The CLCA4 (Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel Regulator 4) protein belongs to the CLCA family, which regulates calcium-dependent chloride conductance in epithelial and other tissues. Initially linked to chloride ion transport, CLCA4 is now recognized for its broader roles in maintaining epithelial integrity, mucus regulation, and cell adhesion. Structurally, it is a transmembrane protein with metalloprotease-like and adhesion-related domains, suggesting involvement in extracellular matrix interactions and signaling.
CLCA4 has garnered attention in cancer research due to its tumor-suppressive properties. Studies show its expression is frequently downregulated in cancers like colorectal, breast, and hepatocellular carcinoma, correlating with poor prognosis. It inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and proliferation by modulating pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT. Its loss may enhance tumor invasiveness and chemoresistance.
CLCA4 antibodies are critical tools for detecting protein expression in research and diagnostics. They enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study CLCA4's localization, expression levels, and interactions in tissues or cell lines. Commercial antibodies target specific epitopes, aiding in elucidating CLCA4's mechanistic roles and validating its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target in cancer and inflammatory diseases.