The EDEM3 (ER Degradation-Enhancing Alpha-Mannosidase-Like Protein 3) antibody is a research tool used to study the role of EDEM3. a key player in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. EDEM3. along with EDEM1 and EDEM2. facilitates the recognition and targeting of misfolded glycoproteins for proteasomal degradation. Unlike its homologs, EDEM3 contains a conserved glycosidase-like domain, though its enzymatic activity remains debated. It primarily acts as a lectin-like chaperone, binding to misfolded proteins marked with specific oligosaccharide signals (e.g., Man8-9GlcNAc2) to initiate their retrotranslocation to the cytoplasm for degradation.
EDEM3 is critical for maintaining ER homeostasis, particularly in cells with high secretory demands, such as pancreatic or neuronal cells. Dysregulation of EDEM3 has been implicated in diseases like neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer, where ER stress and protein misfolding contribute to pathology. The EDEM3 antibody enables detection and localization of the protein via techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, or immunoprecipitation, aiding investigations into ERAD mechanisms and disease models.
Commercially available EDEM3 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes within its N-terminal or catalytic domains. Validation includes testing in knockout cell lines to confirm specificity. Researchers use these antibodies to explore EDEM3’s interaction with ERAD components (e.g., SEL1L, OS-9) or its role in cellular stress responses, providing insights into therapeutic strategies for protein misfolding disorders.