SERPINB5. also known as maspin (mammary serine protease inhibitor), is a member of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. Unlike most serpins, it lacks conventional protease inhibitory activity but plays complex roles in cellular processes, including tumor suppression. It is encoded by the SERPINB5 gene and is primarily expressed in epithelial cells. Research highlights its dual role in cancer biology, acting as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis in cancers like breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, while paradoxically showing pro-tumor effects in certain contexts.
SERPINB5 antibodies are critical tools for detecting and quantifying SERPINB5 protein expression in research and diagnostics. These antibodies enable the study of its subcellular localization (e.g., nuclear vs. cytoplasmic distribution), expression patterns in normal vs. tumor tissues, and its interaction partners. Commonly used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF), they help elucidate SERPINB5's controversial mechanisms, which may involve regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling, apoptosis, and epigenetic modulation. Discrepancies in clinical studies regarding its prognostic value emphasize the importance of antibody specificity and validation. Reliable SERPINB5 antibodies are vital for exploring its therapeutic potential and biomarker utility in cancer.