Phospho-Vimentin (Ser56) antibodies are specialized tools used to detect vimentin protein phosphorylated at serine 56. a post-translational modification linked to dynamic cellular processes. Vimentin, a type III intermediate filament protein, is crucial for maintaining cytoskeletal integrity, cell migration, and organelle positioning. Its phosphorylation, particularly at Ser56. regulates filament disassembly and reorganization during mitosis, stress responses, or signaling events. This site is targeted by kinases such as CDK1. Aurora B, or Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), depending on cellular context.
These antibodies are widely applied in cancer research, as vimentin phosphorylation correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and drug resistance. In neurodegenerative diseases, Ser56 phosphorylation may influence abnormal protein aggregation. The antibodies are validated for techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry, often using knockout/knockdown controls or phosphatase treatment to confirm specificity. Commercial versions are typically raised against synthetic phosphopeptides, with clonal variations affecting sensitivity across species or experimental models. Recent studies also explore its role in DNA damage response and ciliogenesis, expanding its relevance in cell cycle and developmental biology research. Proper validation remains critical due to potential cross-reactivity with other phospho-epitopes or isoforms.