The NME5 antibody targets the NME5 protein, a member of the NME/NM23 nucleoside diphosphate kinase family. Initially identified for its role in nucleotide metabolism, the NME family is broadly associated with cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. NME5 (also called NDK5 or NM23-H5) stands out due to its unique structure, including a C-terminal domain absent in other family members, and its lack of enzymatic kinase activity. Research suggests it functions as a transcriptional regulator, influencing gene expression through interactions with DNA or transcription factors.
NME5 is predominantly expressed in reproductive tissues, particularly the testes, where it plays a critical role in sperm maturation and fertility. Mutations or dysregulation of NME5 are linked to male infertility, as seen in cases of teratozoospermia (abnormal sperm morphology). Beyond reproduction, NME5 has been implicated in cancer biology. Its aberrant expression correlates with tumor progression in ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers, potentially affecting metastasis and chemoresistance.
Antibodies against NME5 are vital tools for studying its localization, expression patterns, and molecular interactions. They enable diagnostic applications, such as detecting protein levels in clinical samples, and therapeutic research, including targeting pathways involving NME5 in infertility or oncology. Ongoing studies aim to clarify its dual roles in fertility and disease, positioning NME5 as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target.