The TSPAN13 antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the tetraspanin-13 (TSPAN13) protein, a member of the tetraspanin family. Tetraspanins are transmembrane proteins involved in organizing membrane microdomains, mediating cell-cell interactions, and regulating intracellular signaling. TSPAN13. specifically, has been implicated in cellular processes such as adhesion, migration, and immune regulation. Its expression is observed in various tissues, including the brain, immune cells, and epithelial tissues, suggesting roles in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Antibodies targeting TSPAN13 are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry to investigate its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions with other proteins (e.g., integrins or ADAM10). Research has linked TSPAN13 to cancer progression, particularly in prostate and breast cancers, where altered expression may influence metastasis or therapeutic resistance. Additionally, studies explore its role in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, due to potential involvement in amyloid precursor protein processing.
Commercial TSPAN13 antibodies vary in specificity and host species (e.g., rabbit, mouse), requiring validation for cross-reactivity and optimal performance. Researchers often verify findings using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated silencing. Despite its emerging relevance, TSPAN13's full mechanistic contributions remain under investigation, highlighting the antibody's importance in unraveling its biological and clinical significance.