Claudin-3 (CLDN3) is a key member of the claudin family, transmembrane proteins essential for forming tight junctions that regulate paracellular permeability and maintain cell polarity. Expressed in epithelial and endothelial tissues, CLDN3 plays a critical role in barrier function and cellular signaling. Dysregulation of CLDN3 has been implicated in various cancers, including ovarian, breast, and prostate malignancies, where it may influence tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Its overexpression in certain cancers has sparked interest in its potential as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target.
CLDN3 antibodies are crucial tools for detecting and quantifying CLDN3 expression in research and clinical settings. They are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry to study tissue-specific distribution, protein interactions, and disease mechanisms. However, challenges persist due to antibody specificity, cross-reactivity with other claudin family members (e.g., CLDN4), and variability in CLDN3 expression patterns across cancer subtypes. Recent studies also explore CLDN3's role in non-cancer pathologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease and viral entry mechanisms, broadening its biomedical relevance. Validated antibodies with high affinity and minimal batch-to-batch variability remain critical for advancing both basic research and therapeutic development targeting CLDN3.