The SLC39A7 antibody targets the solute carrier family 39 member 7 (SLC39A7), a transmembrane protein also known as ZIP7. which plays a critical role in cellular zinc homeostasis. As part of the Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP) family, SLC39A7 facilitates zinc transport from intracellular compartments (e.g., Golgi apparatus) into the cytoplasm, ensuring proper zinc distribution for enzymatic functions, signaling pathways, and cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, and immune regulation. Dysregulation of SLC39A7 has been implicated in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes, where altered zinc levels disrupt cellular integrity.
SLC39A7 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess protein levels in tissues or cell lines. Commercial antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes (e.g., human SLC39A7 N-terminal or cytoplasmic domains) and validated for specificity using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated silencing. Researchers also employ these antibodies to explore SLC39A7’s role in diseases, particularly its association with endoplasmic reticulum stress, cancer metastasis, and therapy resistance. Due to post-translational modifications or splice variants, antibody validation in relevant experimental models is crucial to ensure reliability.