ak8 Antibody

AK8 Antibody Overview

AK8 antibodies target the protein encoded by the C9orf98 gene on human chromosome 9, which plays a critical role in maintaining ATP levels and regulating nucleotide pools . The AK8 protein (55 kDa) exhibits nucleoside monophosphate kinase activity, with highest affinity for AMP, and influences processes like apoptosis and cell proliferation . Two isoforms exist due to alternative splicing, increasing functional diversity .

Gene and Protein Characteristics

• Gene: C9orf98 (chromosome 9 open reading frame 98) .

• Domains: Globular G domain (critical for laminin-α1 interactions in basement membranes) .

• Enzymatic Activity: Catalyzes phosphate transfer between nucleoside triphosphates and monophosphates, with broad nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity .

Tissue Expression

AK8 shows enriched expression in reproductive tissues (epididymis, fallopian tube, testis) , with implications for fertility studies .

Research Applications of AK8 Antibodies

AK8 antibodies are widely used in:

• Western Blot (WB): Detects AK8 in cell lysates .

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Localizes AK8 in tissues like endometrium and brain .

• Immunoprecipitation (IP) and ELISA: Quantifies protein interactions and expression levels .

Table 2: Select Suppliers and Pricing

Key Research Findings

• Reproductive Biology: AK8 monoclonal antibody (4B6) identified laminin-α1 in endometrial basement membranes, linking anti-AK8 antibodies to recurrent pregnancy loss .

• Cancer Research: Rabbit polyclonal AK8 antibodies revealed upregulated AK8 expression in tumor metabolism pathways, suggesting therapeutic targets .

• Cellular Metabolism: AK8 knockdown via RNAi impaired AMP phosphorylation, highlighting its role in energy homeostasis .

Challenges and Considerations

• Specificity: Cross-reactivity with laminin isoforms requires rigorous validation using tissues with known AK8 expression .

• Batch Variability: Polyclonal antibodies may show lot-to-lot inconsistency .

Future Directions

• Therapeutic Development: Targeting AK8 in cancer via antibody-drug conjugates .

• Diagnostic Tools: AK8 expression profiling in infertility and neurodegenerative diseases .