CYP26B1 is a member of the cytochrome P450 enzyme family, primarily involved in the metabolism of retinoic acid (RA), a critical signaling molecule in embryonic development, cell differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Specifically, CYP26B1 catalyzes the hydroxylation of RA into inactive metabolites, tightly regulating RA concentrations in cells and tissues. This enzyme is highly expressed in adult tissues, including the skin, liver, and brain, and plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis, limb development, and immune regulation. Dysregulation of CYP26B1 has been linked to developmental disorders, skin diseases, and cancers, highlighting its importance in maintaining RA gradient-dependent processes.
Antibodies targeting CYP26B1 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in biological systems. They enable researchers to detect CYP26B1 protein levels via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Such antibodies are often validated for specificity using knockout cell lines or tissues to ensure minimal cross-reactivity with related isoforms like CYP26A1. By facilitating the analysis of CYP26B1 in disease models or developmental studies, these antibodies contribute to understanding RA metabolism’s role in health and pathology. Reliable CYP26B1 antibodies are crucial for advancing research into therapeutic strategies targeting RA signaling pathways.