**Background of CLU Antibodies**
Clusterin (CLU), also known as apolipoprotein J, is a multifunctional glycoprotein ubiquitously expressed in tissues and bodily fluids. It plays roles in apoptosis, cell survival, protein homeostasis, and immune regulation. Structurally, CLU exists as a secreted heterodimeric protein formed by disulfide-linked α and β subunits, generated through proteolytic cleavage of a single precursor. Its chaperone-like activity aids in stabilizing misfolded proteins, facilitating their clearance or aggregation, which links CLU to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, where it interacts with amyloid-β plaques.
CLU is implicated in cancer, exhibiting context-dependent roles as either a tumor suppressor or promoter. It contributes to treatment resistance by modulating apoptosis, DNA repair, and cell stress responses. In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), CLU gene variants are associated with disease risk, highlighting its role in extracellular matrix regulation.
CLU antibodies are critical tools for detecting CLU expression and function in research and diagnostics. They enable the study of CLU’s dual roles in disease via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Therapeutic strategies targeting CLU, including monoclonal antibodies, are under exploration to modulate its activity in cancer and neurodegeneration. Research on CLU continues to unravel its complex biology, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic avenues for diverse pathologies.