The LDLRAD4 (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Class A Domain-Containing 4) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the LDLRAD4 protein, a member of the LDL receptor family. Unlike canonical LDL receptors involved in cholesterol uptake, LDLRAD4 lacks traditional ligand-binding activity and is instead implicated in cell adhesion, signaling, and intercellular communication. Structurally, it contains conserved LDL receptor class A domains, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, and a transmembrane region, suggesting roles in extracellular matrix interactions or receptor-ligand binding.
Research highlights LDLRAD4's potential involvement in cancer progression and viral pathogenesis. In tumors, such as gastric and colorectal cancers, LDLRAD4 expression is often downregulated, correlating with poor prognosis, possibly due to its tumor-suppressive functions in regulating cell migration and proliferation. Additionally, LDLRAD4 has been identified as an entry receptor for flaviviruses like dengue and Zika, facilitating viral attachment and infection.
The LDLRAD4 antibody enables the investigation of these roles through techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Its specificity (validated via knockout controls in some studies) ensures reliable detection of endogenous LDLRAD4 in tissues and cell lines. Continued research using this antibody may uncover novel therapeutic targets for cancer or antiviral strategies, emphasizing its importance in biomedical studies.