Biological Description

Specificity NFAT2 Antibody (Mouse mAb) [P20K6] detects endogenous levels of total NFAT2 protein.
Background NFAT2, also known as NFATc1, belongs to the calcium-regulated nuclear factor of activated T cells family alongside NFAT1, NFAT3, and NFAT4, sharing a conserved Rel-homology DNA-binding domain with these family members while carrying a distinct N-terminal regulatory domain containing calcineurin-docking motifs. NFAT2 resides in the cytoplasm in a heavily phosphorylated, transcriptionally inactive state under resting conditions, held there through interactions that mask its nuclear localization signal. Receptor engagement that triggers a sustained rise in intracellular calcium activates calmodulin, which in turn activates the calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, composed of a catalytic calcineurin A subunit and a calcium-binding calcineurin B subunit. Calcineurin binds directly to NFAT2 and dephosphorylates multiple serine residues within its regulatory domain, exposing the nuclear localization signal and driving nuclear translocation. Within the nucleus, NFAT2 binds specific DNA motifs independently but achieves high-affinity, cooperative binding at composite regulatory elements through direct association with AP-1 (Fos-Jun) proteins, forming NFAT-AP-1 complexes that coordinately activate cytokine gene transcription, including interleukin-2, during antigen receptor-driven lymphocyte activation. NFAT2 and NFAT1 together are required for full T and B cell activation and cytokine production, with genetic loss of both factors abolishing this response. Continuous nuclear NFAT activity in the absence of AP-1 partner engagement instead drives an alternative transcriptional program associated with T cell anergy and functional exhaustion, distinguishing NFAT2 signaling outcomes based on cofactor availability rather than calcineurin activity alone. NFAT2 additionally regulates gene expression programs in osteoclast differentiation and cardiac hypertrophic growth, reflecting the pathway's broader tissue distribution beyond lymphocytes. Calcineurin-NFAT2 signaling is pharmacologically targeted by the immunosuppressants cyclosporine A and FK506, which block calcineurin phosphatase activity and prevent NFAT2 dephosphorylation. Dysregulated calcineurin-NFAT2 signaling is implicated in autoimmune disease pathogenesis, pathological cardiac remodeling, and tumor cell migration and invasion in select cancer contexts.

Usage Information

Application WB, IHC, FCM Dilution
WB IHC FCM
1:1000 1:1000 1:1000
Reactivity Human
Source Mouse Monoclonal Antibody MW 101 kDa
Storage Buffer PBS, pH 7.2+50% Glycerol+0.05% BSA+0.01% NaN3
Storage
(from the date of receipt)
-20°C (avoid freeze-thaw cycles), 2 years
WB
Experimental Protocol:
 
Sample preparation
1. Tissue: Lyse the tissue sample by adding an appropriate volume of ice-cold RIPA/NP-40 Lysis Buffer (containing Protease Inhibitor Cocktail),and homogenize the tissue at a low temperature or lyse it by sonication on ice, then incubate on ice for 30 minutes.
2. Adherent cell: Aspirate the culture medium and wash the cells with ice-cold PBS twice. Lyse the cells by adding an appropriate volume of RIPA/NP-40 Lysis Buffer (containing Protease Inhibitor Cocktail) , sonicate to lyse the cells, and incubate on ice for 30 minutes.
3. Suspension cell: Transfer the culture medium to a pre-cooled centrifuge tube. Centrifuge and aspirate the supernatant. Wash the cells with ice-cold PBS twice. Lyse the cells by adding an appropriate volume of RIPA/NP-40 Lysis Buffer (containing Protease Inhibitor Cocktail) , sonicate to lyse the cells, and incubate on ice for 30 minutes.
4. Place the lysate into a pre-cooled microcentrifuge tube. Centrifuge at 4°C for 15 min. Collect the supernatant;
5. Remove a small volume of lysate to determine the protein concentration;
6. Combine the lysate with protein loading buffer. Boil 20 µL sample under 95-100°C for 5 min. Centrifuge for 5 min after cool down on ice.
 
