TMEM42 (Transmembrane Protein 42) is a conserved, multi-pass transmembrane protein whose biological functions remain incompletely characterized. It is widely expressed in human tissues, with roles suggested in cellular processes such as ion transport, membrane dynamics, and organelle organization. Studies link TMEM42 to neurodevelopment, as its deficiency in animal models disrupts cortical neuron migration and causes structural brain abnormalities. Additionally, TMEM42 has been implicated in cancer progression, with altered expression observed in certain malignancies, though its precise oncogenic or tumor-suppressive mechanisms require further investigation.
TMEM42 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and localizing the protein in both research and diagnostic contexts. Commercial antibodies are typically developed against specific epitopes, often targeting cytoplasmic domains due to the protein’s complex transmembrane topology. These antibodies enable applications including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding studies of TMEM42’s subcellular distribution (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi associations) and expression patterns in disease states. However, antibody validation remains challenging due to TMEM42’s low abundance and potential cross-reactivity with unrelated proteins. Recent research leverages CRISPR-edited cell lines as negative controls to confirm antibody specificity. As interest grows in TMEM42’s roles in developmental disorders and cancer, high-quality antibodies will be critical for elucidating its pathophysiological significance and therapeutic potential.