Anti-Beclin-1 (Beclin 1 (Coiled-coil Moesin-like BCL2-interacting Protein), Beclin1, BECN1, APG6, AT

Beclin 1 is the first identified mammalian gene to mediate autophagy and also has tumor suppressor and antiviral function. Autophagy, a process of bulk protein degradation through an autophagosomic-lysosomal pathway, is important for differentiation, survival during nutrient deprivation, and normal growth control, and is often defective in tumor cells. Beclin 1 was originally isolated in a yeast two hybrid screen to identify Bcl-2-binding partners and maps to a tumor susceptibility locus on human chromosome 17q21 that is frequently monoallelically deleted in human breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. Beclin 1 encodes an evolutionarily conserved 60 kDa coiled coil protein that is expressed in human muscle, epithelial cells and neurons. In gene transfer studies, beclin 1 promotes nutrient deprivation-induced autophagy, inhibits mammary tumorigenesis, and inhibits viral replication. Expression of the Beclin 1 protein is frequently decreased in malignant breast epithelial cells. Based upon these observations, it is speculated that beclin 1 may work through induction of autophagy to negatively regulate tumorigenesis and to control viral infections. Beclin 1 may also play a role in other biological processes in which autophagy is important such as cell differentiation and nutritional stress responses. Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot, Immunofluorescence, Immunohistochemistry (paraffin) and Immunoprecipitation. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:2000-1:5000, a band is seen at ~52 kD, Immunofluorescence: mouse tissue, Optimal dilution determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, add sterile glycerol (40-50%), aliquot and store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 3 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.