**Background of VAMP4 Antibody**
VAMP4 (Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 4) is a member of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) family, which plays a critical role in intracellular vesicle trafficking and membrane fusion. Specifically, VAMP4 is localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endosomal compartments, where it regulates secretory pathways, lysosomal sorting, and receptor recycling. Unlike other VAMP isoforms (e.g., VAMP1/2), VAMP4 is enriched in non-neuronal tissues but is also expressed in certain neuronal populations, suggesting tissue-specific functions.
VAMP4 antibodies are essential tools for studying the protein’s expression, localization, and interaction partners. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation to investigate VAMP4’s role in cellular processes such as neurotransmitter release, hormone secretion, and autophagy. Dysregulation of VAMP4 has been implicated in neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease), endocrine dysfunction, and cancer, making its study clinically relevant.
These antibodies are typically developed in hosts like rabbits or mice, targeting specific epitopes within VAMP4’s conserved domains. Validation includes testing for specificity via knockout controls or siRNA knockdown. Commercial VAMP4 antibodies often cite applications in both basic research and diagnostic contexts, aiding in elucidating vesicular transport mechanisms and disease pathology.