The RPL13A antibody targets ribosomal protein L13a, a component of the 60S subunit in eukaryotic ribosomes. RPL13A is essential for ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis, playing a structural role in rRNA assembly and translation fidelity. Beyond its canonical function, RPL13A has been implicated in non-ribosomal roles, such as regulating inflammatory responses. For example, during interferon-γ signaling, RPL13A is phosphorylated and released from ribosomes to inhibit translation of specific mRNAs, acting as a cytokine-like mediator.
As a widely expressed housekeeping protein, RPL13A is frequently used as a loading control in Western blotting and qPCR normalization. However, its suitability as a reference depends on experimental conditions, as stress or disease states may alter its expression. The RPL13A antibody is commonly validated in applications like immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. Researchers employ it to study ribosome dynamics, cellular stress pathways, and diseases linked to ribosomal dysfunction, such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders.
Commercial RPL13A antibodies are typically raised against conserved epitopes, with validation including knockdown/knockout controls to confirm specificity. Cross-reactivity with homologs in common model organisms (e.g., mouse, rat) enhances its utility in translational research.