**Background of FUT8 Antibody**
FUT8 (α-1.6-fucosyltransferase) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of fucose to the core N-glycans of glycoproteins via an α-1.6 linkage, a process critical for modulating protein functions such as cell signaling, immune regulation, and protein stability. Dysregulation of FUT8 activity is linked to various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions.
FUT8 antibodies are essential tools for studying the expression, localization, and functional roles of FUT8 in biological systems. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry to detect FUT8 in tissues or cell lines. Monoclonal FUT8 antibodies offer high specificity, while polyclonal versions may detect broader epitopes.
Research using FUT8 antibodies has revealed its involvement in cancer progression, where elevated FUT8 expression correlates with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis, potentially due to its role in modifying growth factor receptors (e.g., EGFR, TGF-βR). Conversely, FUT8 deficiency is associated with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
The development of FUT8 inhibitors or antibody-based therapies is an emerging area, highlighting FUT8 as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Validated FUT8 antibodies are crucial for advancing glycobiology research and understanding disease mechanisms linked to aberrant protein fucosylation.