The Myc Epitope Tags Along...

Recombinant DNA technology allows researchers to fuse epitope tags to their protein of interest and then identify that protein using tag specific antibodies. The Myc Tag can be used to purify tagged proteins by affinity chromatography or detect them by immnoflorescence, immunoprecipitation and by Western blotting assays. The presence of the Myc Tag also introduces a mechanism whereby the use of radioisotopes can be avoided; relying instead on the identification of newly synthesized proteins using Western blot technology.

In vivo overexpression of proteins is a powerful approach to study their biological function, generate disease models or evaluate gene therapy approaches. In order to investigate an exogenously expressed protein, specific and sensitive detection is essential. Unfortunately, antibodies that allow histological detection of the protein of interest are not always readily available. Epitope tagging can circumvent this problem as well as provide the possibility to discriminate endogenous from overexpressed proteins. In order to minimize impact on the bioactivity and biodistribution of the overexpressed protein, small tags are preferred (1). Myc Tag modifications can be integrated into all protein truncation tests, regardless of the gene being examined, with only one monoclonal antibody required for detecting the protein of interest. Epitope tagging has provided a useful experimental strategy with widespread applicability. The ample variety of epitope tag systems that have been put to use to date provide a collection of attributes relevant to virtually any experimental system. As a consequence, epitope tagging will continue to be a valuable tool for molecular biologists long into the future (2).

1. PMID: 20167102
2. PMID: 9928493

Novus Biologicals offers c-Myc reagents for your research needs including:

• c-Myc primary antibodies
• c-Myc lysates
• c-Myc peptides and proteins
• c-Myc antibody pairs
• c-Myc RNAi