MYO7A antibodies are immunological tools designed to target myosin VIIA, a motor protein encoded by the MYO7A gene. This protein belongs to the myosin superfamily, which plays critical roles in intracellular transport, cell motility, and structural organization. MYO7A is particularly vital in sensory systems, including the inner ear and retina, where it facilitates the maintenance of stereocilia in hair cells and the trafficking of melanosomes in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Mutations in MYO7A are linked to Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B), a genetic disorder characterized by congenital deafness, vestibular dysfunction, and progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. Additionally, MYO7A variants are associated with non-syndromic hearing loss and atypical retinal degeneration.
MYO7A antibodies are widely used in research to investigate the protein's expression, localization, and functional mechanisms. They are typically generated in animal hosts (e.g., rabbits or mice) using recombinant MYO7A fragments or synthetic peptides. These antibodies enable techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to visualize MYO7A distribution in tissues, track its involvement in cellular processes, and study disease-related abnormalities. For example, researchers employ MYO7A antibodies to analyze defects in hair cell structure or RPE dysfunction in Usher syndrome models. Their specificity and sensitivity are crucial for validating gene-editing therapies or drug candidates aimed at restoring MYO7A function. However, antibody performance may vary depending on epitope accessibility, post-translational modifications, or species cross-reactivity, necessitating rigorous validation. Overall, MYO7A antibodies remain indispensable for advancing our understanding of sensory biology and related disorders.