The LIM-only protein 4 (LMO4) is a member of the LIM-domain-containing transcriptional regulators that lack DNA-binding domains but mediate protein-protein interactions to modulate gene expression. Primarily expressed in the nervous system, breast, and other tissues, LMO4 plays critical roles in embryonic development, cell differentiation, and tissue-specific functions. It interacts with transcription factors (e.g., CLIM/Ldb co-factors) and chromatin-remodeling complexes to regulate target genes involved in neurogenesis, mammary gland development, and oncogenesis. Dysregulation of LMO4 is implicated in cancers, including breast cancer, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma, where it may act as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on context.
LMO4 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to detect LMO4 protein levels in tissues or cell lines. Commercial LMO4 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, such as the N-terminal or LIM domains, and validated for species cross-reactivity (human, mouse, rat). Researchers rely on them to explore LMO4's role in disease mechanisms, such as its involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Challenges include ensuring antibody specificity due to homology among LMO family members (LMO1-4). Proper validation with knockout controls is critical for accurate interpretation in experimental models.