TENM3 (Teneurin transmembrane protein 3), also known as Odz3. is a member of the teneurin family of highly conserved type II transmembrane proteins, which includes four paralogs (TENM1-4) in vertebrates. These proteins are characterized by large extracellular regions containing multiple epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains and a unique YD-shell motif, followed by transmembrane and intracellular domains. TENM3 is prominently expressed in the nervous system and plays critical roles in embryonic development, particularly in neural circuit formation, axon guidance, and synaptic organization. It mediates cell-cell adhesion and signaling, influencing topographic mapping of neuronal connections in the visual and olfactory systems.
Antibodies targeting TENM3 are essential tools for investigating its spatial-temporal expression patterns, molecular interactions, and functional mechanisms. They are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence to visualize TENM3 distribution in tissues or cultured cells. Studies using TENM3 antibodies have contributed to understanding its involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders and potential links to cancers, where aberrant expression has been observed. However, research on TENM3 remains less extensive compared to other teneurins, emphasizing the need for well-validated antibodies to explore its multifaceted roles in health and disease.