Novel monoclonal antibodies for the investigation of PCH family proteins

Abstract

The pombe Cdc15 homology (PCH) protein family (also termed FCH/SH3 family) comprises 5 subgroups of structurally related polypeptides. The protein kinase C and casein kinase substrate in neurons 1 (PACSIN1), the CD2-binding protein 1 (CD2BP1) and the Cdc42-interacting protein 4 (CIP4) represent members of three individual subgroups. PCH proteins in general are supposed to link cytoskeletal elements to membrane trafficking machineries. In various cellular systems, PCH proteins are involved in lysosomal targeting, vesicular transport, and endocytotic as well as exocytotic processes. However, the specific molecular networks around individual PCH proteins and their localization in different cell populations need to be identified. We have recently reported that several members of the PCH family interact with the death factor FasL (CD178). This interaction is mediated via the SH3 domains of PCH proteins binding to the proline-rich cytoplasmatic region of FasL. To analyze the role of endogenous PCH proteins in the context of FasL or other interactors, novel molecular tools are needed. We developed a set of monoclonal antibodies against three individual PCH family members. These novel reagents will help to analyze the presence and function of endogenous PCH proteins in lymphocytes and other cell types.