The FAM13A (Family with Sequence Similarity 13 Member A) gene encodes a protein implicated in cellular signaling pathways, particularly those involving Wnt/β-catenin and AMPK, which regulate cell proliferation, metabolism, and stress responses. FAM13A is highly expressed in lung tissues and has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and metabolic disorders through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Its exact molecular function remains unclear, but studies suggest roles in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence.
FAM13A antibodies are essential tools for investigating these mechanisms. They are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to detect FAM13A protein expression, localization, and interactions in tissues or cell lines. Researchers employ these antibodies to explore FAM13A's tissue-specific roles, such as its paradoxical dual roles in promoting COPD progression while potentially suppressing lung cancer metastasis. Commercially available FAM13A antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, often in rabbits or mice, and require validation via knockout controls or siRNA knockdown to ensure specificity. Understanding FAM13A's function using these antibodies could advance therapeutic strategies for respiratory and metabolic diseases.