**Background of PFN4 Antibody**
Profilin-4 (PFN4) is a member of the profilin family of actin-binding proteins, which regulate cytoskeletal dynamics by modulating actin polymerization and interacting with signaling molecules. Unlike its widely studied homologs (e.g., PFN1 and PFN2), PFN4 exhibits restricted expression, primarily in the testis and male germ cells, suggesting a specialized role in spermatogenesis or reproductive function. Its unique N-terminal extension and divergent structural features differentiate it from other profilins, potentially conferring distinct functional properties.
PFN4 antibodies are essential tools for investigating its expression, localization, and mechanistic roles. Studies using these antibodies have linked PFN4 to acrosome biogenesis, sperm head shaping, and fertility in mice, with knockout models showing male sterility due to defective sperm development. Researchers employ PFN4 antibodies in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to explore its tissue-specific distribution and interactions with cytoskeletal components or binding partners.
Commercial PFN4 antibodies are typically raised against conserved epitopes (e.g., recombinant human or mouse PFN4 fragments) and validated for specificity. Recent work also highlights potential cross-species reactivity and applications in fertility research or reproductive disorder diagnostics. Key studies, such as those by Li et al. (2013) and Sadek et al. (2017), have leveraged these antibodies to unravel PFN4’s contributions to cellular dynamics in germ cells, underscoring its niche yet critical role in male reproductive biology.