The Phosphatidylethanolamine-Binding Protein 1 (PEBP1), also known as Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein (RKIP), is a conserved cytosolic protein involved in regulating key cellular signaling pathways. It acts as a scaffold/modulator, primarily inhibiting the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade by binding to Raf-1. thus influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. PEBP1 also interacts with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), NF-κB, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), linking it to immune responses, metabolism, and neurodegenerative processes.
PEBP1 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional roles. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to quantify PEBP1 levels in tissues or cell lines. Reduced PEBP1 expression is associated with cancer progression, particularly in metastatic prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers, where its loss correlates with enhanced invasiveness and poor prognosis. Conversely, PEBP1 overexpression is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, as it binds to tau protein, promoting pathological aggregation.
Commercially available PEBP1 antibodies are typically raised against human or murine epitopes and validated for specificity across species. Research using these antibodies has advanced understanding of PEBP1’s dual role as a tumor suppressor and neurodegeneration promoter, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker.