WWTR1 (WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1), also known as TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif), is a key effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, which regulates organ size, tissue regeneration, and stem cell maintenance by controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis. The WWTR1/TAZ protein functions as a transcriptional co-activator, interacting with transcription factors such as TEADs to modulate gene expression involved in cell differentiation, mechanotransduction, and cancer progression. It shares structural and functional similarities with YAP (Yes-associated protein), another Hippo pathway component, and both are regulated through phosphorylation-dependent nucleocytoplasmic shuttling.
WWTR1 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and activity in physiological and pathological contexts. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) to investigate WWTR1/TAZ's role in diseases, particularly cancers (e.g., breast, lung, and liver cancers), where its overexpression correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and therapy resistance. Researchers also utilize WWTR1 antibodies to explore its crosstalk with other pathways, such as Wnt and TGF-β, and its involvement in developmental disorders. Commercial antibodies often target conserved regions, such as the N-terminal domain or WW motif, ensuring specificity across human and model organism samples. Validating these antibodies using knockout controls is critical due to potential cross-reactivity with YAP.