The ACTN4 antibody targets α-actinin-4. a cytoskeletal protein encoded by the ACTN4 gene. Belonging to the α-actinin family, ACTN4 is an actin-binding protein involved in cell adhesion, motility, and intracellular signaling. It stabilizes actin filaments and links them to cellular structures, playing key roles in maintaining cell shape and facilitating mechanotransduction.
ACTN4 is notably expressed in podocytes of the kidney, where it supports the structural integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Mutations in the ACTN4 gene are linked to familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a condition causing progressive kidney dysfunction. Beyond renal pathology, ACTN4 is overexpressed in various cancers, including ovarian, breast, and lung carcinomas, where it promotes tumor invasion and metastasis by enhancing cell migration.
The ACTN4 antibody is widely used in research and diagnostics to detect ACTN4 protein levels via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. It helps elucidate ACTN4's role in disease mechanisms, assess its potential as a biomarker for cancer prognosis, and explore therapeutic strategies targeting its dysregulation. Studies also leverage this antibody to investigate ACTN4's interaction with signaling pathways, such as TGF-β and Wnt, in pathological contexts.