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     Western blot analysis of Thymidylate Synthase expression in HeLa cell lysate.    

  
  

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     All lanes use the Antibody at 1:2K dilution for 1 hour at room temperature.    

  
  

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     All lanes use the Antibody at 1:2K dilution for 1 hour at room temperature.    

  
  

DDX4 (DEAD-box helicase 4), also known as VASA, is a conserved RNA helicase protein critical for germ cell development and function. It belongs to the DEAD-box protein family, characterized by ATP-dependent RNA-unwinding activity, and plays essential roles in gametogenesis, including mRNA regulation, translation, and maintenance of germline stem cells. DDX4 is predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm of germ cells during all stages of development, from primordial germ cells to mature gametes, making it a widely used marker for identifying germ cells in both males (spermatogonia, oocytes) and females.

The DDX4 antibody is a valuable tool in reproductive biology and oncology research. It is commonly employed in immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry to detect and isolate germline cells in tissues such as testes, ovaries, or germ cell tumors. In cancer diagnostics, DDX4 helps distinguish germ cell neoplasms (e.g., seminomas, dysgerminomas) from other malignancies. Additionally, it supports studies on infertility, germ cell differentiation, and in vitro gametogenesis models.

However, specificity challenges exist. While DDX4 antibodies typically target conserved C-terminal regions (e.g., human epitope around amino acids 400-600), cross-reactivity varies across species. Researchers must validate antibodies in their specific experimental systems, as improper fixation or tissue processing may affect epitope recognition. Recent advancements in pluripotent stem cell research also utilize DDX4 to monitor in vitro-derived germ cells, underscoring its ongoing relevance in developmental and regenerative studies.