NCOA4 (Nuclear Receptor Coactivator 4) is a multifunctional adaptor protein involved in critical cellular processes, including selective autophagy and iron metabolism. Initially identified as a coactivator for nuclear receptors like the androgen receptor, NCOA4 gained prominence for its role in ferritinophagy—a selective autophagy pathway that degrades ferritin, the iron-storage complex, to release bioavailable iron. This process is essential for maintaining cellular iron homeostasis, and dysregulation of NCOA4 has been linked to iron-related disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.
NCOA4 antibodies are widely used in research to detect and quantify NCOA4 protein levels in various experimental models. These antibodies enable the study of NCOA4’s dual roles: in canonical autophagy, it binds cargo receptors, while in ferritinophagy, it interacts with ferritin and autophagosome machinery. Studies using NCOA4 antibodies have revealed tissue-specific expression patterns and its context-dependent functions. For instance, NCOA4 is upregulated in certain cancers, correlating with tumor progression and chemoresistance, while its loss is associated with anemia or neurodegeneration due to iron mishandling.
Researchers also utilize NCOA4 antibodies to explore its post-translational modifications, degradation pathways, and interactions with partners like SQSTM1/p62. These tools are critical for deciphering NCOA4’s role in diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target. Commercial NCOA4 antibodies are validated for techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry, though variability in specificity requires careful validation for experimental reproducibility.