The INPP4A (Inositol Polyphosphate-4-Phosphatase Type I A) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the INPP4A protein, a phosphatase involved in regulating cellular signaling pathways. INPP4A hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 3.4-bisphosphate [PI(3.4)P2] to phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate [PI(3)P], modulating phosphoinositide signaling. This enzyme plays a role in critical processes such as cell proliferation, survival, and apoptosis, primarily by antagonizing the PI3K/AKT pathway, a key regulator of oncogenesis and metabolic homeostasis. Dysregulation of INPP4A has been implicated in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immune dysfunction, with studies suggesting both tumor-suppressive and context-dependent oncogenic roles.
The INPP4A antibody is widely utilized in research applications, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, to assess protein expression, localization, and post-translational modifications. Its specificity is crucial for distinguishing INPP4A from its closely related homolog, INPP4B, which shares structural similarities but exhibits distinct tissue distribution and functional roles.
Challenges in using INPP4A antibodies include potential cross-reactivity and variability due to isoform diversity or phosphorylation states. Validated antibodies are essential for reliable data, particularly in disease models where INPP4A expression levels may correlate with therapeutic resistance or prognosis. Ongoing research aims to clarify its dual roles in cellular homeostasis and pathology, highlighting its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target.