The ARID1B (AT-rich interaction domain 1B) antibody is a tool used to detect the ARID1B protein, a critical subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. This complex regulates gene expression by altering chromatin structure, enabling access to transcription factors. ARID1B specifically recognizes DNA sequences rich in AT base pairs, guiding SWI/SNF to target genomic regions. Mutations in ARID1B are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like Coffin-Siris syndrome, autism, and intellectual disability, as well as cancers such as ovarian, gastric, and lung carcinomas. The antibody aids in studying ARID1B's role in cellular differentiation, tumor suppression, and epigenetic regulation.
ARID1B antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunoprecipitation (IP) to assess protein expression, localization, and interactions. Due to high homology among ARID family members, antibody specificity is crucial to avoid cross-reactivity. Some antibodies target unique regions of ARID1B, such as its C-terminal domain, to ensure accuracy. Commercial ARID1B antibodies are often validated in knockout cell lines to confirm specificity.
Research using these antibodies has revealed ARID1B's dual role as both an oncogene and tumor suppressor, depending on cellular context. Its loss in cancers often correlates with poor prognosis, while haploinsufficiency in developmental disorders underscores its importance in neural and tissue maturation. ARID1B antibodies remain vital for exploring molecular mechanisms in disease and therapeutic targeting.