The UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) antibody is a crucial tool for studying the enzyme UGDH, which plays a pivotal role in carbohydrate metabolism. UGDH catalyzes the NAD+-dependent oxidation of UDP-glucose to UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcUA), a key precursor for synthesizing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), hyaluronic acid, and other extracellular matrix components. These molecules are essential for cell signaling, tissue structure, and cellular interactions, implicating UGDH in processes like development, wound healing, and disease pathogenesis, including cancer metastasis and fibrosis.
UGDH antibodies are widely used to detect and quantify UGDH protein levels in various experimental models, such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Researchers utilize these antibodies to investigate UGDH's expression patterns across tissues or its dysregulation in diseases. For instance, elevated UGDH levels in certain cancers correlate with increased invasiveness and poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Additionally, UGDH antibodies aid in studying post-translational modifications or interactions with regulatory proteins.
Commercial UGDH antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with validation in specific applications and species. Their specificity is confirmed using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated silencing. By enabling precise localization and quantification of UGDH, these antibodies advance our understanding of its biological roles and its relevance in human health and disease.