mmp21 Antibody

Overview of the mmp21 Antibody

The mmp21 Antibody is a polyclonal rabbit IgG antibody developed using synthetic peptides corresponding to the aminoterminal end of active human MMP21. It is affinity-purified to ensure specificity and has been validated for use in Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF/ICC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) .

Mechanism of Action and Detection

The antibody recognizes the neoepitope formed during the enzymatic activation of MMP21, distinguishing it from the inactive proform . This specificity is critical for studying MMP21’s role in tumor progression and tissue remodeling. For example, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), elevated MMP21 levels correlate with macrophage recruitment and tumor metastasis, as demonstrated by studies using this antibody .

Detection Modalities:

• Western Blotting: Detects activated MMP21 in tissue lysates, with bands observed at 66–70 kDa due to post-translational modifications .

• Immunohistochemistry: Localizes MMP21 in epithelial cells during development (e.g., kidney, intestine) and in cancer tissues .

• Immunofluorescence: Visualizes MMP21 in cell lines like L02 (mouse liver) and Huh7 (human HCC) .

3.1. Cancer Biology

The antibody has been instrumental in linking MMP21 to aggressive tumor phenotypes. Studies in colorectal and hepatocellular carcinomas revealed that:

• MMP21 upregulation via NF-κB signaling promotes basal extrusion of transformed cells, enabling invasive growth .

• Elevated MMP21 levels correlate with poor clinical outcomes, including vascular invasion and metastasis .

3.2. Macrophage Recruitment and Tumor Microenvironment

Research using the mmp21 Antibody identified its role in shaping the tumor microenvironment:

• MMP21 enhances macrophage recruitment by upregulating CCL-14, a chemokine critical for immune cell infiltration .

• It promotes M2-type macrophage polarization by increasing CSF-1 and FGF-1 expression, fostering a pro-tumoral immune response .

3.3. Developmental Biology

The antibody has also been used to study MMP21’s expression during embryogenesis. For instance:

• Immunohistochemistry revealed MMP21 localization in fetal neuroectoderm, kidney tubules, and placental tissues .

• RT-PCR confirmed its presence in developing human brain, liver, and skin .

Comparative Analysis of mmp21 Antibodies

Clinical Implications

The mmp21 Antibody’s ability to detect activated MMP21 has implications for:

• Biomarker Development: Monitoring MMP21 levels in cancer patients could aid in prognosis and therapeutic targeting .

• Therapeutic Targeting: Inhibiting the NF-κB-MMP21 axis or CCL-14 signaling may suppress tumor invasion and metastasis .