The MATN3 antibody is a tool used to detect and study matrilin-3 (MATN3), a protein encoded by the *MATN3* gene. Matrilin-3 belongs to the matrilin family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which are critical for cartilage development, tissue integrity, and skeletal morphogenesis. Specifically, MATN3 is predominantly expressed in cartilage and plays a role in ECM assembly, collagen fibrillogenesis, and cellular signaling. It interacts with other ECM components, such as collagens and proteoglycans, contributing to cartilage resilience and load-bearing functions.
Research involving MATN3 antibodies has been pivotal in understanding cartilage-related diseases. Mutations in *MATN3* are linked to osteochondrodysplasias, including multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD), characterized by skeletal abnormalities and early-onset osteoarthritis. MATN3 antibodies enable the localization and quantification of the protein in tissues, aiding in mechanistic studies of these disorders. Additionally, they are used in techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA to assess MATN3 expression patterns in normal versus pathological conditions.
Recent studies also explore MATN3’s role beyond cartilage, such as in tumorigenesis and inflammatory arthritis, highlighting its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target. The antibody’s specificity and reliability are crucial for validating experimental findings, making it a key reagent in both basic and translational research focused on ECM biology and musculoskeletal diseases.