The SEMA4C antibody is a research tool targeting Semaphorin-4C (SEMA4C), a transmembrane protein belonging to the semaphorin family. Semaphorins are evolutionarily conserved signaling molecules initially identified as axonal guidance regulators in neural development. SEMA4C, encoded by the *SEMA4C* gene, plays diverse roles beyond the nervous system, including modulating cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. It interacts with receptors such as plexins and integrins, influencing pathways like mTOR and MAPK, which are critical in cancer progression and tissue remodeling.
SEMA4C is implicated in tumorigenesis, with studies showing overexpression in cancers like breast, prostate, and hepatocellular carcinoma, where it correlates with metastasis and poor prognosis. Its antibody is widely used in experiments like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to detect protein expression levels and localization in cells or tissues. Researchers also employ SEMA4C antibodies to investigate its functional roles in vitro and in vivo, such as blocking SEMA4C-mediated signaling to assess therapeutic potential.
Recent studies highlight SEMA4C's dual roles—acting as both an oncogene in certain contexts and a tumor suppressor in others (e.g., gliomas), underscoring its context-dependent functionality. This complexity drives interest in developing SEMA4C-targeted therapies, making its antibody vital for mechanistic studies and biomarker validation.