FER (Fps/Fes Related) antibodies target a member of the Fes/Fer non-receptor protein-tyrosine kinase family, which includes Fes and Fer. The FER gene encodes a cytoplasmic kinase implicated in diverse cellular signaling pathways. Structurally, FER contains an N-terminal F-BAR domain involved in membrane association and cytoskeletal regulation, a central SH2 domain mediating protein-protein interactions, and a C-terminal kinase domain responsible for catalytic activity.
FER regulates processes like cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. It interacts with receptor tyrosine kinases (e.g., CSF-1R, PDGFR, EGFR) and modulates downstream pathways such as PI3K-Akt and MAPK. In immune cells, FER influences inflammatory responses by regulating cytokine signaling and phagocytosis. Dysregulation of FER is linked to cancer progression, including leukemia, breast, and prostate cancers, where it promotes tumor survival, invasion, and metastasis.
Antibodies against FER are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. They enable detection via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. Research using FER antibodies has highlighted its role as a potential therapeutic target, with inhibitors under exploration for oncology applications. Understanding FER’s molecular mechanisms remains critical for unraveling its contributions to cellular homeostasis and disease.