The NFKBIA antibody targets IκBα (Inhibitor of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Alpha), a key regulatory protein in the NF-κB signaling pathway. NF-κB is a transcription factor critical for immune responses, inflammation, and cell survival. In resting cells, IκBα binds to NF-κB, sequestering it in the cytoplasm and preventing its activation. Upon stimulation by cytokines, pathogens, or stress signals, IκBα is phosphorylated by the IKK (IκB kinase) complex, leading to its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. This releases NF-κB, allowing its translocation to the nucleus to regulate target gene expression.
NFKBIA antibodies are widely used in research to study IκBα expression, phosphorylation, and degradation dynamics. They are essential tools in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation to investigate NF-κB pathway activation in diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation. Aberrant IκBα regulation, due to mutations or altered degradation, is linked to uncontrolled NF-κB activity, contributing to tumor progression and resistance to therapy.
Commercial NFKBIA antibodies are typically validated for specificity and sensitivity across human, mouse, and rat samples. Researchers utilize these antibodies to explore therapeutic interventions targeting the NF-κB pathway, including drug screening and mechanistic studies of anti-inflammatory or anticancer agents. Understanding IκBα's role through antibody-based assays remains pivotal in dissecting cellular responses to pathological and physiological stimuli.