The RAB3C antibody is a tool used to detect and study RAB3C, a member of the RAB family of small GTPases involved in regulating intracellular vesicle trafficking. RAB3C, part of the RAB3 subfamily (alongside RAB3A, B, and D), plays a role in exocytosis, particularly in neurotransmitter release and secretory processes. While RAB3A is predominantly expressed in neurons and endocrine cells, RAB3C shows broader tissue distribution, including the brain, pancreas, and certain cancers. Its function involves cycling between GTP-bound (active) and GDP-bound (inactive) states to mediate vesicle docking, membrane fusion, and cargo release.
RAB3C antibodies are critical for investigating its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions with effector proteins like RIM and Munc-13. These antibodies are typically raised in hosts such as rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes (e.g., N-terminal or C-terminal regions). Validated applications include Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Studies suggest RAB3C overexpression in cancers like melanoma or gastric cancer, linking it to tumor progression and metastasis, making it a potential biomarker or therapeutic target. Researchers also use RAB3C antibodies to explore its role in neurological disorders, diabetes, and secretory pathway dysregulation. Specificity validation is essential due to high homology among RAB3 isoforms.