The TMEM18 (Transmembrane Protein 18) antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the TMEM18 protein, a highly conserved transmembrane protein implicated in various physiological processes. TMEM18 gained attention due to its strong association with obesity and body mass index (BMI) in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). It is expressed in multiple tissues, including the brain, adipose tissue, and pancreatic islets, suggesting roles in energy metabolism, adipogenesis, and appetite regulation. The protein’s exact molecular function remains unclear, but studies propose involvement in neuronal development, cell migration, and insulin secretion pathways.
TMEM18 antibodies are typically developed as polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies targeting specific epitopes of the protein. They enable researchers to investigate TMEM18 expression patterns, localization (e.g., nuclear or cytoplasmic), and interactions via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Such studies have revealed TMEM18's dynamic expression during adipocyte differentiation and its potential link to leptin signaling. Additionally, TMEM18 antibodies aid in exploring its role in diseases beyond obesity, including type 2 diabetes and cancer, where aberrant expression has been observed. Commercial availability of these antibodies supports ongoing research into TMEM18's mechanistic contributions to metabolic disorders, making it a critical reagent for understanding its pathophysiological relevance.