The SLC41A3 antibody is a research tool targeting the solute carrier family 41 member 3 (SLC41A3), a transmembrane protein implicated in magnesium (Mg²⁺) transport and homeostasis. SLC41A3 belongs to the SLC41 family, which shares structural similarities with bacterial Mg²⁺ transporters, though its precise physiological role in mammals remains under investigation. Studies suggest SLC41A3 may function as a Na⁺/Mg²⁺ exchanger or participate in Mg²⁺ efflux mechanisms, potentially influencing cellular Mg²⁺ balance, mitochondrial function, and metabolic regulation. Dysregulation of SLC41A3 has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer, highlighting its biomedical relevance.
The antibody, typically raised in rabbits or mice using immunogenic peptides or recombinant protein fragments, enables detection of SLC41A3 in various applications, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Validation often involves knockout controls or siRNA-mediated knockdown to confirm specificity, as cross-reactivity with other SLC41 family members (e.g., SLC41A1/A2) must be ruled out. Researchers utilize this antibody to explore SLC41A3 expression patterns across tissues, its subcellular localization (plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, or mitochondria), and its role in disease-associated Mg²⁺ dysregulation. However, variability in post-translational modifications or tissue-specific isoforms may require optimization of experimental conditions for reliable results.