Rabbit Polyclonal IZUMO1R Antibody

The IZUMO1R antibody targets IZUMO1R (also known as JUNO), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein expressed on the mammalian oocyte membrane. Discovered in 2014 as the essential receptor for sperm-egg fusion, IZUMO1R interacts with its counterpart IZUMO1 on the sperm surface, mediating species-specific recognition and membrane adhesion during fertilization. This interaction is critical for initiating zygote formation, and genetic deletion of either protein results in infertility. IZUMO1R antibodies have become valuable tools in reproductive biology research, particularly for studying fertilization mechanisms and developing contraceptive strategies. They block IZUMO1-JUNO binding in vitro, effectively inhibiting sperm-egg fusion—a property explored for non-hormonal contraceptive development. Additionally, these antibodies aid in characterizing IZUMO1R's structural domains and post-translational modifications. Recent studies also investigate their potential in diagnosing fertilization-related infertility or improving assisted reproductive technologies. However, challenges remain in optimizing antibody specificity and minimizing off-target effects for therapeutic applications. Research continues to explore IZUMO1R's role beyond fertilization, including possible functions in early embryonic development, making its antibodies crucial for unraveling broader biological pathways.