The SEPTIN9 antibody targets the SEPTIN9 protein, a member of the septin family involved in cytoskeletal organization, cell division, and membrane remodeling. SEPTIN9 encodes multiple isoforms through alternative splicing, with roles in diverse cellular processes, including cytokinesis, vesicle trafficking, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of SEPTIN9 has been linked to cancer, particularly through promoter hypermethylation of its gene, SEPT9. which silences expression and is associated with tumorigenesis in colorectal, breast, and other cancers.
SEPTIN9 gained attention as a biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Methylated SEPT9 DNA in blood plasma is the basis for non-invasive tests like Epi proColon®, FDA-approved for detecting CRC. Antibodies against SEPTIN9 are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both research and diagnostics. They are used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence to assess protein levels in tissues or cell lines, aiding in understanding its role in disease mechanisms.
Challenges in SEPTIN9 antibody development include cross-reactivity due to isoform diversity and post-translational modifications. Commercial antibodies vary in specificity, requiring validation for targeted applications. Ongoing research explores SEPTIN9's therapeutic potential, while its diagnostic utility continues to expand, highlighting its dual significance in oncology and molecular biology.