FSTL1 (Follistatin-like 1) is a secreted glycoprotein involved in regulating cellular processes such as inflammation, proliferation, differentiation, and tissue repair. It interacts with signaling pathways including TGF-β and BMP, influencing extracellular matrix remodeling and immune responses. FSTL1 is expressed in various tissues, with roles in cardiovascular development, osteoarthritis, and cancer progression. In disease contexts, it exhibits dual functions: promoting tissue repair in cardiac injury but contributing to pathological fibrosis or tumor metastasis in others.
FSTL1 antibodies are critical tools for detecting FSTL1 protein expression, localization, and function in research. They enable applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA to study FSTL1’s role in diseases such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary fibrosis, and cancers. Commercial FSTL1 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes (e.g., human or mouse FSTL1) and validated for specificity and sensitivity. Challenges include minimizing cross-reactivity with homologous proteins (e.g., FSTL3) and ensuring batch consistency. Recent studies highlight FSTL1 as a biomarker or therapeutic target, driving demand for reliable antibodies to explore its mechanistic and diagnostic potential.