The PRDM4 antibody is a crucial tool for studying the PR domain-containing protein 4 (PRDM4), a member of the PRDM family of transcriptional regulators. PRDM proteins are characterized by an N-terminal PR (PRDI-BF1-RIZ1 homologous) domain, which shares homology with histone methyltransferases, and C-terminal zinc finger motifs for DNA binding. PRDM4 is implicated in diverse cellular processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. It regulates gene expression by recruiting chromatin-modifying complexes or directly methylating histones, though its enzymatic activity remains less defined compared to other PRDM members (e.g., PRDM1/Blimp-1). PRDM4 is expressed in various tissues, with roles in neural development, stem cell maintenance, and immune regulation. Dysregulation of PRDM4 has been linked to cancers, such as breast cancer and glioblastoma, where it may act as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on context.
PRDM4 antibodies are typically developed against specific epitopes, such as the PR domain or zinc finger regions, and validated for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Their specificity is critical due to structural similarities among PRDM family members. High-quality antibodies undergo rigorous validation using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated knockdown to ensure minimal cross-reactivity. Researchers use these antibodies to explore PRDM4's localization, expression levels, and interactions in normal and diseased states. Commercial PRDM4 antibodies are often raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with availability as monoclonal or polyclonal formats. Their utility spans basic research in developmental biology, cancer mechanisms, and epigenetic regulation, making them essential for elucidating PRDM4's functional complexity.