The RPL7 antibody is a research tool used to detect ribosomal protein L7 (RPL7), a component of the 60S ribosomal subunit. RPL7 belongs to the L7/L12 ribosomal protein family and plays a critical role in ribosome assembly, translation, and protein synthesis. Structurally, it contains conserved domains that facilitate interactions with rRNA and other ribosomal proteins, contributing to ribosome stability and function. Dysregulation of RPL7 has been implicated in cancers, developmental disorders, and ribosomopathies, making it a target for studying disease mechanisms.
RPL7 antibodies are widely employed in techniques like Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess protein expression, localization, and post-translational modifications. These antibodies help investigate RPL7's roles in cellular processes, including cell proliferation, stress responses, and its potential extraribosomal functions in gene regulation. Researchers also use RPL7 antibodies to explore interactions with binding partners, such as MDM2 in p53 pathway modulation.
Due to RPL7's evolutionary conservation, these antibodies often exhibit cross-reactivity across species, enhancing their utility in diverse experimental models. Additionally, RPL7 is occasionally used as a loading control in protein analysis, given its relatively stable expression under many conditions. However, context-dependent variability requires validation for specific applications. Overall, RPL7 antibodies serve as vital tools in both basic ribosome biology and translational research.