The TCAF1 (TRPM8 Channel-Associated Factor 1) antibody is a research tool used to detect and study the TCAF1 protein, a key regulatory factor associated with the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) ion channel. TRPM8 is involved in sensing cold temperatures and mediating pain responses, particularly in neuronal and cancer cells. TCAF1 interacts with TRPM8 to modulate its trafficking, stability, and activity, influencing cellular processes like thermosensation, nociception, and cancer progression. Dysregulation of TCAF1 has been implicated in conditions such as prostate cancer, melanoma, and neuropathic pain, making it a target for mechanistic and therapeutic investigations.
Antibodies against TCAF1 are widely utilized in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunocytochemistry (ICC) to analyze its expression, localization, and interaction networks. These antibodies help researchers explore TCAF1's role in TRPM8-dependent signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment adaptation, and sensory neuron function. Commercial TCAF1 antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with validation through knockout cell lines or siRNA knockdown to ensure specificity. Given the protein's structural complexity and post-translational modifications, antibody selection often depends on the intended application and epitope recognition. Reliable TCAF1 antibodies are critical for advancing studies on cold-induced pain mechanisms, cancer biomarker discovery, and TRPM8-related drug development.