The STK40 (Serine/Threonine Kinase 40) antibody is a tool used to study the STK40 protein, a member of the serine/threonine kinase family. STK40 is evolutionarily conserved and contains a forkhead-associated (FHA) domain, suggesting roles in phospho-dependent protein interactions. While its precise biological functions remain under investigation, STK40 has been implicated in regulating transcription, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and embryonic development. Studies link it to pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo signaling, with potential roles in hematopoiesis, adipogenesis, and tumorigenesis.
STK40 antibodies are typically generated in hosts like rabbits or mice using recombinant protein immunogens. They enable detection of endogenous STK40 (~50 kDa) in techniques such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. Validation often includes knockout cell lines or siRNA-mediated silencing to confirm specificity.
Notably, research outcomes using STK40 antibodies sometimes show discrepancies, such as conflicting reports on its pro- or anti-apoptotic effects or tissue-specific expression patterns. These variations may stem from context-dependent functions, post-translational modifications, or antibody cross-reactivity with structurally similar proteins. As STK40’s interactions and substrates are not fully mapped, its antibody remains critical for elucidating its role in development and disease. Commercial antibodies usually provide species reactivity (human, mouse, rat) and cite applications in peer-reviewed studies.