The FAM107B antibody is a research tool used to study the FAM107B protein, encoded by the FAM107B gene, which belongs to the FAM107 family (Family with Sequence Similarity 107). This family includes two members, FAM107A and FAM107B, both implicated in diverse cellular processes, though their exact roles remain under investigation. FAM107B is broadly expressed in tissues, including the brain, kidneys, and reproductive organs, and is thought to participate in cell proliferation, differentiation, and stress responses. Dysregulation of FAM107B has been linked to cancers (e.g., neuroblastoma, lung cancer) and neurological disorders, though its mechanistic role in disease pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Structurally, FAM107B contains conserved coiled-coil and nuclear localization signal (NLS) domains, suggesting nuclear localization and potential involvement in transcriptional regulation or protein-protein interactions. However, its precise molecular functions and signaling pathways remain unclear. The FAM107B antibody is primarily used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to detect protein expression levels, subcellular localization, and tissue distribution. Researchers also employ it to explore FAM107B's interactions with other biomolecules and its role in cellular responses to stimuli like hypoxia or DNA damage.
Despite its utility, challenges persist, including antibody specificity and variability across studies. Conflicting data on FAM107B’s role as a tumor suppressor or oncogene highlight the need for further validation. Ongoing research aims to clarify its biological significance, with potential implications for biomarker discovery and therapeutic targeting in cancer and other diseases.