TFAP2A antibody is a crucial tool in molecular and cellular biology research, targeting the transcription factor AP-2 alpha (TFAP2A), a member of the AP-2 family of DNA-binding proteins. TFAP2A plays a pivotal role in embryogenesis, tissue development, and cellular differentiation by regulating gene expression. It is involved in processes such as neural crest cell specification, craniofacial morphogenesis, and epidermal development. Dysregulation of TFAP2A has been linked to cancers, including breast cancer, neuroblastoma, and melanoma, making its study clinically relevant.
The antibody is widely used to detect TFAP2A protein expression in various applications, such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry. It recognizes specific epitopes within the protein’s conserved regions, often targeting either the N-terminal transactivation domain or the C-terminal DNA-binding domain, depending on the antibody clone. Validation typically includes knockout (KO) cell lines or tissues to confirm specificity.
Researchers utilize TFAP2A antibodies to explore its role in tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Cross-reactivity with orthologs in model organisms (e.g., mice, rats) enables comparative studies. Commercial antibodies are available from multiple suppliers, with variations in host species (rabbit, mouse), clonality (monoclonal/polyclonal), and conjugates (e.g., HRP, fluorescent tags). Proper controls and optimized protocols are essential to ensure reliable results, given potential background noise in certain tissues.