EZR antibody targets ezrin, a cytoskeletal protein encoded by the EZR gene. Ezrin belongs to the ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) family, which links the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton, regulating cell shape, adhesion, motility, and signal transduction. It consists of an N-terminal FERM domain that binds membrane proteins (e.g., CD44. ICAMs) and a C-terminal actin-binding site. Ezrin's activity is modulated by phosphorylation and conformational changes, enabling dynamic cytoskeletal reorganization during processes like epithelial polarization or cancer metastasis.
EZR antibodies are widely used in research to study ezrin expression, localization, and function. Overexpression or dysregulation of ezrin is implicated in cancer progression, particularly in metastatic cancers (e.g., breast, gastric, ovarian), where it enhances cell invasion and survival. Conversely, ezrin loss may correlate with tumor suppression in certain contexts. These antibodies are critical tools for techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess ezrin's role in disease mechanisms.
Clinically, EZR antibodies aid in diagnosing and subtyping cancers. For example, ezrin expression patterns help differentiate tumor origins or predict metastatic potential. However, its dual roles in promoting or inhibiting malignancy remain context-dependent, necessitating precise detection methods. Research continues to explore ezrin's interactions with signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT) and its potential as a therapeutic target, highlighting the importance of reliable EZR antibodies in both basic and translational studies.