The HOXA7 antibody is a crucial tool in studying the HOXA7 protein, a member of the homeobox (HOX) gene family, which plays pivotal roles in embryonic development, cellular differentiation, and tissue patterning. HOX genes, highly conserved across species, encode transcription factors that regulate body segment identity along the anterior-posterior axis. HOXA7. located on chromosome 7p15.2. is involved in developmental processes, including limb formation, organogenesis, and hematopoiesis. Dysregulation of HOXA7 has been implicated in various cancers (e.g., leukemia, breast, and ovarian cancers), where its aberrant expression correlates with tumor progression, metastasis, or therapeutic resistance.
HOXA7 antibodies are typically designed to detect specific epitopes of the protein via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), or immunofluorescence (IF). They enable researchers to investigate HOXA7's spatial-temporal expression, subcellular localization (primarily nuclear), and interactions with downstream targets. Commercially available antibodies are often validated for specificity using knockout cell lines or siRNA-mediated silencing. Challenges include cross-reactivity with homologous HOX proteins due to conserved homeodomains, necessitating careful validation. Studies utilizing these antibodies have shed light on HOXA7's dual roles—acting as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on context—and its potential as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker. Recent research also explores HOXA7 in non-cancer contexts, such as wound healing and neurodevelopment, expanding its biomedical relevance.