The ASB4 (Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box protein 4) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the ASB4 protein, a member of the ASB family involved in cellular signaling and protein degradation pathways. ASB4 contains ankyrin repeats that mediate protein-protein interactions and a SOCS box domain that associates with E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, facilitating substrate ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. It is highly expressed in endothelial cells and plays roles in angiogenesis, vascular development, and hypoxia response, potentially regulating pathways like HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor) and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor).
Research using ASB4 antibodies has highlighted its importance in embryonic development, particularly in placental and cardiovascular systems. Studies suggest ASB4 may influence cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation by targeting proteins such as PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) for degradation. Dysregulation of ASB4 has been implicated in preeclampsia, cancer, and metabolic disorders, making it a focus for therapeutic exploration. The antibody is commonly employed in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess ASB4 expression patterns and interactions in both physiological and pathological contexts. Its specificity and validation across species (e.g., human, mouse) remain critical for experimental accuracy.