CDKN1B (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1B), also known as p27Kip1. is a critical regulator of the cell cycle that inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) complexes, thereby preventing G1-to-S phase progression. As a tumor suppressor, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular quiescence, differentiation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of CDKN1B expression or function is frequently associated with cancer development, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, where reduced p27Kip1 levels often correlate with poor prognosis.
CDKN1B antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and interactions in both normal and pathological contexts. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess protein levels in tissues or cell lines. Researchers also employ them to investigate post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation at Thr187 or Tyr88) that regulate p27Kip1 stability, subcellular distribution, and proteasomal degradation.
The development of CDKN1B antibodies has advanced understanding of its dual roles: nuclear p27Kip1 enforces cell cycle arrest, while cytoplasmic accumulation in cancers may promote oncogenic signaling. Challenges include ensuring specificity due to homology with other CDK inhibitors (e.g., p21). Validated antibodies are crucial for diagnostic applications, such as stratifying cancer subtypes, and preclinical studies targeting CDKN1B pathways for therapeutic intervention.