The POLB antibody targets DNA polymerase beta (Pol β), a key enzyme in the base excision repair (BER) pathway responsible for repairing small DNA lesions caused by oxidation, alkylation, or hydrolysis. Encoded by the POLB gene, this 39 kDa nuclear protein is critical for maintaining genomic stability by accurately filling single-strand gaps during DNA repair. Pol β's role extends beyond BER; it is implicated in somatic hypermutation and class-switch recombination in immune cells. Dysregulation or mutations in POLB are linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and chemotherapy resistance, making it a focus in oncology and disease research.
POLB antibodies are essential tools for detecting Pol β expression and localization in cells or tissues. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to study DNA repair mechanisms, cellular responses to genotoxic stress, and POLB-related pathologies. Researchers also employ these antibodies to explore Pol β's functional interactions with other repair proteins or its potential as a therapeutic target. Commercial POLB antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, validated for specificity via knockout controls, and optimized for cross-reactivity in human, mouse, or rat samples. Their applications span basic research, biomarker discovery, and drug development studies.