PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a critical tumor suppressor gene that encodes a dual-specificity phosphatase protein involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and survival. The PTEN protein primarily antagonizes the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by dephosphorylating phosphatidylinositol (3.4.5)-trisphosphate (PIP3), thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis. Loss or mutation of PTEN is linked to various cancers, metabolic disorders, and neurological conditions, making it a key focus in biomedical research.
PTEN antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying PTEN expression in experimental and clinical settings. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry to study PTEN localization, expression levels, and post-translational modifications. Specific PTEN antibodies target distinct epitopes, such as the N-terminal phosphatidylinositol phosphate-binding domain or the C-terminal regulatory region, allowing researchers to explore structural and functional aspects of the protein.
Validating PTEN antibodies is crucial due to potential cross-reactivity with pseudogenes or homologous proteins. High-quality antibodies are characterized by specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility across sample types, including formalin-fixed tissues or cell lysates. Clinically, PTEN antibody-based assays aid in diagnosing PTEN-related syndromes (e.g., PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome) and assessing cancer prognosis. Ongoing research continues to refine PTEN antibody applications, supporting advances in targeted therapies and personalized medicine.