SMOC1 (SPARC-related modular calcium-binding protein 1) is a secreted glycoprotein belonging to the SPARC family, which regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and cellular interactions. It contains characteristic domains, including a follistatin-like domain and two calcium-binding EC domains, enabling its role in modulating cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue morphogenesis. SMOC1 is implicated in embryonic development, particularly in limb formation, neural tube closure, and eye development, through interactions with growth factors like BMP and Wnt. Dysregulation of SMOC1 has been linked to pathologies such as cancer, fibrosis, and ophthalmic disorders (e.g., age-related macular degeneration).
SMOC1 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and analyzing SMOC1 expression and function in research. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to study SMOC1 localization in tissues or cultured cells. Specific antibodies targeting distinct epitopes help elucidate SMOC1’s dual roles in promoting or inhibiting tumor progression, depending on context. Additionally, these antibodies aid in exploring SMOC1’s involvement in ECM remodeling, angiogenesis, and developmental pathways, offering insights into therapeutic targeting for diseases linked to SMOC1 dysregulation. Commercial SMOC1 antibodies are typically validated for cross-reactivity and specificity across human, mouse, and rat models.