**Background of TPM4 Antibody**
TPM4 (Tropomyosin 4) is a member of the tropomyosin family, a group of actin-binding proteins critical for stabilizing cytoskeletal structures and regulating muscle contraction. Encoded by the *TPM4* gene, this isoform is widely expressed in various tissues, including smooth muscle, endothelial cells, and non-muscle cells. TPM4 plays a key role in maintaining cell shape, motility, and intracellular transport by modulating actin filament dynamics.
Antibodies targeting TPM4 are essential tools in studying its expression, localization, and function in both physiological and pathological contexts. In research, TPM4 antibodies are utilized in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to investigate its involvement in diseases such as cancer, where altered TPM4 expression has been linked to tumor progression, metastasis, and cytoskeletal remodeling. For instance, TPM4 upregulation is observed in certain cancers, suggesting its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target.
These antibodies are also employed to explore TPM4's role in cardiovascular and neuromuscular disorders, given its importance in muscle contractility. Validating TPM4 antibody specificity—through knockout controls or siRNA knockdown—is crucial to ensure accurate experimental outcomes. Overall, TPM4 antibodies serve as vital reagents for dissecting the protein's contributions to cellular mechanics and disease pathways.