The TOR4A antibody targets the Torsin-4A protein, a member of the Torsin ATPase family, which belongs to the AAA+ (ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities) superfamily. Torsin proteins are characterized by their conserved ATPase domain and involvement in membrane-associated processes, including nuclear envelope organization, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, and neuronal function. TOR4A, encoded by the *TOR4A* gene (also known as *TOR1B*), shares structural homology with other Torsins but exhibits distinct expression patterns and functional roles. While Torsin-1A (TOR1A) is well-studied for its link to early-onset dystonia (DYT1), TOR4A remains less characterized, though it is implicated in cellular processes such as protein trafficking and cytoskeletal dynamics.
Antibodies against TOR4A are primarily used in research to investigate its subcellular localization, interaction partners, and regulatory mechanisms. Studies suggest TOR4A may influence neuronal development and synaptic function, with potential relevance to neurological disorders. However, its precise biological role and disease associations remain under exploration. Commercial TOR4A antibodies are typically validated for applications like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry, though specificity challenges may arise due to sequence similarities among Torsin family members. Ongoing research aims to clarify TOR4A's physiological and pathological contributions, leveraging these antibodies to uncover its role in health and disease.