**Background of MAP4 Antibody**
Microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) is a ubiquitously expressed protein that stabilizes and regulates microtubule dynamics in non-neuronal cells. It belongs to the MAP family, which includes proteins like tau and MAP2. but unlike these neuronal counterparts, MAP4 is broadly distributed across tissues, playing a critical role in maintaining cytoskeletal integrity, cell division, and intracellular transport. MAP4 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in cellular processes.
Structurally, MAP4 contains a conserved microtubule-binding domain and a projection domain that interacts with other cellular components. Its activity is modulated by phosphorylation, particularly during mitosis, where it coordinates microtubule reorganization. Dysregulation of MAP4 has been linked to pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, altered MAP4 expression affects microtubule stability in cancer cells, influencing drug resistance and metastasis.
MAP4 antibodies are widely used in techniques like immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to investigate its role in cellular dynamics and disease mechanisms. These antibodies help identify post-translational modifications, subcellular distribution, and interactions with signaling pathways, providing insights into therapeutic targeting of microtubule-related disorders. Research continues to explore MAP4's regulatory mechanisms and its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target.