The CTNNB1 antibody targets β-catenin, a multifunctional protein encoded by the *CTNNB1* gene, which plays pivotal roles in cell-cell adhesion and Wnt signaling. β-catenin acts as a transcriptional co-activator in the canonical Wnt pathway, regulating gene expression involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and embryonic development. Dysregulation of β-catenin, often due to *CTNNB1* mutations or Wnt pathway aberrations, is implicated in various cancers, including colorectal, hepatocellular, and medulloblastoma, where nuclear accumulation of β-catenin drives oncogenic transcription.
CTNNB1 antibodies are widely used in research to detect β-catenin expression, localization (membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus), and post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation) via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and immunoprecipitation (IP). These antibodies help assess Wnt pathway activation status, tumor progression, and response to targeted therapies. Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity, while polyclonal versions may detect diverse epitopes.
In diagnostics, CTNNB1 antibodies aid in identifying β-catenin abnormalities in tumor samples, supporting molecular subtyping. However, interpretation requires caution, as β-catenin localization varies with tissue type and fixation methods. Overall, CTNNB1 antibodies are essential tools for unraveling Wnt/β-catenin signaling dynamics in both physiological and pathological contexts.