The INSC (Inscuteable) antibody is a crucial tool in developmental biology and neurobiology research, targeting the Inscuteable protein—a key regulator of asymmetric cell division. First identified in *Drosophila melanogaster*, INSC acts as a scaffold protein, coordinating the orientation of mitotic spindles and ensuring proper segregation of cell fate determinants during neuroblast division. This process is vital for generating cellular diversity in developing tissues, particularly in the nervous system. Mammalian homologs of INSC (e.g., mInsc) share conserved roles in polarized cell division, impacting neurogenesis, stem cell differentiation, and tissue patterning.
The INSC antibody enables researchers to visualize protein localization, assess expression levels, and study its interaction partners via techniques like immunofluorescence, Western blotting, or co-immunoprecipitation. Its applications span investigating neurodevelopmental mechanisms, cancer biology (where asymmetric division dysregulation may drive tumor heterogeneity), and regenerative medicine. Recent studies also explore INSC's involvement in planar cell polarity and ciliogenesis, broadening its relevance to congenital disorders.
Commercial INSC antibodies are typically validated in model organisms (e.g., mice, zebrafish) and human cell lines, though species specificity requires careful verification. Ongoing research continues to uncover INSC's multifaceted roles, making this antibody indispensable for dissecting cellular polarity and developmental pathways.