CEP170 (Centrosomal Protein 170kDa) is a key component of the centrosome, a microtubule-organizing center critical for cell division, polarity, and cilium formation. Discovered in the early 2000s, CEP170 localizes to the subdistal appendages of mature centrioles and plays a role in stabilizing microtubule networks during mitosis. Structurally, it contains an N-terminal microtubule-binding domain and a C-terminal conserved region that interacts with other centrosomal proteins like CDK5RAP2.
CEP170 is implicated in regulating spindle orientation, chromosome segregation, and the recruitment of proteins necessary for centriole duplication. Dysregulation of CEP170 has been linked to mitotic errors, genomic instability, and diseases such as cancer, where altered expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis. It also contributes to ciliopathies and neurodevelopmental disorders due to its role in cilia assembly and neuronal migration.
CEP170 antibodies are essential tools for studying these processes. They are widely used in immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation to visualize CEP170 localization, assess expression levels, or explore protein interactions. Commercial antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, such as the C-terminal region, and validated for cross-species reactivity (e.g., human, mouse). Research utilizing CEP170 antibodies continues to uncover its mechanistic roles in cellular dynamics and disease, making it a focal point in centrosome biology and therapeutic targeting.