The PRKRA (Protein Kinase, Interferon-Inducible Double-Stranded RNA-Dependent Activator) antibody is a tool used to study the PRKRA protein, also known as PACT (PKR-activating protein). PRKRA is a critical regulatory protein involved in cellular stress responses, innate immunity, and RNA interference. It activates the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase R (PKR), which phosphorylates eIF2α to inhibit viral translation during infections. PRKRA also interacts with Dicer to modulate microRNA processing and participates in stress granule formation under cellular stress.
Mutations in the PRKRA gene are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including DYT16 dystonia-parkinsonism, and may contribute to cancer progression or antiviral response dysregulation. PRKRA antibodies enable researchers to investigate the protein’s expression, localization, and interactions in these contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess PRKRA levels in disease models, evaluate its role in stress signaling pathways, or screen for genetic mutations. Specificity validation (e.g., using PRKRA-knockout controls) is essential to ensure antibody reliability. These studies advance understanding of PRKRA’s dual roles in homeostasis and pathology, supporting therapeutic development for related disorders.