The IRX1 antibody is a crucial tool in studying the Iroquois homeobox 1 (IRX1) protein, a member of the Iroquois (IRX) gene family. These evolutionarily conserved transcription factors play pivotal roles in embryonic development, tissue patterning, and organogenesis. IRX1. specifically, is involved in regulating gene expression during heart, nervous system, and limb development. In research, IRX1 has gained attention for its dual role in cancer biology. It acts as a tumor suppressor in certain cancers (e.g., gastric, esophageal, and lung cancers) by modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis, while showing oncogenic potential in others like breast cancer.
The IRX1 antibody enables detection and localization of IRX1 protein in various experimental applications, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Its development typically involves immunizing host animals with IRX1-specific epitopes, followed by hybridoma (monoclonal) or affinity-purified polyclonal antibody production. Validation parameters include specificity verification through knockout cell lines or siRNA knockdown, along with cross-reactivity checks against other IRX family members.
Recent studies emphasize IRX1's clinical relevance, particularly its association with cancer prognosis and therapeutic resistance. The antibody has become essential for exploring IRX1's interaction networks, epigenetic regulation (e.g., promoter hypermethylation in cancer), and potential as a biomarker. However, researchers must carefully validate each antibody lot due to variations in epitope recognition and experimental conditions across studies.