Cell Structure & Function Antibodies

Cell structure & function antibodies are used for investigating the structure and function of the cell, linked to DNA damage & repair, cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular structure, and trafficking. These antibodies can be used for cell structure research to connect structural features of the cell, such as the cytoskeleton, including microtubules and microfilament, to their function.

Cell cycle antibodies are targeted against proteins involved in the steps of the cell cycle, including the interphase and mitotic phase. Proteins such as histone H3 Ser28 are modified as the cell carries out the cell cycle phases during mitosis. Various antibodies can be used to investigate the progression through the phases of the cell cycle including G1 phase, S-phase, G2 phase and M phase. The main mediators of cell cycle progression include cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases. For instance, AURKB is a kinase component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), which acts as a key regulator of mitosis (pictured).

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, can be investigated using antibodies directed against proteins involved in the destruction of cells, such as caspases which are the major regulators of apoptosis. Furthermore, understanding the role of epigenetic in the regulation of apoptosis could help develop epigenetically active therapies for drug-induced apoptosis of cancer cells.

DNA damage and repair antibodies give insight into damage of DNA that disrupts gene expression and the processes involved in mending these damages. The DNA damage response (DDR) pathway allows cells to maintain genomic integrity by recognizing damage and helping with the recruitment and activation of proteins for DNA repair. ATM, ATR, and DNA-PK are kinases involved in the DDR pathway, as well as a few members of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family.

Trafficking antibodies are connected to the transport of proteins within the cell. Intracellular trafficking can be investigated with antibodies against certain proteins involved in the exocytic and endocytic pathways, transporting components from the outside to the inside of the cell and from the inside to the outside of the cell, respectively.