The Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) is a serine protease encoded by the KLK4 gene, primarily known for its role in tissue remodeling and enamel formation during tooth development. It is part of the kallikrein protease family, which is implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including cancer progression, inflammation, and wound healing. KLK4 is expressed in various tissues, such as the prostate, salivary glands, and ovaries, and its dysregulation has been linked to diseases like prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and amelogenesis imperfecta (a genetic enamel defect).
KLK4 antibodies are essential tools for studying the protein's expression, localization, and function in both normal and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA to detect KLK4 levels in biological samples. In cancer research, these antibodies help investigate KLK4's role in tumor invasion, metastasis, and its potential as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker. In dental research, they aid in understanding enamel biomineralization defects.
Commercial KLK4 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, with monoclonal antibodies offering high specificity and polyclonal versions providing broader epitope recognition. Validation across species (human, mouse) and sample types (tissues, cell lines) is critical for reliability. Ongoing studies explore KLK4-targeted therapies and its utility in liquid biopsies, underscoring the antibody's importance in translational research.