The SELENOW antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the Selenoprotein W (SELENOW), a member of the selenoprotein family characterized by the presence of selenocysteine in its active site. SELENOW is a small, redox-active protein encoded by the SELENOW gene, conserved across mammals and implicated in cellular antioxidant defense, redox signaling, and regulation of inflammatory responses. It binds glutathione and interacts with cellular components to modulate oxidative stress, potentially influencing muscle function, neuronal health, and immune regulation.
Antibodies targeting SELENOW enable researchers to investigate its expression, localization, and interaction partners in various tissues, particularly in contexts like muscle degeneration, neurodegenerative diseases, or cancer. Studies suggest SELENOW may play roles in apoptosis, differentiation, and protection against oxidative damage, but its precise mechanisms remain under exploration. Commercial SELENOW antibodies are typically developed in rabbit or mouse hosts, validated for applications such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Their use has advanced understanding of selenoprotein biology, including links to dietary selenium deficiency and pathologies like cardiomyopathy or autoimmune disorders. Ongoing research focuses on clarifying SELENOW's tissue-specific functions and therapeutic potential.