**Background of Prealbumin (Transthyretin) Antibodies**
Prealbumin, also known as transthyretin (TTR), is a 55-kDa tetrameric protein primarily synthesized in the liver and choroid plexus. It functions as a carrier for thyroid hormones (T3/T4) and retinol-binding protein (RBP)-bound vitamin A. Due to its short half-life (~2 days) and rapid turnover, prealbumin is a sensitive biomarker for assessing nutritional status and monitoring acute-phase responses in clinical settings.
Antibodies targeting prealbumin are essential tools in research and diagnostics. They enable the detection and quantification of prealbumin in biological samples via techniques like ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. These antibodies are particularly valuable in studying TTR-related amyloidosis, a group of disorders caused by the misfolding and aggregation of mutant or wild-type TTR into amyloid fibrils, leading to organ dysfunction. For example, hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is linked to TTR gene mutations, while wild-type ATTR amyloidosis is age-associated.
Commercially available prealbumin antibodies include monoclonal and polyclonal variants. Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity by recognizing a single epitope, whereas polyclonal antibodies detect multiple epitopes, enhancing sensitivity. Validation parameters, such as cross-reactivity and application-specific performance, are critical for ensuring reliability.
In clinical diagnostics, prealbumin antibodies aid in differentiating amyloid subtypes and assessing nutritional interventions. Research applications focus on elucidating TTR’s role in disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic strategies, such as TTR stabilizers or gene-silencing therapies. Proper antibody selection and experimental optimization remain pivotal for accurate data interpretation.