Generation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to mTOR kinase.
Abstract Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a critical role in the regulation of basic cellular functions, including cellular growth and proliferation. In this study we describe the generation and characterization of novel monoclonal antibodies directed against mTOR protein kinase. A GST-tagged fragment of mTOR expressed in bacteria was used as an antigen. Antibody-producing hybridoma cells were obtained by fusing SP2/0 myeloma cells with splenocytes from immunized mice. Anti-mTOR antibody-producing hybridoma cell lines were first identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and then subcloned by limiting dilution. Antibodies produced by selected clones were further tested for their reactivity towards the GST/mTOR 1334-1504 recombinant protein. Furthermore, antibody produced by F11 clone was shown to recognize specifically mTOR in different tissues and cell lines in Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, mTOR F11 antibody was suitable for immunoprecipitating and testing mTOR activity in in vitro kinase assay. In summary, generated antibodies will be useful for investigating mTOR signaling complexes in normal and pathological states.