**Background of PLA2G6 Antibodies**
PLA2G6 (Phospholipase A2 Group VI) encodes a calcium-independent phospholipase A2 enzyme, iPLA2β, which plays a critical role in lipid metabolism and membrane homeostasis. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of glycerophospholipids to release free fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, and lysophospholipids, contributing to inflammatory signaling, membrane repair, and cell death regulation. PLA2G6 is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in neurons, where it maintains mitochondrial integrity and regulates lipid second messengers.
Mutations in *PLA2G6* are linked to neurodegenerative disorders, including infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and dystonia-parkinsonism. These genetic alterations disrupt enzyme activity, leading to abnormal lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, which are hallmarks of disease pathology.
PLA2G6 antibodies are essential tools for studying these mechanisms. They enable the detection and quantification of PLA2G6 protein expression in tissues or cell models, aiding in research on disease biomarkers, enzymatic activity assays, and cellular localization. Specific antibodies targeting distinct domains (e.g., catalytic or ankyrin-repeat regions) help elucidate functional changes caused by mutations. Additionally, they support diagnostic applications, such as immunohistochemical analysis of brain samples from affected individuals. As PLA2G6-related pathways gain attention in neurodegeneration and lipid biology, these antibodies remain vital for advancing both basic research and therapeutic development.