ASPM (Abnormal Spindle Microtubule Assembly) is a protein encoded by the *ASPM* gene, which plays a critical role in regulating neurogenesis and brain development. It is primarily involved in mitotic spindle organization during neural progenitor cell division, ensuring proper symmetric/asymmetric cell division and maintaining cerebral cortical size. Mutations in *ASPM* are linked to autosomal recessive primary microcephaly, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced brain size and intellectual disability. The ASPM protein contains multiple conserved domains, including N-terminal microtubule-binding calponin homology domains, a central region with multiple IQ repeats (binding sites for calmodulin), and a C-terminal domain critical for spindle pole localization.
ASPM antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in developmental and disease contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to detect ASPM levels in tissues or cultured cells, particularly in neural stem cells and cancer models. Dysregulated ASPM expression is observed in various cancers (e.g., glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma), where it correlates with tumor progression, poor prognosis, and therapy resistance. ASPM antibodies thus aid in exploring its oncogenic roles, such as promoting cell proliferation, genomic instability, or stemness. These antibodies also support research into ASPM's potential as a diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target.