Mouse Monoclonal IZUMO4 Antibody

The IZUMO family of proteins plays a critical role in mammalian fertilization, particularly in sperm-egg membrane fusion. Named after the Japanese shrine IZUMO, where marriages are traditionally blessed, these proteins are essential for species-specific gamete recognition. IZUMO1. the most studied member, is a sperm-specific transmembrane protein that undergoes conformational changes during the acrosome reaction, enabling binding to its oocyte receptor JUNO. Recently, IZUMO4 has emerged as a novel member of this family, though its functional role remains less characterized compared to IZUMO1. Preliminary studies suggest IZUMO4 may participate in sperm maturation or membrane reorganization, potentially interacting with other IZUMO proteins or egg components. Antibodies targeting IZUMO4 have been developed primarily as research tools to investigate its localization, expression patterns, and mechanistic contributions to fertilization. These antibodies enable techniques like immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and functional blocking assays in model organisms. While IZUMO4's precise biological significance is still under investigation, its antibody-based detection provides crucial insights into male fertility mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for infertility or contraceptive development. Current research focuses on elucidating its structure-function relationships and cross-species conservation patterns within the IZUMO protein family.