The HOXD8 antibody is a research tool designed to detect the HOXD8 protein, a member of the homeobox (HOX) gene family. HOX genes encode transcription factors critical for regulating embryonic development, particularly in establishing body patterning along the anterior-posterior axis. The HOXD8 gene, located on chromosome 2 (2q31.1), is part of the HOXD cluster, which plays roles in limb development, neural tube formation, and urogenital system differentiation. HOXD8 protein is characterized by a conserved 60-amino acid DNA-binding homeodomain, enabling sequence-specific interactions to regulate downstream gene expression.
HOXD8 antibodies are widely used in developmental biology and cancer research. They facilitate the identification of HOXD8 expression patterns via techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Studies have linked HOXD8 dysregulation to pathological conditions, including cancers (e.g., colorectal, prostate) and developmental disorders. For instance, reduced HOXD8 expression has been associated with tumor metastasis, suggesting its role as a potential tumor suppressor. Conversely, overexpression in certain contexts may influence cellular proliferation or differentiation.
Despite their utility, HOXD8 antibodies require rigorous validation due to potential cross-reactivity with other HOX family members. Researchers prioritize antibodies with high specificity, often verified through knockout controls or peptide-blocking assays. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify HOXD8's mechanistic roles in development and disease, highlighting its importance as a biomarker or therapeutic target.