The ITGA7 antibody targets the integrin alpha-7 subunit (ITGA7), a transmembrane receptor critical for cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. ITGA7 primarily pairs with the beta-1 subunit (ITGB1) to form a laminin-binding integrin complex, predominantly expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle. This complex facilitates cell adhesion, signaling, and structural stability by anchoring myocytes to laminin-α2 in the basement membrane. Dysregulation of ITGA7 is linked to muscular dystrophies and myopathies, as its absence disrupts muscle integrity, leading to progressive weakness.
ITGA7 antibodies are essential tools in research for detecting protein expression, localization, and function. They are widely used in Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to study muscle development, regeneration, and disease mechanisms. In diagnostic contexts, these antibodies help identify ITGA7 deficiencies in patient biopsies, aiding in the subclassification of congenital muscular dystrophies. Recent studies also explore ITGA7's role in cancer metastasis, as altered integrin expression may influence tumor cell invasion.
Available as monoclonal or polyclonal variants, ITGA7 antibodies vary in specificity and applications. Researchers prioritize validation using knockout controls to ensure accuracy. Understanding ITGA7 dynamics continues to inform therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy and ECM-targeted interventions for neuromuscular disorders.