The IRX3 antibody is a research tool targeting the Iroquois homeobox protein 3 (IRX3), a transcription factor encoded by the *IRX3* gene. IRX3 belongs to the Iroquois (Irx) gene family, which plays critical roles in embryonic development, particularly in patterning the nervous system, limbs, and heart. IRX3 regulates gene expression during cell differentiation and tissue morphogenesis, with studies linking it to neurodevelopment, metabolic regulation, and body weight control. Notably, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified *IRX3* as a candidate obesity-associated gene, suggesting its influence on energy homeostasis and adipogenesis.
IRX3 antibodies are primarily used in experimental settings to detect and localize IRX3 protein expression via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). These antibodies aid in studying IRX3's spatial-temporal expression patterns, interactions with signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Shh), and its role in diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Commercial IRX3 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, validated for specificity in human or model organisms (e.g., mouse, zebrafish). Challenges include cross-reactivity with homologous family members (e.g., IRX5. IRX6), necessitating careful validation. Research using IRX3 antibodies continues to uncover its regulatory networks and therapeutic potential in metabolic disorders.