the neurodegenerative pathology in alpha-Synuclein models of Parkinson's and lewy body diseases. Endogenous Beclin-1 protein expression is frequently low in human breast epithelial carcinoma cell lines and tissue, but is expressed ubiquitously at high levels in normal breast epithelia (2). It has also been shown that Beclin 1 contains a leucine-rich nuclear export signal motif raising the possibility that its autophagy and/or tumor suppressor function may require regulated, CRM1-dependent, nucleocytoplasmic transport (3).
Applications:
Suitable for use in Western Blot, Immunoprecipitation, Immunocytochemistry, Immunofluorescence and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications have not been tested.
Recommended Dilutions:
Immunohistochemistry (paraffin): 1:50 detects Beclin-1 in human breast tissue.
Immunocytochemistry: 1:50-1:100 detects Beclin-1 in HeLa cells.
Immunoprecipitation: 1:50
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Positive Control:
A431 cell lysate
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.