The glutathione S-transferase mu 4 (GSTM4) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the GSTM4 protein, a member of the GST mu family involved in cellular detoxification. GSTM4. encoded by the *GSTM4* gene, is part of the phase II metabolism system, conjugating glutathione to electrophilic substrates to neutralize toxins, oxidative stress byproducts, and carcinogens. While GSTM1 and GSTM2 are well-characterized, GSTM4 remains less studied, though it shares structural homology and functional overlap with other mu-class GSTs.
GSTM4 is expressed in various tissues, including the liver, brain, and reproductive organs, and its dysregulation has been linked to cancer progression, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug resistance. Antibodies targeting GSTM4 enable researchers to investigate its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). These antibodies are critical for exploring GSTM4's role in redox homeostasis, apoptosis regulation, and chemotherapeutic response modulation.
Commercial GSTM4 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice using recombinant protein or peptide immunogens. Validation includes specificity tests (e.g., knockout controls) and application-specific checks. Studies using these antibodies have suggested GSTM4's potential as a biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, and neurological disorders, though its exact mechanisms remain under investigation. Researchers must verify antibody compatibility with their experimental models to avoid cross-reactivity with other GST isoforms.