Ubiquitin is a highly conserved protein of about 8.5kD molecular weight, which has a normal role in the targeting of proteins for proteolytic degradation. To perform this function, the protein to be degraded is first covalently attached to the C-terminus of ubiquitin, and the ubiquitinated complex is then recognized by a complex of degradative enzymes. Interestingly, ubiquitin also becomes covalently bonded to many types of pathological inclusions, which appear to be resistant to normal degradation. Therefore, ubiquitin antibodies are very useful for studies of these inclusions. For example, the neurofibrillary tangles and paired helical filaments diagnostic of Alzheimer's disease, Lewy bodies seen in Parkinson's disease, and Pick bodies found in Pick's disease are all heavily ubiquitinated and can be readily visualized with ubiquitin antibodies.
Applications:
Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, add sterile glycerol (40-50%), aliquot and store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 3 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.