The STK3 antibody targets serine/threonine kinase 3 (STK3), also known as MST2. a core component of the evolutionarily conserved Hippo signaling pathway. This pathway regulates organ size, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tissue homeostasis, with dysregulation linked to cancer and developmental disorders. STK3. along with its homolog STK4 (MST1), functions as a tumor suppressor by phosphorylating downstream kinases LATS1/2. which inhibit oncogenic transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ. Structurally, STK3 contains an N-terminal kinase domain and a C-terminal SARAH domain, enabling homodimerization or heterodimerization with adaptor proteins like SAV1 to form signaling complexes.
Antibodies against STK3 are critical tools for studying Hippo pathway dynamics. They are widely used in Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation to assess STK3 expression, localization, phosphorylation status, and interactions in cellular or tissue samples. Validated antibodies often demonstrate specificity through knockout/knockdown controls, ensuring accurate detection of the ~56 kDa protein. Research applications include investigating STK3's role in apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and its crosstalk with pathways like Wnt or TGF-β. Additionally, STK3 antibodies aid in exploring therapeutic strategies targeting Hippo signaling in cancers, fibrosis, and regenerative medicine. Commercial variants may differ in clonality (monoclonal/polyclonal), epitope recognition, or species reactivity, requiring careful selection based on experimental needs.