The PRSS8 antibody targets the protein encoded by the PRSS8 gene, also known as prostasin, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored serine protease. Prostasin plays critical roles in epithelial barrier function, sodium homeostasis, and cellular signaling. It activates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and interacts with protease inhibitors like LEKTI, influencing skin barrier integrity and blood pressure regulation. Dysregulation of PRSS8 is linked to pathologies such as hypertension, metastatic cancers, and Netherton syndrome, a severe genetic skin disorder.
PRSS8 antibodies are essential tools for detecting prostasin expression and localization in tissues or cell lines. They are widely used in Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to study its role in epithelial differentiation, tumor progression, and inflammatory responses. Monoclonal and polyclonal variants exist, often validated for specificity using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated PRSS8 silencing. Some antibodies recognize specific epitopes, enabling differentiation between active and zymogen forms.
Research applications include exploring PRSS8 as a biomarker in cancers (e.g., prostate, ovarian) and its therapeutic potential in ENaC-related diseases. Challenges include cross-reactivity with homologous proteases, emphasizing the need for rigorous validation. Overall, PRSS8 antibodies advance understanding of protease-mediated pathways in health and disease.