The HOXC9 antibody is a tool used to detect the HOXC9 protein, a member of the homeobox (HOX) gene family, which plays critical roles in embryonic development, particularly in anterior-posterior body axis patterning. HOX genes encode transcription factors that regulate cellular differentiation and tissue organization. HOXC9. located on chromosome 7 (7p15.2), is involved in spinal cord, limb, and craniofacial development, as well as neural differentiation. Dysregulation of HOXC9 has been linked to cancer progression, including neuroblastoma, leukemia, and solid tumors, where it may act as either an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on context.
HOXC9 antibodies are widely used in research to study its expression, localization, and function via techniques like Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). These antibodies help identify HOXC9's role in regulating downstream targets (e.g., genes involved in apoptosis or proliferation) and its interaction with signaling pathways like Wnt or TGF-β. Commercial HOXC9 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice against specific epitopes, with validation in knockout models or siRNA-treated cells to ensure specificity.
Research applications include exploring HOXC9's contribution to developmental disorders, cancer metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Its tissue-specific expression patterns also make it a potential biomarker for certain malignancies. However, variability in antibody performance across experimental conditions requires careful optimization to avoid cross-reactivity with other HOX proteins.