The HtrA3 antibody is a research tool designed to target the HtrA serine peptidase 3 (HTRA3), a member of the HtrA family of serine proteases involved in protein quality control and cellular stress responses. HTRA3 is characterized by a conserved trypsin-like protease domain and a PDZ domain, enabling its role in substrate binding and protease activity regulation. It is expressed in various tissues, including the placenta, ovaries, and certain cancers, and has been implicated in processes like apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and growth factor signaling.
Biologically, HTRA3 regulates insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling by cleaving IGF-binding proteins, impacting cell proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of HTRA3 is associated with pathological conditions such as preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and cancers (e.g., ovarian, gastric). In cancer, HTRA3 may act as a tumor suppressor by promoting apoptosis or as an oncogene depending on context, highlighting its dual role.
The HtrA3 antibody is widely used in Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA to study protein expression, localization, and function in disease models. Its development aids in exploring HTRA3's mechanistic roles and potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker. Research continues to clarify its tissue-specific functions and interactions with substrates like TGF-β or matrix proteins, offering insights into novel treatment strategies for HTRA3-related disorders.