The SLC12A7 antibody targets the solute carrier family 12 member 7 (SLC12A7), also known as K⁺-Cl⁻ cotransporter 4 (KCC4), a protein encoded by the SLC12A7 gene. This transporter belongs to the cation-chloride cotransporter (CCC) family, which regulates ion homeostasis and cell volume by mediating electroneutral transport of K⁺, Na⁺, and Cl⁻ across cell membranes. SLC12A7 primarily functions as a potassium-chloride exporter, playing critical roles in maintaining osmotic balance, neuronal excitability, and transepithelial fluid secretion. It is expressed in various tissues, including the kidney, inner ear, and central nervous system.
Antibodies against SLC12A7 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. For instance, research links SLC12A7 mutations to human diseases such as hereditary deafness (DFNB77) and renal tubular acidosis. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate tissue-specific expression patterns or dysregulation in disease models. Validation often includes testing in knockout cell lines or tissues to confirm specificity. Recent studies also explore SLC12A7's role in cancer progression, as aberrant expression may influence tumor cell migration and survival. Commercially available SLC12A7 antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with epitopes targeting specific cytoplasmic or extracellular domains. Proper controls and optimization are critical due to potential cross-reactivity with other CCC family members like KCC2 or NKCC1.