CYB5A (cytochrome b5 type A) is a small hemoprotein involved in various cellular processes, including lipid metabolism, drug detoxification, and hemoglobin synthesis. It functions as an electron transfer protein, interacting with cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) to support oxidative reactions in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. CYB5A exists in two isoforms: a membrane-bound form anchored to organelle membranes and a soluble cytosolic variant generated by alternative splicing. Its role in modulating CYP activity makes it critical for steroidogenesis, fatty acid desaturation, and xenobiotic metabolism.
CYB5A antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect and quantify CYB5A expression in research applications. These antibodies, typically generated in rabbits or mice using immunogenic peptide sequences, are validated for techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). They help investigate tissue-specific expression patterns, subcellular localization, and dysregulation of CYB5A in pathological conditions. For instance, altered CYB5A levels have been associated with metabolic disorders, cancer progression, and drug resistance. Commercial CYB5A antibodies are often characterized for specificity using knockout cell lines or siRNA-mediated knockdown. Researchers utilize these reagents to explore CYB5A's functional interplay with metabolic enzymes and its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target in diseases influenced by redox or metabolic imbalances.