Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) is a member of the SFRP family that modulates Wnt signaling by binding to Wnt proteins or frizzled receptors, acting as a soluble antagonist. It plays critical roles in embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and cell differentiation. Dysregulation of SFRP4 has been implicated in pathological conditions, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and chronic diseases. In cancers like pancreatic, ovarian, and breast carcinomas, SFRP4 is often epigenetically silenced or downregulated, contributing to uncontrolled Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation and tumor progression. Conversely, elevated SFRP4 levels are associated with β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis-related bone loss.
SFRP4 antibodies are essential tools for detecting SFRP4 expression in research and diagnostic applications. They enable the study of its localization, interaction partners, and regulatory mechanisms in disease models. Commercially available antibodies are typically developed against specific epitopes of human or murine SFRP4. validated for techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Recent studies explore SFRP4’s potential as a therapeutic target, with antibodies investigated for blocking its activity to restore Wnt signaling balance or for targeted drug delivery. However, challenges remain in ensuring antibody specificity due to structural similarities among SFRP family members. Ongoing research aims to refine SFRP4 antibodies for improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy.