CLIC5 (Chloride Intracellular Channel 5) is a member of the CLIC family of proteins, which exhibit dual soluble and membrane-associated forms implicated in ion channel activity and cellular homeostasis. CLIC5 is expressed in various tissues, including the kidney, inner ear, heart, and skeletal muscle, with roles in cytoskeletal organization, membrane trafficking, and cell signaling. It interacts with cytoskeletal components like ezrin and actin, influencing structural integrity and dynamic processes in specialized cells, such as stereocilia in auditory hair cells or podocytes in renal glomeruli.
Dysregulation of CLIC5 has been linked to pathologies. For instance, mutations are associated with hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction in mice and humans, while altered expression is observed in cancers (e.g., breast, colorectal) and kidney diseases. In cancer, CLIC5 may promote tumor progression by modulating cell migration or chemoresistance.
CLIC5 antibodies are critical tools for studying its localization, expression, and function. They enable detection via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Specific antibodies targeting different isoforms (CLIC5A/B) or post-translational modifications help dissect its regulatory mechanisms. Research using CLIC5 antibodies has advanced understanding of its role in cellular physiology and disease, aiding therapeutic target exploration. Validation of antibody specificity remains essential due to homology among CLIC family members.