Target Overview: BCL2L11 and the BCL-2 Protein Family

BCL2L11, commonly referred to as BIM (BCL-2-interacting mediator of cell death), is a pro-apoptotic protein and a member of the BCL-2 family characterized by the presence of a BH3 domain only. BIM plays a pivotal role in the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptosis pathway by neutralizing anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members such as BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1, thereby promoting the release of cytochrome c and subsequent caspase activation.

The BCL-2 protein family is broadly divided into anti-apoptotic members (e.g., BCL-2, BCL-XL) and pro-apoptotic members, the latter including multi-domain effectors (BAX, BAK) and BH3-only sensitizers such as BIM, PUMA, and NOXA. BIM is expressed in multiple isoforms — including BIM-EL (extra long), BIM-L (long), and BIM-S (short) — generated by alternative splicing, each differing in apoptotic potency and regulatory mechanisms.

Dysregulation of BCL2L11 expression has been implicated in cancer chemoresistance, autoimmune disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, making it a key target in both basic and translational research.

Product Description and Formulation

The BCL2L11 Mouse mAb (Aladdin SKU: Ab351165) is a mouse-derived monoclonal antibody raised against BCL2L11/BIM. As a monoclonal antibody, it provides high specificity and lot-to-lot consistency compared to polyclonal preparations, making it suitable for reproducible experimental results across different laboratory workflows.

This antibody is supplied in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) formulation without additional carrier proteins or preservatives as standard, which is particularly advantageous for applications requiring conjugation or when carrier proteins may interfere with downstream assays. Researchers should refer to the product datasheet for confirmed storage conditions, concentration, and any stabilizing additives.

Note: Detailed application validation data (e.g., Western blot dilution ranges, immunofluorescence conditions, species reactivity panels) are listed on the official product page. Users are advised to consult the current Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and datasheet for lot-specific information.

Research Applications of BCL2L11 Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies against BCL2L11/BIM are widely used in cell biology and cancer research laboratories. Common applications include:

• Western Blotting (WB): Detection of BIM isoforms (BIM-EL, BIM-L, BIM-S) in cell lysates from treated or untreated cell lines and primary cells. BIM is commonly induced following cytokine withdrawal, DNA damage, or targeted therapy.
• Immunoprecipitation (IP): Isolation of BCL2L11 protein complexes to study protein-protein interactions within the BCL-2 family network.
• Immunofluorescence (IF) / Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Visualization of BIM subcellular localization, particularly mitochondrial association during apoptosis induction.
• Flow Cytometry: Quantification of BIM expression levels at the single-cell level in heterogeneous cell populations.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Assessment of BCL2L11 expression in tissue sections, relevant to studies of tumor microenvironment and apoptotic indices.

Validation of specific applications with this product should be confirmed from the current product datasheet, as not all applications may have been formally tested for SKU Ab351165.

Storage, Handling, and Quality Considerations

Proper storage and handling of monoclonal antibodies is essential to preserve activity and ensure reproducible results. General best practices for PBS-formulated monoclonal antibodies include:

• Storage Temperature: Short-term storage at 2–8 °C; for long-term storage, aliquot and store at −20 °C or −80 °C to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Minimize the number of freeze-thaw cycles, as repeated cycling can lead to protein aggregation and loss of binding activity.
• Avoid Sodium Azide Contamination: If using this antibody for cell-based assays or conjugation, verify the absence of sodium azide in the formulation, as it is toxic to cells and can inhibit enzyme conjugates.
• Aliquoting: Upon first receipt, aliquot the antibody into single-use volumes appropriate for your typical experiment to minimize unnecessary freeze-thaw events.

Always consult the product-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each lot for confirmed specifications including concentration, purity, and validated applications. Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for application-specific recommendations.