CA13 Antibody

Definition and Biological Role of CA13

CA13 belongs to the carbonic anhydrase family, catalyzing the reversible hydration of CO₂:
$\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{HCO}_3^- + \text{H}^+$
This reaction is critical for physiological processes such as respiration, bone resorption, and renal acidification . Unlike other cytosolic isoforms, CA13 exhibits a unique tissue distribution, suggesting distinct roles in organs like the kidney, brain, and reproductive tissues .

CA13 Antibody Characteristics

Commercial CA13 antibodies are validated for specificity and performance across multiple platforms:

Expression in Normal and Neoplastic Tissues

CA13 is differentially expressed across tissues and implicated in cancer biology:

• Normal Tissues: High expression in colorectal mucosa, kidney tubules, and cerebral neurons .

• Cancer: Overexpressed in colorectal tumors, with potential roles in modulating extracellular pH to support tumor growth .

Functional Insights

• Enzymatic Activity: CA13 has lower catalytic efficiency compared to CA II but shows unique sensitivity to inhibitors like acetazolamide .

• Therapeutic Potential: Studies propose CA13 as a biomarker for hypoxia and a target for enzyme inhibitors in cancer therapy .

Applications in Biomedical Research

CA13 antibodies enable:

• Diagnostic Assays: Quantifying CA13 levels in serum or tissue lysates via ELISA .

• Pathological Studies: Immunohistochemical staining to map CA13 distribution in cancer vs. normal tissues .

• Mechanistic Research: Investigating CA13's role in pH homeostasis using knockdown models .

Validation and Quality Control

Both antibodies undergo rigorous testing:

• R&D Systems: Specificity confirmed via direct ELISA and Western blot under non-reducing conditions .

• Sigma-Aldrich: Validated using protein microarrays and RNAseq to ensure minimal cross-reactivity .

Future Directions

Ongoing research aims to:

• Clarify CA13's role in organ-specific pathologies.

• Develop isoform-specific inhibitors for therapeutic use .