LEP antibodies are immunological tools designed to target leptin, a hormone encoded by the LEP gene. Leptin, primarily secreted by adipose tissue, regulates energy balance by suppressing appetite and promoting energy expenditure through interactions with hypothalamic receptors. Discovered in 1994. leptin became a focal point in obesity and metabolic research due to its role in signaling satiety and modulating fat storage. Dysregulation of leptin signaling—linked to leptin deficiency or resistance—is associated with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.
LEP antibodies are critical for both research and diagnostics. They enable quantification of leptin levels in serum or tissue samples via techniques like ELISA, Western blotting, or immunohistochemistry. Such applications help elucidate leptin expression patterns, receptor interactions, and mutations in metabolic diseases. Additionally, these antibodies aid in studying leptin's broader physiological roles, including immune regulation, reproduction, and bone metabolism.
Commercial LEP antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes of human or murine leptin. Validation for specificity and sensitivity is crucial, as cross-reactivity with related proteins may yield false results. Recent advancements include recombinant monoclonal antibodies with enhanced consistency. Beyond research, LEP antibodies hold potential in therapeutic development, such as neutralizing autoantibodies in rare leptin-related disorders or optimizing leptin sensitizers for obesity treatment. Their utility underscores leptin's enduring significance in metabolic pathophysiology.