RACGAP1 Protein: Biological Background

RACGAP1 (Rac GTPase-activating protein 1), also known as MgcRacGAP or CYK4, is a member of the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) family that negatively regulates Rho-family small GTPases including Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA. It plays a pivotal role in cytokinesis — the final stage of cell division in which the cytoplasm is partitioned between two daughter cells.

During mitosis, RACGAP1 localizes to the central spindle and midbody, where it forms a complex with the kinesin-like motor protein MKLP1 (known as the centralspindlin complex). This complex coordinates actomyosin contractile ring assembly and ingression of the cleavage furrow. Dysregulation of RACGAP1 has been associated with oncogenesis, as overexpression of the protein has been reported in several cancers, making it a target of interest in cancer biology research.

Researchers studying mitosis, cell cycle progression, GTPase signaling pathways, or cancer cell biology will find RACGAP1 a relevant target for investigation.

Antibody Specifications and Formulation

The RACGAP1 Mouse mAb (Ab351049) is a monoclonal antibody produced in mouse hosts targeting the RACGAP1 protein. Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity and lot-to-lot consistency compared with polyclonal preparations, making them the preferred choice for reproducible quantitative assays.

Formulation: The antibody is supplied in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) without carrier proteins or preservatives unless otherwise specified. Researchers should verify the absence of sodium azide or other additives if downstream cell-based or enzymatic assays are planned.

Storage: As with most monoclonal antibodies formulated in PBS, it is recommended to store this antibody at –20°C for long-term storage and at 4°C for short-term use (up to 1 month). Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided; aliquoting upon first use is strongly advised.

Note: Additional details such as immunogen sequence, isotype, clone identity, and validated application data should be confirmed with the Aladdin Scientific product datasheet for Ab351049. Contact Aladdin technical support for the most current specifications.

Recommended Applications and Usage Protocol

Monoclonal antibodies against RACGAP1 are commonly employed in several standard immunological techniques. While specific validated applications for Ab351049 should be confirmed via the product datasheet, the following applications are typical for anti-RACGAP1 monoclonal antibodies:

• Western Blot (WB): Detect endogenous RACGAP1 in whole-cell lysates. Expected molecular weight is approximately 71–74 kDa. Use at empirically determined dilutions (typically 1:500–1:2000). Include positive controls such as HeLa or HEK293 cell lysates.
• Immunofluorescence (IF) / Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Visualize RACGAP1 localization at the midbody during cytokinesis. Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde; blocking with 5% BSA or normal serum is recommended prior to primary antibody incubation.
• Immunoprecipitation (IP): Enrich RACGAP1 protein from lysates for interaction studies, particularly for characterizing the centralspindlin complex.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Localize RACGAP1 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections from tumor samples or proliferating tissues.

Always titrate the antibody empirically for each application and cell/tissue type. Refer to the Ab351049 datasheet for confirmed applications and recommended dilution ranges.

Quality, Reproducibility & Regulatory Considerations

Aladdin Scientific sources antibodies from validated manufacturing partners to support reproducible research. The RACGAP1 Mouse mAb (Ab351049) is referenced against an absea source code (KC-32810), indicating traceability to a characterized manufacturing lot.

For reproducibility: Always record the lot number from the vial label in your laboratory notebook and publications. Antibody performance can vary between lots; re-validation is advisable when switching to a new lot.

Research use only: This product is intended for research purposes only and is not approved for diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans or animals.

Quality control: Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support or consult the certificate of analysis (CoA) for lot-specific quality control data including purity assessment and functional testing results where available.