Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase critical for regulating cell cycle progression, particularly during the G2/M phase and mitosis. It plays essential roles in centrosome maturation, spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis. PLK1 is characterized by a conserved N-terminal kinase domain and a C-terminal Polo-box domain (PBD), which mediates substrate interactions and subcellular localization. Dysregulation of PLK1 is associated with genomic instability and tumorigenesis, making it a prominent therapeutic target in cancer research.
PLK1 antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect and quantify PLK1 expression, phosphorylation status, or localization in cells and tissues. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Phospho-specific PLK1 antibodies, for instance, can identify activated PLK1 (e.g., phosphorylated at Thr210), providing insights into its functional state during mitosis.
In cancer biology, PLK1 is overexpressed in various malignancies, correlating with poor prognosis. PLK1 inhibitors (e.g., volasertib) are under clinical investigation, and corresponding antibodies help evaluate drug efficacy or resistance mechanisms. Researchers also use PLK1 antibodies to study its interactions with substrates (e.g., CDC25. Cyclin B1) and roles in checkpoint regulation. Validation of these antibodies remains crucial, as off-target binding or batch variability can affect experimental reproducibility. Overall, PLK1 antibodies are indispensable for dissecting mitotic mechanisms and advancing cancer therapeutics.