Anti-ST8SIA1 (GD3S, SIAT8A, ST8SiaI, ST8 alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminide alpha-2, 8-sialyltransferase 1)

Gangliosides are acidic glycosphingolipids that contain one or more sialic acid residues and are particularly prevalent on neuronal cells (1). Ganglioside GD3 is involved in cell adhesion and the growth of cultured malignant cells (2). ST8SIA1 is a sialyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of sialic acid from CMP­sialic acid to GM3 (NeuNAcalpha2­3Galbeta1­4Glc­Cer) to produce GD3 (NeuNAcalpha2­8NeuNAcalpha2­3Galbeta1­4Glc­Cer) and GT3 (NeuNAcalpha2­8NeuNAcalpha2­8NeuNAcalpha2­3Galbeta1­4Glc­Cer) in a successive manner (3), therefore the enzyme has both GD3 and GT3 synthase activity (4). ST8SIA1 is mainly expressed in adult and fetal brain, and its expression is enhanced in melanoma cell lines (3, 4, 5). Like most known glycosyltransferases, ST8SIA1 is predicted as a type II transmembrane protein with a short N­terminal cytoplasmic domain and a single­pass transmembrane domain followed by an enzymatic domain in the lumen of the Golgi apparatus. However, recently GD3 synthase activity was demonstrated at the surface of epithelial and melanoma cells, suggesting glycosphingolipid synthesis may occur at the cell membrane (6). Recombinant ST8SIA1 also showed activity on fetuin from fetal calf serum, when measured using a phosphatase­coupled method (7). Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 2ug/ml, Immunohistochemistry: 5­15ug/ml, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile ddH2O or PBS. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 12 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.