Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) is a key enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway, catalyzing the condensation of homocysteine and serine to form cystathionine, a critical step in cysteine and glutathione biosynthesis. It also participates in hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, a gaseous signaling molecule involved in vasodilation, inflammation, and oxidative stress regulation. CBS dysfunction, particularly due to genetic mutations, is linked to homocystinuria, a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated homocysteine levels, leading to ocular, skeletal, and cardiovascular complications.
CBS antibodies are essential tools for studying the enzyme's expression, localization, and activity in both physiological and pathological contexts. They enable researchers to investigate CBS's role in diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer, where altered H₂S metabolism and redox homeostasis are implicated. Commercially available CBS antibodies are typically developed using immunogenic peptides from conserved regions of the enzyme, often validated in applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Recent studies also explore post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation, S-nitrosylation) regulating CBS activity, further driving demand for specific antibodies. Understanding CBS's dual role in metabolism and signaling continues to be a focus, with antibodies serving as pivotal reagents in unraveling its complex interactions in health and disease.