ESPN antibodies target the Espin protein, an actin-binding cytoskeletal protein crucial for the development and maintenance of stereocilia in mechanosensory hair cells. Espin, encoded by the *ESPN* gene, stabilizes actin filaments by bundling them, enabling the formation of elongated, stiff protrusions in sensory cells. It is highly expressed in inner ear cochlear hair cells, vestibular organs, and testicular germ cells. Mutations in *ESPN* are linked to autosomal recessive deafness (DFNB36) and vestibular dysfunction, highlighting its role in hearing and balance.
Espin antibodies are valuable tools in auditory research, aiding in the study of hair cell structure, mechanotransduction, and associated pathologies. They are used in techniques like immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to visualize Espin distribution in tissues. Researchers also employ these antibodies to investigate Espin’s interaction with other cytoskeletal components and its role in cellular signaling.
First characterized in the early 2000s, ESPN antibodies have since advanced studies on genetic hearing loss and vestibular disorders. Their development facilitated insights into how Espin mutations disrupt stereocilia organization, leading to sensory deficits. Ongoing research explores therapeutic strategies targeting Espin pathways, emphasizing its potential in treating hearing impairments.