The Ly6a antibody targets the Ly6a protein, also known as Stem Cell Antigen-1 (Sca-1), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface protein belonging to the Ly6/uPAR protein family. Initially identified in mice, Sca-1 is a widely used marker for isolating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), mesenchymal stem cells, and other progenitor populations. Ly6a antibodies are critical tools in flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and cell sorting to identify and isolate stem cell subsets in murine models. These antibodies typically recognize conserved epitopes on Sca-1. enabling researchers to study stem cell behavior, self-renewal, and differentiation in tissues like bone marrow, spleen, and mammary glands.
Sca-1's role extends beyond stem cell identification; it participates in cell adhesion, signaling, and immune modulation. Ly6a antibodies have been instrumental in elucidating its function in regenerative processes, cancer biology (e.g., leukemia-initiating cells), and immune responses. Notably, Ly6a expression is absent in humans, limiting its direct translational relevance but making it a valuable model for studying conserved stem cell mechanisms. Commercial Ly6a antibodies are often raised in rats (e.g., clone D7) and validated for specificity in C57BL/6 and other mouse strains. Recent studies also explore Sca-1's involvement in aging, tissue repair, and niche interactions, underscoring the antibody's continued importance in preclinical research.