Electrophoretic separation
1. According to the concentration of extracted protein, load appropriate amount of protein sample and marker onto SDS-PAGE gels for electrophoresis. Recommended separating gel (lower gel) concentration: 10%. Reference Table for Selecting SDS-PAGE Separation Gel Concentrations
2. Power up 80V for 30 minutes. Then the power supply is adjusted (110 V~150 V), the Marker is observed, and the electrophoresis can be stopped when the indicator band of the predyed protein Marker where the protein is located is properly separated. (Note that the current should not be too large when electrophoresis, too large current (more than 150 mA) will cause the temperature to rise, affecting the result of running glue. If high currents cannot be avoided, an ice bath can be used to cool the bath.)
 
Transfer membrane
1. Take out the converter, soak the clip and consumables in the pre-cooled converter;
2. Activate PVDF membrane with methanol for 1 min and rinse with transfer buffer;
3. Install it in the order of "black edge of clip - sponge - filter paper - filter paper - glue -PVDF membrane - filter paper - filter paper - sponge - white edge of clip";
4. The protein was electrotransferred to PVDF membrane. ( 0.45 µm PVDF membrane is recommended ) Reference Table for Selecting PVDF Membrane Pore Size Specifications
Recommended conditions for wet transfer: 200 mA, 120 min.
( Note that the transfer conditions can be adjusted according to the protein size. For high-molecular-weight proteins, a higher current and longer transfer time are recommended. However, ensure that the transfer tank remains at a low temperature to prevent gel melting.)
 
Block
1. After electrotransfer, wash the film with TBST at room temperature for 5 minutes;
2. Incubate the film in the blocking solution for 1 hour at room temperature;
3. Wash the film with TBST for 3 times, 5 minutes each time.
 
Antibody incubation
1. Use primary antibody dilution buffer to prepare the primary antibody working liquid (recommended dilution ratio for primary antibody 1:1000), gently shake and incubate with the film at 4°C overnight;
2. Wash the film with TBST 3 times, 5 minutes each time;
3. Add the secondary antibody to the blocking solution and incubate with the film gently at room temperature for 1 hour;
4. After incubation, wash the film with TBST 3 times for 5 minutes each time.
 
Antibody staining
1. Add the prepared ECL luminescent substrate (or select other color developing substrate according to the second antibody) and mix evenly;
2. Incubate with the film for 1 minute, remove excess substrate (keep the film moist), wrap with plastic film, and expose in the imaging system.
IHC
Experimental Protocol:
 
Deparaffinization/Rehydration
1. Deparaffinize/hydrate sections:
2. Incubate sections in three washes of xylene for 5 min each.
3. Incubate sections in two washes of 100% ethanol for 10 min each.
4. Incubate sections in two washes of 95% ethanol for 10 min each.
5. Wash sections two times in dH2O for 5 min each.
6.Antigen retrieval: For Citrate: Heat slides in a microwave submersed in 1X citrate unmasking solution until boiling is initiated; continue with 10 min at a sub-boiling temperature (95°-98°C). Cool slides on bench top for 30 min.
 
Staining
1. Wash sections in dH2O three times for 5 min each.
2. Incubate sections in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10 min.
3. Wash sections in dH2O two times for 5 min each.
4. Wash sections in wash buffer for 5 min.
5. Block each section with 100–400 µl of blocking solution for 1 hr at room temperature.
6. Remove blocking solution and add 100–400 µl primary antibody diluent in to each section. Incubate overnight at 4°C.
7. Remove antibody solution and wash sections with wash buffer three times for 5 min each.
8. Cover section with 1–3 drops HRPas needed. Incubate in a humidified chamber for 30 min at room temperature.
9. Wash sections three times with wash buffer for 5 min each.
10. Add DAB Chromogen Concentrate to DAB Diluent and mix well before use.
11. Apply 100–400 µl DAB to each section and monitor closely. 1–10 min generally provides an acceptable staining intensity.
12. Immerse slides in dH2O.
13. If desired, counterstain sections with hematoxylin.
14. Wash sections in dH2O two times for 5 min each.
15. Dehydrate sections: Incubate sections in 95% ethanol two times for 10 sec each; Repeat in 100% ethanol, incubating sections two times for 10 sec each; Repeat in xylene, incubating sections two times for 10 sec each.
16. Mount sections with coverslips and mounting medium.
 

References

  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15928679/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210952/

Application Data

WB

Validated by Selleck

  • F1044-wb
    Lane 1: K-562, Lane 2: 293T