The ZBTB7A antibody is a crucial tool in studying the multifaceted roles of the ZBTB7A protein, a member of the zinc finger and BTB domain-containing transcription factor family. ZBTB7A, also known as FBI-1 or LRF, functions as a transcriptional regulator involved in diverse cellular processes, including oncogenesis, immune response, and metabolism. It binds to DNA via its zinc finger motifs, repressing or activating target genes such as *ARF/p14*, *PTEN*, and glycolytic enzymes like *PGK1*. Research highlights its dual role in cancer: while it acts as an oncogene in certain contexts (e.g., promoting lymphoma or ovarian cancer), it exhibits tumor-suppressive activity in others (e.g., suppressing melanoma or lung cancer). This context-dependent behavior underscores the complexity of its regulatory networks.
ZBTB7A antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to detect protein expression, localization, and DNA-binding activity. Commercially available antibodies target specific epitopes, often within its N-terminal POZ/BTB domain or C-terminal zinc finger regions. However, variability in antibody specificity and validation across cell types or experimental conditions has led to discrepancies in reported findings. For instance, some studies note nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of ZBTB7A under stress, emphasizing the need for rigorous antibody validation.
Ongoing research focuses on clarifying ZBTB7A’s roles in metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance, driving demand for reliable antibodies to advance mechanistic and clinical studies.