The Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP), also known as histamine-releasing factor (HRF), is a highly conserved, multifunctional protein expressed ubiquitously across eukaryotes. Initially identified in tumor cells, TCTP regulates diverse cellular processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, stress responses, and immune modulation. It interacts with key signaling pathways, such as mTOR, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt, and stabilizes proteins like Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL to suppress apoptosis. TCTP overexpression is linked to cancer progression, neurodegenerative disorders, and allergic inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic target.
TCTP antibodies are essential tools for studying its biological roles and clinical relevance. They enable detection and quantification of TCTP in tissues and fluids via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Specific antibodies also aid in functional studies, such as blocking TCTP interactions or evaluating its role in disease models. Commercial TCTP antibodies are typically raised against conserved regions (e.g., human or mouse epitopes) and validated for cross-reactivity in multiple species. Recent research focuses on developing neutralizing antibodies to inhibit TCTP’s oncogenic or inflammatory activities, highlighting their translational potential in diagnostics and targeted therapies.