Fibroblast Growth Factor 13 (FGF13) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, which lacks secretory signals and functions primarily intracellularly. Unlike canonical FGFs, FGF13 does not bind to classical FGF receptors (FGFRs) but interacts with cytoplasmic targets, playing critical roles in neuronal development, ion channel regulation, and cellular homeostasis. It is particularly known for stabilizing microtubules in neurons and modulating voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav), influencing action potential generation and neuronal excitability.
FGF13 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional mechanisms. They enable detection of FGF13 isoforms (e.g., FGF13A, FGF13B) in tissues like the brain, heart, and dorsal root ganglia, often using techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence. Research using these antibodies has linked FGF13 dysregulation to neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., X-linked intellectual disability), cardiac arrhythmias, and cancer progression. For example, reduced FGF13 levels correlate with microtubule destabilization in cognitive impairment models, while its overexpression in cancers may promote cell survival.
Antibody specificity (e.g., isoform-selective or phosphorylation-state recognition) is critical due to FGF13's structural diversity and functional versatility. Commercial antibodies are typically validated in knockout models or siRNA-treated cells to confirm target accuracy. Ongoing studies leverage these reagents to explore FGF13's therapeutic potential, particularly in neurological and oncological contexts.