KCNIP4 (Kv Channel-Interacting Protein 4) is a member of the neuronal calcium sensor family that modulates voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv4), particularly in regulating their surface expression and gating properties. It is predominantly expressed in the brain, including regions like the hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum, where it influences neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and signal transduction. Dysregulation of KCNIP4 has been implicated in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, highlighting its role in maintaining neural circuit stability.
Antibodies targeting KCNIP4 are essential tools for investigating its expression, localization, and function in both physiological and pathological contexts. These antibodies are typically developed using immunogenic peptides or recombinant protein fragments, validated through techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Specificity is confirmed using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated knockdown. Researchers employ KCNIP4 antibodies to study its interaction with Kv4 channels, calcium-dependent signaling pathways, and its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target. Commercial availability of these antibodies has facilitated advances in neurobiology, though batch variability and cross-reactivity with homologous proteins (e.g., KCNIP1-3) require careful experimental validation.