PPFIA1 (PTPRF Interacting Protein Alpha 1) is a gene encoding liprin-α1. a member of the leukocyte common antigen-related receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (LAR-RPTP)-interacting protein family. Liprin-α1 plays a critical role in regulating synaptic assembly, cell adhesion, and cell migration by interacting with LAR-RPTPs and other scaffolding proteins. It is involved in organizing presynaptic active zones and postsynaptic density, contributing to neuronal communication. Dysregulation of PPFIA1 has been implicated in neurological disorders and cancer, with studies suggesting its role in tumor progression, metastasis, and altered cell signaling pathways.
PPFIA1 antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect and quantify the liprin-α1 protein in various experimental applications, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. These antibodies are essential for studying the protein's expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interaction partners. Researchers utilize PPFIA1 antibodies to explore its functional roles in both physiological and pathological contexts, such as synaptic plasticity, cancer cell invasiveness, and response to therapeutic agents. Commercially available antibodies are often validated for specificity against conserved regions, such as the N-terminal coiled-coil domain or C-terminal SAM domains, which mediate protein-protein interactions. Variations in PPFIA1 expression across tissues and disease states highlight its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target, though conflicting findings in certain cancers (e.g., upregulated in breast cancer vs. downregulated in gliomas) underscore the need for context-specific research. Proper validation of antibody specificity remains crucial for reliable data interpretation.