The KCNMB3 antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M regulatory beta subunit 3 (KCNMB3), a protein encoded by the *KCNMB3* gene. This subunit modulates the activity of large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK) channels, which play critical roles in regulating cellular excitability, vascular tone, and neurotransmitter release. KCNMB3 is one of four β-subunits (β1-β4) that influence BK channel kinetics, calcium sensitivity, and tissue-specific functions. It is predominantly expressed in tissues such as the brain, smooth muscle, and endocrine glands.
Antibodies targeting KCNMB3 are used in applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate its expression, localization, and interaction with BK channel α-subunits (e.g., KCNMA1). Research involving KCNMB3 antibodies has explored its role in physiological processes, including blood pressure regulation and neuronal signaling, as well as pathological conditions like hypertension, epilepsy, and cancer. For instance, altered KCNMB3 expression has been linked to tumor progression in certain cancers, suggesting its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target.
These antibodies are typically validated for specificity using knockout controls or siRNA-based silencing to ensure accurate detection. Their development supports ongoing studies into BK channel diversity and the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases associated with KCNMB3 dysfunction.