The SEMA6C antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study semaphorin-6C (SEMA6C), a member of the semaphorin protein family. Semaphorins are a large group of membrane-bound or secreted proteins involved in axonal guidance, cell migration, immune regulation, and angiogenesis. SEMA6C, a transmembrane protein, interacts with plexin receptors to mediate signaling pathways that influence cytoskeletal dynamics, cellular adhesion, and tissue organization. It plays roles in neural development, cardiovascular formation, and tumor biology, with emerging evidence linking its dysregulation to cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance.
SEMA6C antibodies, typically monoclonal or polyclonal, are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry to quantify protein expression, map tissue distribution, or assess post-translational modifications. These antibodies are critical for investigating SEMA6C's functional mechanisms, particularly in cancer contexts (e.g., breast, lung, or gastric cancers) where it may act as either a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on cellular context. Validated antibodies often undergo specificity checks using knockout (KO) controls to ensure reliability.
Current research focuses on SEMA6C's dual roles in cell signaling—facilitating or inhibiting pathways like mTOR, EGFR, or TGF-β—and its potential as a therapeutic target. Commercial availability from suppliers like Abcam or CST has accelerated studies into its pathological and physiological impacts, though functional redundancy within the semaphorin family necessitates careful experimental design.