Description
Histones are highly basic proteins that complex with DNA to form chromatin. The H2AX histone (~15 kDa calculated molecular weight) is a member of the H2A histone family whose members are components of nucleosomal histone octamers. Double-stranded breaks in DNA caused by replication errors, apoptosis, or other physiological processes (including, immunoglobulin and TCR gene recombinations) and DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation, UV light, or cytotoxic agents lead to phosphorylation of H2AX on serine 139. H2AX (pS139) is also referred to as H2AX (pS140) when the N-terminal methionine that is normally excised during posttranslational processing is included in amino acid sequence numbering. Kinases such as ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) or ATM-Rad3-related (ATR) phosphorylate H2AX to induce its function. Phosphorylated H2AX (also termed, gamma-H2AX) functions to recruit and localize DNA repair proteins or cell cycle checkpoint factors to the DNA-damaged sites. In this way, phosphorylated H2AX promotes DNA repair and maintains genomic stability and thus helps prevent oncogenic transformations. Immunofluorescent staining and bioimaging analysis of cultured cells can be used to readily identify H2AX (pS139)-containing foci. As such, H2AX (pS139) immunofluorescence localization serves as a biomarker for nuclear sites of DNA damage (e.g., double-stranded DNA breaks) in affected cells.
Store undiluted at 4°C and protected from prolonged exposure to light. Do not freeze. The monoclonal antibody was purified from tissue culture supernatant or ascites by affinity chromatography. The antibody was conjugated with R-PE under optimum conditions, and unconjugated antibody and free PE were removed.
1. This reagent has been pre-diluted for use at the recommended Volume per Test. We typically use 1 × 10^6 cells in a 100-µl experimental sample (a test).
2. An isotype control should be used at the same concentration as the antibody of interest.
3. Caution: Sodium azide yields highly toxic hydrazoic acid under acidic conditions. Dilute azide compounds in running water before discarding to avoid accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing.
4. Source of all serum proteins is from USDA inspected abattoirs located in the United States.
5. For fluorochrome spectra and suitable instrument settings, please refer to our Multicolor Flow Cytometry web page at www.bdbiosciences.com/colors.
6. Species cross-reactivity detected in product development may not have been confirmed on every format and/or application.
7. Please refer to http://regdocs.bd.com to access safety data sheets (SDS).
8. Please refer to www.bdbiosciences.com/us/s/resources for technical protocols.
