The PHF21A antibody is a tool used to detect the presence of PHF21A (PHD Finger Protein 21A), a protein encoded by the PHF21A gene in humans. PHF21A is a chromatin-associated protein belonging to the PHD finger protein family, which is involved in transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling. It interacts with histone modifications, acting as a "reader" of epigenetic marks, particularly H3K4me2/3. to influence gene expression. PHF21A is a component of the BHC (BRAF-HDAC) complex, linking it to histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and neuronal gene regulation.
Research highlights its critical role in neurodevelopment, with PHF21A haploinsufficiency linked to intellectual disability, craniofacial abnormalities, and Potocki-Shaffer syndrome. Studies in animal models suggest its involvement in synaptic maintenance and neuronal differentiation. PHF21A antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to study its expression, localization, and interactions in tissues, particularly the brain. Commercially available antibodies are often validated for specificity against human, mouse, or rat PHF21A. Ongoing research explores its potential role in neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders, though mechanistic insights remain under investigation. Proper validation of PHF21A antibodies is crucial due to possible cross-reactivity with homologous PHD-containing proteins.