Fibroblast Growth Factor 11 (FGF11), a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, is an intracellular protein implicated in regulating neuronal development, cell cycle progression, and signal transduction. Unlike canonical FGFs, FGF11 lacks a secretory signal peptide and primarily functions within cells through interactions with cytosolic or nuclear targets. It is highly expressed in neural tissues, suggesting roles in nervous system maintenance and plasticity.
FGF11 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and molecular interactions. These antibodies enable detection via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF), aiding in mapping tissue-specific expression patterns. Researchers also use FGF11 antibodies to explore its involvement in neurological disorders, such as epilepsy or neurodegenerative diseases, where dysregulated FGF11 expression has been observed.
Despite its potential biological significance, FGF11's mechanisms remain understudied compared to other FGFs. Antibody specificity is critical, as cross-reactivity with homologous FGF family members (e.g., FGF12-14) must be ruled out. Validated FGF11 antibodies help clarify its interaction with binding partners like voltage-gated sodium channels, which may influence neuronal excitability. Recent studies also link FGF11 to cancer progression, spurring interest in its therapeutic targeting. However, functional studies are limited by incomplete understanding of its signaling pathways, underscoring the need for reliable antibody-based assays to advance this field.