UNCX antibody targets the UNC-5 family of netrin receptors, specifically UNC5A-D, which play critical roles in axon guidance and neuronal development. These receptors, initially identified in *C. elegans* (UNC-5) and later in vertebrates, mediate chemorepulsive responses to netrins, guiding growing axons away from inhibitory cues. UNC-5 receptors are transmembrane proteins characterized by immunoglobulin (Ig) and thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) domains in their extracellular regions and a conserved cytoplasmic "death domain" essential for apoptosis regulation.
UNCX antibodies are widely used in neuroscience research to study neural circuit formation, particularly in contexts like spinal cord development, cortical wiring, and tumor biology, where UNC-5 receptors influence cell migration and survival. They are also implicated in cancer research, as UNC-5D acts as a dependence receptor, promoting apoptosis in the absence of netrin-1. a mechanism dysregulated in malignancies.
These antibodies enable detection of UNC-5 expression via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and flow cytometry. Their development has facilitated insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. Recent studies also explore UNC-5 roles in vascular and immune systems, broadening their biomedical relevance. Overall, UNCX antibodies are vital tools for deciphering the molecular basis of guidance cues in development and disease.