ELAVL3 Antibody

ELAVL3 Antibody Characteristics

ELAVL3 antibodies target the RNA-binding protein encoded by the ELAVL3 gene, which contains three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) and regulates post-transcriptional gene expression . Key features include:

Neurodegenerative Disease and Neuronal Maintenance

• Axonal Degeneration: Elavl3 knockout mice exhibit progressive cerebellar ataxia due to Purkinje cell axonal swelling and synaptic disruption. ELAVL3 antibodies confirmed reduced KIF3A/KIF3C motor protein levels in these neurons, linking ELAVL3 to axonal transport .

• RNA Stability: ELAVL3 binds AU-rich elements in mRNAs critical for neuronal survival, including MYCN and RICTOR, and regulates their stability .

Cancer Biology

• Prostate Cancer: ELAVL3 drives neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate adenocarcinoma by stabilizing neuroendocrine-associated mRNAs (e.g., SYP, CHGA). Antibody-based assays showed that ELAVL3 inhibition via pyrvinium pamoate reduces tumor growth in mouse models .

• Glioblastoma: ELAVL3 is overexpressed in proneural glioblastoma stem cells, promoting proliferation. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout studies validated using ELAVL3 antibodies demonstrated reduced tumorigenicity .

Developmental and Neurological Disorders

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Rare ELAVL3 missense variants were identified in ASD cohorts, suggesting a role in neurodevelopmental pathways .

Key Research Findings

Therapeutic Implications

ELAVL3 is a promising target in neuroendocrine prostate cancer, with pyrvinium pamoate (an FDA-approved drug) showing efficacy in preclinical models . Additionally, its role in RNA metabolism offers avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases characterized by mRNA dysregulation, such as spinocerebellar ataxia .

Limitations and Future Directions

While ELAVL3 antibodies are critical for basic research, challenges remain in standardizing cross-species reactivity and distinguishing ELAVL3 from homologous proteins (e.g., ELAVL4). Future studies should explore isoform-specific functions and develop monoclonal antibodies for clinical diagnostics.