The MMP23B antibody is designed to detect Matrix Metalloproteinase 23B (MMP23B), a member of the MMP family, which plays roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and tissue homeostasis. Unlike many MMPs, MMP23B is synthesized as a type II transmembrane protein with a unique structure, lacking a conserved hinge region and hemopexin domain. It is encoded by the *MMP23* gene, located on chromosome 1p36.3. and is expressed predominantly in reproductive tissues, the liver, and certain cancers. MMP23B is implicated in processes like inflammation, angiogenesis, and cancer progression, though its precise mechanisms remain under investigation.
MMP23B antibodies are primarily used in research to study the protein's localization, expression levels, and functional roles via techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. These antibodies aid in exploring MMP23B's involvement in pathologies, including tumor metastasis, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Commercial antibodies are typically developed in hosts like rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes to ensure specificity. Recent studies highlight MMP23B's potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target, particularly in cancers where dysregulated ECM remodeling drives invasiveness. However, its dual roles in promoting or inhibiting disease progression, depending on context, underscore the need for further research to clarify its biological significance.