Adenylate kinase 4 (AK4) is a mitochondrial enzyme belonging to the adenylate kinase family, which regulates nucleotide metabolism by catalyzing the reversible transfer of phosphate groups between nucleotides (e.g., ATP + AMP ↔ 2 ADP). AK4 is distinct from other isoforms due to its preferential localization in mitochondria and its role in maintaining energy homeostasis under stress conditions. It is ubiquitously expressed but shows elevated levels in tissues with high metabolic demands, such as the liver, heart, and brain.
AK4 has gained attention for its involvement in cellular adaptation to hypoxia, oxidative stress, and metabolic reprogramming. Studies link its dysregulation to cancer progression, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders. In cancers, AK4 overexpression is associated with enhanced tumor cell survival, metastasis, and chemoresistance, likely through modulating mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling.
AK4-specific antibodies are essential tools for detecting protein expression, localization, and functional studies. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to explore AK4's role in disease mechanisms. Recent research also investigates AK4 as a potential diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target, particularly in cancers where metabolic alterations drive pathogenesis. However, its precise molecular interactions and regulatory pathways remain under active investigation, highlighting the need for high-specificity AK4 antibodies in advancing both basic and translational research.