The FLCN antibody targets the folliculin (FLCN) protein, encoded by the *FLCN* gene, which is linked to Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome—a rare autosomal dominant disorder associated with renal tumors, lung cysts, and skin lesions. FLCN functions as a tumor suppressor, interacting with binding partners like FNIP1/2 to regulate metabolic pathways, including mTOR and AMPK signaling, which influence cell growth, autophagy, and energy homeostasis. Mutations in *FLCN* disrupt these processes, contributing to tumorigenesis and cyst formation.
FLCN antibodies are essential tools in research to study protein expression, localization, and molecular mechanisms in disease models. They are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess FLCN levels in tissues or cell lines, particularly in studies exploring cancer biology or metabolic disorders. Commercial FLCN antibodies are typically validated for specificity using knockout controls and species reactivity (e.g., human, mouse).
Recent studies also investigate FLCN's role in lysosomal regulation and ciliary function, expanding its relevance beyond BHD syndrome. Researchers rely on high-quality FLCN antibodies to unravel its complex interactions in cellular pathways, aiding therapeutic development for related cancers and genetic diseases.