The KCNN3 antibody targets the potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily N member 3 (KCNN3), a protein encoded by the *KCNN3* gene. This gene belongs to the small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel family, which plays a critical role in regulating cellular excitability and calcium signaling. KCNN3. also known as SK3. forms voltage-independent channels activated by intracellular calcium, modulating membrane potential and repolarization in excitable cells. It is expressed in various tissues, including neurons, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells, and is implicated in processes such as neurotransmission, smooth muscle contraction, and vascular tone regulation.
KCNN3 antibodies are essential tools for studying the expression, localization, and function of SK3 channels in physiological and pathological contexts. Research has linked KCNN3 dysfunction to neurological disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, epilepsy), cancer progression (e.g., metastasis, proliferation), and cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hypertension). For example, SK3 overexpression in certain cancers is associated with enhanced cell migration, while its dysregulation in neurons may contribute to excitability disorders.
Antibodies against KCNN3 are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to detect SK3 protein levels and distribution. Their specificity and sensitivity enable researchers to explore SK3's role in disease mechanisms or therapeutic targeting. Recent studies also investigate KCNN3's potential as a biomarker or drug target, particularly in modulating channel activity to treat conditions like atrial fibrillation or neurodegenerative diseases.