The CLDN12 antibody targets claudin-12 (CLDN12), a member of the claudin protein family, which are critical components of tight junctions in epithelial and endothelial cells. Claudins regulate paracellular permeability by forming selective barriers and channels, controlling the passage of ions and small molecules across cell layers. CLDN12. specifically, is involved in maintaining tissue-specific barrier functions and has been implicated in calcium ion transport. It is expressed in various tissues, including the kidney, skin, brain, and gastrointestinal tract, though its precise physiological roles remain less characterized compared to other claudins like CLDN1 or CLDN18.
Antibodies against CLDN12 are primarily used as research tools to study its expression, localization, and function in normal and pathological conditions. They enable techniques such as immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence to visualize CLDN12 distribution in tissues or cultured cells. Recent studies suggest CLDN12 may play roles in diseases like cancer, where altered tight junction dynamics contribute to metastasis or chemoresistance. For example, CLDN12 overexpression has been observed in certain carcinomas, though its pro- or anti-tumorigenic effects are context-dependent. Additionally, CLDN12 dysregulation is linked to barrier dysfunction in inflammatory bowel disease or neurological disorders. Research tools like CLDN12 antibodies are vital for unraveling its mechanistic contributions to these conditions and exploring its potential as a diagnostic marker or therapeutic target. Commercial CLDN12 antibodies vary in host species, clonality, and validation standards, requiring careful selection for experimental reliability.