ZEB1 (zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1) is a transcription factor belonging to the Zinc finger E-box binding (ZEB) protein family, known for its critical role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a biological process involved in embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis, where epithelial cells lose adhesion and gain migratory properties. ZEB1 suppresses epithelial markers (e.g., E-cadherin) and promotes mesenchymal markers (e.g., vimentin), facilitating cell invasion and metastasis in cancers like breast, lung, and colorectal carcinomas.
ZEB1 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying ZEB1 protein expression in research. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry. These antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes of human ZEB1. with common host species including rabbit, mouse, and goat. Both monoclonal and polyclonal variants are available, each offering distinct advantages: monoclonal antibodies provide high specificity, while polyclonal antibodies may enhance sensitivity for detecting low-abundance targets.
Validation of ZEB1 antibodies is crucial, as cross-reactivity with homologous proteins (e.g., ZEB2) or non-specific binding can affect data reliability. Researchers often use knockout cell lines or siRNA-mediated ZEB1 knockdown to confirm antibody specificity. In cancer research, ZEB1 expression is studied to assess EMT progression, tumor aggressiveness, and therapeutic resistance. Commercial ZEB1 antibodies are often accompanied by validation data from peer-reviewed studies, ensuring reproducibility across experimental models.