The HOXC5 antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the HOXC5 protein, a member of the homeobox (HOX) gene family. HOX genes encode transcription factors critical for embryonic development, particularly in establishing body segmentation and patterning along the anterior-posterior axis. HOXC5. located on chromosome 12 in humans, plays roles in cellular differentiation, proliferation, and tissue-specific identity. Dysregulation of HOXC5 has been implicated in various cancers, including leukemia, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, where it may act as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on context.
HOXC5 antibodies are typically produced in host species (e.g., rabbits, mice) using immunogenic peptides or recombinant HOXC5 protein fragments. These antibodies enable researchers to investigate HOXC5 expression, localization, and function via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Validation steps, such as knockout controls or siRNA knockdown, are essential to confirm specificity due to potential cross-reactivity with other HOX family members.
Studies utilizing HOXC5 antibodies have shed light on its involvement in developmental pathways, cancer progression, and interactions with signaling molecules like Wnt or TGF-β. Recent research also explores its role in non-cancer contexts, such as neural development and wound healing. As with many HOX proteins, HOXC5’s functional complexity underscores the importance of reliable antibodies for dissecting its multifaceted contributions to biology and disease.