Catalase antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect and study the enzyme catalase, a critical antioxidant protein found in nearly all aerobic organisms. Catalase plays a vital role in cellular defense by catalyzing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water and oxygen, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and protecting cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage. Dysregulation of catalase activity or expression is linked to various pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and aging-related disorders.
These antibodies are widely used in research applications such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to quantify catalase levels, assess its localization in tissues or cells, and investigate its role in oxidative stress pathways. Catalase antibodies are often produced in host species like rabbits, mice, or goats, targeting specific epitopes of the enzyme. Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity, while polyclonal antibodies provide broader epitope recognition.
Commercial catalase antibodies are typically validated for cross-reactivity across species, including human, mouse, rat, and others, ensuring versatility in experimental models. Their use has advanced understanding of redox biology, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative damage. Researchers also employ catalase antibodies to explore correlations between catalase deficiency and disease progression, aiding in biomarker discovery and drug development.