The p66α antibody is a research tool targeting the p66Shc protein, a 66 kDa isoform encoded by the SHC1 gene. Discovered in the 1990s, p66Shc belongs to the Shc family of adaptor proteins, which also includes p52Shc and p46Shc. Unlike other isoforms, p66Shc contains a unique N-terminal CH2 domain and plays distinct roles in cellular stress responses. It regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis, linking oxidative stress to aging and age-related diseases. Studies in knockout mice revealed that p66Shc deficiency extends lifespan and reduces oxidative damage, highlighting its role in aging pathways.
The p66α antibody is widely used in Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation to investigate p66Shc expression, phosphorylation (e.g., at Ser36), and subcellular localization. Its applications span research on metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis), neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer’s), and cancer, where p66Shc modulates ROS-dependent signaling. Additionally, the antibody aids in studying p66Shc’s interaction with proteins like cytochrome c or PKCβ, which mediate its pro-apoptotic functions.
As a key marker in oxidative stress pathways, the p66α antibody remains critical for unraveling molecular mechanisms underlying cellular aging and disease pathogenesis.