The Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) antibody targets a microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase involved in regulating cellular processes such as mitosis, neuronal development, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. DCLK1 is characterized by two doublecortin domains, which bind microtubules, and a C-terminal kinase domain. Initially identified for its role in neuronal migration, DCLK1 has gained attention in cancer research due to its overexpression in various malignancies, including colorectal, pancreatic, and hepatocellular carcinomas. It is proposed as a marker for cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation implicated in tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. DCLK1 antibodies are essential tools for detecting its expression and phosphorylation status in tissues or cell lines, aiding in studies of tumor biology and CSC dynamics. Recent research also explores DCLK1's involvement in inflammatory disorders and fibrosis, highlighting its dual kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions. Commercially available DCLK1 antibodies are validated for applications like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, though isoform-specific detection remains challenging due to alternative splicing. Its potential as a therapeutic target has spurred interest in developing DCLK1 inhibitors, with antibodies serving as critical reagents for validating target engagement and mechanistic studies.