The NDRG3 (N-myc downstream-regulated gene 3) antibody is a tool used to study the protein encoded by the NDRG3 gene, part of the NDRG family involved in cellular stress responses, differentiation, and cancer progression. NDRG3 is hypoxia-inducible and interacts with signaling pathways like HIF-1α and Ras, playing roles in tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. It is implicated in cancers such as prostate cancer, glioblastoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma, where its expression often correlates with aggressiveness.
NDRG3 antibodies are typically developed in rabbits or mice using immunogenic peptide sequences from conserved regions of the protein. These antibodies enable detection of NDRG3 via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Specificity is validated using knockout controls or siRNA knockdowns. Researchers use these antibodies to explore NDRG3’s role in hypoxia adaptation, metabolic reprogramming, and its dual functions as a tumor promoter or suppressor, depending on context.
Challenges include cross-reactivity with other NDRG family members (e.g., NDRG1/2) and post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation) that may affect antibody binding. Proper validation and optimization are critical for reliable results. NDRG3 antibodies thus serve as key reagents in cancer biology and hypoxia-related research.