The ITGA6 antibody targets integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6), a transmembrane protein that combines with beta subunits (e.g., β1 or β4) to form integrin receptors. These receptors mediate cell adhesion to laminin in the extracellular matrix, playing critical roles in cell signaling, migration, and tissue organization. ITGA6 is highly expressed in epithelial, endothelial, and certain cancer cells, where it influences processes like wound healing, embryonic development, and tumor progression.
Antibodies against ITGA6 are widely used in research to study its expression, localization, and function. They are applied in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to assess ITGA6 levels in normal versus diseased tissues. In cancer biology, ITGA6 antibodies help investigate its role in metastasis, as overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in cancers like breast, pancreatic, and glioblastoma. Additionally, these antibodies are tools for blocking ITGA6 activity in vitro or in vivo to explore its mechanistic contributions to cell behavior.
Dysregulation of ITGA6 is linked to pathologies including epidermolysis bullosa (skin blistering disorders) and fibrosis. Therapeutic targeting of ITGA6 is under exploration, with antibodies being potential candidates for inhibiting tumor invasion or modulating stem cell niches. Overall, ITGA6 antibodies serve as essential reagents for understanding integrin-mediated cellular interactions in health and disease.