The SFRP1 (Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the SFRP1 protein, a member of the SFRP family that modulates Wnt signaling pathways. SFRP1 acts as an extracellular antagonist of Wnt proteins by binding to Wnt ligands or Frizzled receptors via its cysteine-rich domain (CRD), thereby inhibiting Wnt-receptor interactions. This regulation is critical for embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and stem cell maintenance. Dysregulation of SFRP1 is implicated in various diseases, particularly cancer. Epigenetic silencing of the SFRP1 gene via promoter hypermethylation is frequently observed in cancers like colorectal, breast, and gastric carcinomas, contributing to unchecked Wnt pathway activation and tumor progression.
The SFRP1 antibody is widely used in research to assess protein expression levels in tissues or cell lines using techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot (WB), or ELISA. It helps identify SFRP1 loss in tumors, correlates findings with clinical outcomes, and explores its role as a tumor suppressor or potential biomarker. Additionally, it aids in studying SFRP1's involvement in non-cancerous conditions, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Commercial SFRP1 antibodies are typically validated for specificity and sensitivity, though variations may exist depending on epitope targets (e.g., N-terminal vs. C-terminal regions). Its utility spans basic research, diagnostic assays, and therapeutic development targeting Wnt signaling.