The CHRNA10 antibody targets the alpha-10 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), a member of ligand-gated ion channels involved in synaptic signaling. CHRNA10. encoded by the CHRNA10 gene, forms heteropentameric receptors, often combining with the alpha-9 subunit (CHRNA9), and is predominantly expressed in the inner ear, immune cells, and certain cancers. These receptors play critical roles in auditory processing, including cochlear hair cell function and neurotransmission. Dysregulation of CHRNA10 has been implicated in hearing disorders, such as autosomal dominant hearing loss, and cancer progression, particularly in neuroblastoma and breast cancer, where it may influence cell proliferation and apoptosis.
CHRNA10 antibodies are essential tools for studying receptor localization, expression levels, and functional mechanisms in both physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate CHRNA10's role in cellular pathways. Commercially available antibodies vary by host species (e.g., rabbit, mouse), clonality (polyclonal/monoclonal), and epitope specificity, requiring validation via knockout controls or peptide blocking to ensure reliability. Challenges include cross-reactivity with homologous subunits like CHRNA9 due to structural similarities. Research using CHRNA10 antibodies has highlighted its potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker, particularly in oncology and otology, driving interest in drug development and diagnostic applications. Ongoing studies aim to clarify its broader physiological impact beyond known functions.