SP7 antibody, also known as anti-Osterix, targets the SP7 transcription factor, a critical regulator of osteoblast differentiation and skeletal development. SP7 (Osterix), a member of the SP/KLF family, is a zinc finger-containing transcription factor essential for bone formation. It is primarily expressed in pre-osteoblasts and osteoblasts, where it drives the expression of bone-specific genes such as Col1a1. osteocalcin (OCN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). SP7 functions downstream of Runx2. another key osteogenic regulator, and its deletion in mice results in a complete absence of bone formation, highlighting its non-redundant role in osteogenesis.
SP7 antibodies are widely used in research to identify and study osteoblast lineage cells in vitro and in vivo. Applications include immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blotting to detect SP7 expression in bone tissues, stem cell differentiation models, or disease contexts like osteoporosis, fracture healing, and skeletal malignancies. These antibodies help elucidate mechanisms underlying bone development, regeneration, and pathological conditions. Commercial SP7 antibodies are often validated for specificity across species, including human, mouse, and rat, though cross-reactivity should be confirmed experimentally.
Recent studies also explore SP7's role beyond skeletal biology, such as in tooth development, cancer metastasis to bone, and interactions with signaling pathways like Wnt and BMP. Reliable SP7 antibodies remain crucial tools for advancing bone-related therapeutic strategies and regenerative medicine.