ADAM Antibodies

ADAM (A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease) antibodies are used in research to detect and study the ADAM family of enzymes. These enzymes are involved in various cellular processes, including proteolysis, cell adhesion, and signal transduction. ADAM proteins are membrane-anchored metalloproteases with a wide range of functions, particularly in the context of cell signaling and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Structure and Function of ADAM Proteins

• Domains:
  • Pro-domain: Involved in enzyme maturation and regulation.
  • Metalloprotease domain: Responsible for proteolytic activity.
  • Disintegrin domain: Mediates cell adhesion and integrin binding.
  • Cysteine-rich domain: May participate in protein-protein interactions.
  • EGF-like domain: Potentially involved in receptor binding.
  • Transmembrane domain: Anchors the protein to the cell membrane.
  • Cytoplasmic tail: Contains signaling motifs.
• Functions:
  • Proteolysis: Cleavage of membrane-bound substrates, including cytokines, growth factors, and receptors.
  • Cell Adhesion: Mediated through interactions with integrins.
  • Signaling: Modulates cell signaling pathways by shedding membrane proteins.

Applications of ADAM Antibodies

• Western Blotting:
  • Purpose: Detect and quantify ADAM protein levels in cell or tissue extracts.
  • Application: Study expression patterns and responses to various stimuli.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC):
  • Purpose: Localize ADAM proteins in tissue sections.
  • Application: Investigate tissue-specific distribution and subcellular localization.
• Immunoprecipitation (IP):
  • Purpose: Enrich ADAM proteins from cell lysates.
  • Application: Study protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications.
• Flow Cytometry:
  • Purpose: Analyze ADAM protein expression on the cell surface.
  • Application: Quantify cell surface expression and monitor changes in response to treatments.