The Wnt9b antibody is a crucial tool for studying the Wnt9b protein, a member of the Wnt family of secreted glycoproteins involved in embryonic development, cell differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Wnt9b, encoded by the *WNT9B* gene, plays a pivotal role in regulating β-catenin-dependent (canonical) and β-catenin-independent (non-canonical) signaling pathways. It is particularly associated with kidney development, limb morphogenesis, and urogenital system patterning. Dysregulation of Wnt9b has been implicated in congenital anomalies, including renal hypoplasia and skeletal defects.
Wnt9b antibodies are designed to detect and quantify endogenous Wnt9b protein levels in various experimental settings, such as Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry. These antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes within the Wnt9b protein. Validation parameters include specificity (e.g., knockout validation), cross-reactivity across species (human, mouse, rat), and application-specific optimization.
Researchers utilize Wnt9b antibodies to explore its biological functions in developmental biology, disease models (e.g., chronic kidney disease), and cancer studies, where aberrant Wnt signaling is often observed. Commercial antibodies often provide detailed datasheets with protocols, ensuring reproducibility. When selecting a Wnt9b antibody, considerations include target region (N-terminal, C-terminal, or full-length), clonality (monoclonal vs. polyclonal), and compatibility with downstream assays. Proper controls (e.g., isotype-matched IgG) are essential to confirm signal specificity in experimental workflows.