HMGB3 (High Mobility Group Box 3) is a member of the HMGB protein family, which plays critical roles in DNA repair, recombination, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional regulation. Structurally, HMGB3 contains two DNA-binding HMG boxes and an acidic tail, enabling interactions with DNA and other proteins. It is highly expressed during embryonic development, particularly in pluripotent stem cells, but shows limited expression in most healthy adult tissues. Aberrant overexpression of HMGB3 has been linked to various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, where it promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance by modulating pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB. Its oncogenic role makes it a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker.
HMGB3 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and studying the protein’s expression, localization, and function. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to investigate HMGB3’s role in cancer progression or stem cell biology. Some antibodies specifically recognize post-translational modifications or distinct epitopes, aiding in mechanistic studies. Therapeutic HMGB3-targeting antibodies are also under exploration to block its interaction with DNA or signaling partners, though challenges like specificity and off-target effects remain. Commercial availability of HMGB3 antibodies facilitates research, but validation across experimental models is crucial due to potential cross-reactivity with other HMGB family members. Ongoing studies aim to clarify its tissue-specific functions and therapeutic potential.