The retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARγ), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, functions as a ligand-dependent transcription factor regulating gene expression in response to retinoic acid (RA), an active metabolite of vitamin A. RARγ forms heterodimers with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and binds to specific DNA sequences (retinoic acid response elements) to modulate cellular processes like differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. It plays critical roles in embryonic development, immune regulation, and tissue homeostasis, particularly in skin, bone, and cartilage.
Antibodies targeting RARγ are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both physiological and pathological contexts. These antibodies are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Specificity is crucial, as RARγ shares structural homology with other RAR isoforms (α and β). High-quality RARγ antibodies are typically validated using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated silencing to confirm target specificity.
Research applications include investigating RARγ's role in cancer (e.g., leukemia, skin malignancies), inflammatory diseases, and developmental disorders. Dysregulation of RARγ signaling is linked to pathologies like psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and metabolic syndromes. When selecting RARγ antibodies, researchers should consider epitope regions (e.g., N-terminal transactivation domains or C-terminal ligand-binding domains), host species compatibility, and cross-reactivity across experimental models. Commercial antibodies often provide datasheets with validation data in specific applications and species.