Rabbit Polyclonal MLCK(N-term) Antibody

The myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) N-terminal (N-term) antibody specifically targets the amino-terminal region of MLCK, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine kinase critical for regulating cellular contractility and cytoskeletal dynamics. MLCK phosphorylates the regulatory light chain of myosin II (MLC20), enabling actomyosin cross-bridge cycling and force generation in smooth muscle and non-muscle cells. The N-terminal domain of MLCK contains regulatory sequences, including binding sites for calmodulin and autoinhibitory motifs that control kinase activity. Two major isoforms exist: long MLCK (210–250 kDa), predominantly expressed in smooth muscle, and short MLCK (130–150 kDa), found in non-muscle cells like endothelium and epithelia. The N-term antibody is often used to distinguish between these isoforms or study their functional roles in processes such as cell migration, barrier function, and inflammation. Dysregulation of MLCK activity is implicated in pathologies like asthma, vascular hyperpermeability, and cancer metastasis. Researchers employ this antibody in techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation to investigate MLCK localization, expression levels, and interactions under physiological or disease conditions. Its specificity for the N-terminal region ensures minimal cross-reactivity with other kinases, making it a valuable tool for dissecting MLCK-mediated signaling pathways.