NOX5 (NADPH oxidase 5) is a member of the NADPH oxidase family, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part of cellular signaling and defense mechanisms. Unlike other NOX isoforms, NOX5 lacks regulatory domains and is uniquely calcium-dependent, functioning through its N-terminal EF-hand motifs. It exists in multiple splice variants (NOX5α-ε) with distinct tissue distributions, notably expressed in vascular tissues, reproductive organs, and certain cancers. Dysregulation of NOX5 has been implicated in pathologies such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic complications, and cancer progression, where excessive ROS contributes to oxidative stress and cellular damage.
NOX5-specific antibodies are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. These antibodies typically target unique epitopes within its variable regions (e.g., the C-terminal domain or calcium-binding motifs) to ensure specificity, avoiding cross-reactivity with other NOX isoforms like NOX1-4 or DUOX1/2. Applications include Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess NOX5 levels in disease models or clinical samples. Challenges in antibody development arise from NOX5’s absence in rodents, limiting preclinical validation, and the need to distinguish between its splice variants. Recent research highlights NOX5’s potential as a therapeutic target, driving demand for reliable antibodies to evaluate inhibitor efficacy or biomarker roles in personalized medicine.