CLOCK (Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput) antibodies are essential tools in circadian rhythm research, targeting the CLOCK protein, a core component of the mammalian circadian clock machinery. The CLOCK protein, encoded by the *CLOCK* gene, forms a heterodimer with BMAL1 (ARNTL) to regulate the transcription of circadian-controlled genes by binding to E-box promoter elements. This complex drives oscillatory gene expression, maintaining 24-hour physiological and behavioral rhythms. Dysregulation of CLOCK is linked to sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, and cancer.
CLOCK antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to detect CLOCK expression, localization, and DNA-binding activity. Their specificity is critical, as CLOCK shares homology with its paralog NPAS2. requiring careful validation via knockout controls or epitope mapping. Researchers also employ these antibodies to study post-translational modifications (e.g., acetylation, phosphorylation) that modulate CLOCK-BMAL1 interaction and transcriptional activity.
Commercial CLOCK antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice against specific epitopes (e.g., N-terminal or PAS domains). Proper validation includes assessing cross-reactivity and batch consistency. These reagents have advanced understanding of circadian disruption in disease, offering insights into therapeutic targets for rhythm-related pathologies.