The RSK4 antibody is a tool used to detect and study the Ribosomal S6 Kinase 4 (RSK4), a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the p90 RSK family. RSK4. encoded by the *RPS6KA6* gene, is part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, primarily activated by ERK1/2 phosphorylation. It contains two functional kinase domains (N-terminal and C-terminal) and plays roles in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Unlike other RSK isoforms (RSK1-3), RSK4 exhibits lower basal kinase activity and distinct tissue expression patterns, with higher levels observed in the brain, heart, and certain cancers.
Research links RSK4 dysregulation to diseases, particularly cancer. It may act as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on context, with overexpression noted in breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Conversely, epigenetic silencing of RSK4 is associated with poor prognosis in some malignancies. Additionally, RSK4 is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities.
RSK4 antibodies enable detection of protein expression, post-translational modifications, and localization via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Their specificity is critical for distinguishing RSK4 from other RSK isoforms. Studying RSK4 aids in understanding its dual roles in disease and potential as a therapeutic target, though its functional complexity warrants further investigation.