The CILK1 (ciliogenesis-associated kinase 1) antibody is a tool used to study the role of the CILK1 protein, also known as intestinal cell kinase (ICK), in cellular processes and disease. CILK1 is a serine/threonine kinase highly conserved across species and implicated in regulating cilia formation, cell cycle progression, and developmental signaling pathways, including Hedgehog and Wnt. It is enriched in ciliated tissues and interacts with proteins involved in ciliary assembly and function. Dysregulation of CILK1 has been linked to ciliopathies, such as Joubert syndrome, and cancers, where its aberrant activity may drive tumorigenesis or metastasis.
The CILK1 antibody enables researchers to detect and quantify CILK1 expression, track its subcellular localization, and investigate its interactions with signaling partners. Its development has advanced studies on how CILK1 modulates cilia-dependent signaling, impacts embryonic development, and contributes to pathological conditions. For example, studies using this antibody revealed CILK1's role in phosphorylating downstream targets like KIF3A, a kinesin critical for ciliary transport. Additionally, CILK1 knockout models, validated by antibody-based assays, demonstrate developmental defects in neural and skeletal systems. As cilia dysfunction underpins numerous disorders, the CILK1 antibody remains vital for dissecting molecular mechanisms in ciliopathies and exploring therapeutic strategies targeting kinase activity.