Rabbit Polyclonal DUX4 Antibody

The DUX4 antibody is a crucial tool in studying facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a genetic disorder linked to the aberrant expression of the DUX4 gene. Normally silenced in somatic cells, DUX4 encodes a transcription factor active during early embryogenesis. In FSHD, chromatin relaxation on chromosome 4q35 leads to DUX4 misexpression in skeletal muscle, triggering cytotoxic effects and muscle degeneration. DUX4 antibodies are designed to detect and quantify the DUX4 protein, aiding in research to elucidate its pathogenic mechanisms. These antibodies are typically validated for specificity in assays like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence. Challenges persist due to DUX4's low abundance in patient tissues and cross-reactivity with homologous proteins like DUX4L. Recent efforts focus on improving antibody sensitivity and developing therapeutic strategies, including antibody-based interventions to neutralize DUX4 or its downstream targets. Commercial and custom DUX4 antibodies have become pivotal in diagnostics, biomarker studies, and preclinical drug evaluation, though standardization remains a hurdle. Ongoing research aims to refine detection methods and expand clinical applications for FSHD management.