The nuclear matrix protein p84. also known as Thoc5 or TFIIH-p84. is a component of the nuclear matrix, a dynamic scaffold within the nucleus involved in chromatin organization, DNA replication, and transcriptional regulation. The p84 protein is part of the THO complex, which interacts with the TREX (Transcription-Export) machinery to couple mRNA transcription, processing, and export. It contains a conserved death domain and plays roles in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and maintaining genomic stability.
The p84 antibody is a widely used tool for studying nuclear architecture and subnuclear compartmentalization. It specifically recognizes the p84 protein across various species, including humans, mice, and rats, making it valuable in comparative studies. This antibody is commonly employed in techniques such as immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting to visualize the nuclear matrix and investigate its structural or functional alterations in diseases like cancer, viral infections, or genetic disorders. Its specificity for the nuclear matrix helps distinguish nuclear subdomains, such as splicing factor compartments or sites of active transcription.
Originally characterized in the 1990s, the p84 antibody has become a standard marker for nuclear matrix studies. Recent research highlights its utility in exploring interactions between nuclear structure and epigenetic regulation, as well as its potential role in cellular responses to DNA damage. Commercially available clones (e.g., 5E10) are typically raised against recombinant p84 fragments, ensuring consistent performance in detecting this evolutionarily conserved protein.