AGO4抗体

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     The image is immunohistochemistry of paraffin-embedded Human breast cancer tissue using P04594(AGO4 Antibody) at dilution 1/25. (Original magnification: ×200)    

  
  

The AGO4 (Argonaute 4) antibody is a critical tool for studying RNA-mediated gene silencing mechanisms, particularly in the context of epigenetic regulation. AGO4 is a member of the Argonaute protein family, which plays a central role in RNA interference (RNAi) pathways by binding small non-coding RNAs, such as siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) and miRNAs (microRNAs). In plants, AGO4 is best characterized for its involvement in RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), a process essential for transcriptional gene silencing, transposon suppression, and genome stability. It interacts with 24-nt siRNAs to guide chromatin-modifying complexes to specific genomic loci, facilitating histone modification and DNA methylation.

In mammals, AGO4 is less well-understood compared to other Argonaute proteins (e.g., AGO1-3), but emerging studies suggest roles in gene regulation and disease. AGO4 antibodies are widely used in research to detect protein expression, localize AGO4 within subcellular compartments (e.g., nucleus, cytoplasmic bodies), and investigate its interactions with RNA molecules or partner proteins. These antibodies are validated for techniques like Western blotting, immunoprecipitation (IP), chromatin IP (ChIP), and immunofluorescence. Specificity validation, including knockout cell line controls, is crucial due to high homology among Argonaute family members. Understanding AGO4's function and regulation holds implications for epigenetics, developmental biology, and potential therapeutic targeting in diseases like cancer.