The PLAGL1 (Pleiomorphic Adenoma Gene-Like 1) antibody is a tool used to detect the protein product of the PLAGL1 gene, also known as ZAC1. PLAGL1 encodes a zinc finger transcription factor belonging to the PLAG family, which regulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences. This protein plays critical roles in embryonic development, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and imprinting control. PLAGL1 is an imprinted gene, predominantly expressed from the paternal allele, and its dysregulation is linked to growth disorders, metabolic diseases (e.g., transient neonatal diabetes), and cancers. In tumors, PLAGL1 often acts as a tumor suppressor by inducing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, though its role can be context-dependent.
PLAGL1 antibodies are widely utilized in research to study its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions in tissues or cell lines. These antibodies (polyclonal or monoclonal, from rabbit or mouse hosts) are validated for techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Researchers rely on them to explore PLAGL1's involvement in epigenetic regulation, developmental anomalies, and cancer mechanisms. However, antibody specificity and batch variability require careful validation via controls like knockout cell lines or peptide-blocking assays. Commercial suppliers often provide detailed validation data to ensure reliability.
Overall, PLAGL1 antibodies are indispensable for unraveling the protein's dual roles in normal physiology and disease, offering insights into therapeutic targets for imprinting disorders and cancers.