**Background of XRCC4 Antibody**
XRCC4 (X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 4) is a critical DNA repair protein involved in the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, the primary mechanism for repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in mammals. It functions as a stabilizing scaffold, interacting with DNA ligase IV to facilitate the final ligation step of broken DNA ends. XRCC4 also associates with other NHEJ components, such as XLF (XRCC4-like factor) and the Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer, ensuring genomic stability and preventing chromosomal aberrations.
Antibodies targeting XRCC4 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and interactions in DNA repair processes. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation to investigate XRCC4’s role in maintaining genomic integrity, particularly in contexts of radiation damage, chemotherapy response, or genetic disorders linked to NHEJ dysfunction. Dysregulation or mutations in XRCC4 are associated with immunodeficiency, neurological defects, and cancer susceptibility, highlighting its clinical relevance.
XRCC4 antibodies are often validated for specificity across human, mouse, and rat models, aiding translational research. Their applications extend to exploring therapeutic targets for cancers with defective DNA repair mechanisms and understanding resistance to DNA-damaging treatments.