The BLM antibody is a crucial tool in studying the Bloom syndrome protein (BLM), encoded by the BLM gene, which belongs to the RecQ helicase family. BLM plays a vital role in maintaining genomic stability by resolving complex DNA structures during replication and repair. Mutations in the BLM gene cause Bloom syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by growth retardation, immunodeficiency, sun-sensitive skin lesions, and a heightened predisposition to cancers. Patients exhibit genomic instability, notably elevated sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs), reflecting impaired DNA repair mechanisms.
BLM antibodies are widely used in research to detect and quantify BLM protein expression via techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. They help investigate BLM's interactions with other DNA repair proteins (e.g., BRCA1. RAD51) and its role in suppressing tumorigenesis. Researchers also utilize these antibodies to study BLM's involvement in replication stress response, telomere maintenance, and meiosis. Commercially available BLM antibodies are produced by various companies, including Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Abcam, and Cell Signaling Technology, with validation data ensuring specificity for human, mouse, or other model organisms. Their application extends to cancer research, particularly in understanding BLM dysregulation in malignancies and potential therapeutic targeting.