Rabbit Polyclonal COL17A1 Antibody

COL17A1. also known as BP180 or BPAG2. is a transmembrane collagen protein encoded by the COL17A1 gene. It is a key component of hemidesmosomes, specialized junctional structures that anchor epidermal keratinocytes to the underlying basement membrane in stratified epithelia, such as the skin and mucous membranes. Structurally, COL17A1 contains a collagenous extracellular domain and a cytoplasmic N-terminal domain, playing critical roles in maintaining epithelial integrity, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Antibodies targeting COL17A1 are primarily studied in autoimmune blistering disorders, notably bullous pemphigoid (BP), where autoantibodies bind to COL17A1's extracellular domain, triggering inflammation and epidermal-dermal detachment. These antibodies are also used in research to investigate COL17A1's expression patterns, its role in stem cell niche maintenance (e.g., hair follicle regeneration), and its involvement in aging-related tissue changes. In cancer biology, COL17A1 dysregulation has been linked to tumor invasion and metastasis. Detection methods like immunofluorescence, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry employing COL17A1 antibodies help diagnose BP and explore its pathophysiological mechanisms. Therapeutic strategies targeting COL17A1-related pathways are under investigation for autoimmune and degenerative diseases.