TFAP2C (transcription factor AP-2 gamma), a member of the AP-2 family of transcription factors, plays critical roles in embryonic development, cell differentiation, and proliferation. It regulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences, influencing pathways involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis, and hormone signaling. TFAP2C is particularly noted for its role in trophoblast development, mammary gland biology, and germ cell maturation. Dysregulation of TFAP2C has been linked to cancers, including breast, ovarian, and germ cell tumors, where it often acts as an oncogene by promoting cell survival and metastasis.
Antibodies targeting TFAP2C are widely used in research to study its expression patterns, molecular interactions, and functional mechanisms. These antibodies enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Validation typically includes testing on cell lines with known TFAP2C expression or knockout models to confirm specificity. Researchers employ TFAP2C antibodies to explore its involvement in cancer progression, stem cell pluripotency, and hormone-responsive pathways, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Its role in regulating genes like *ERBB2* (HER2) and *CDKN1A* (p21) further underscores its therapeutic and diagnostic relevance. As a potential biomarker or drug target, TFAP2C remains a focus in oncology and developmental biology studies.