TGN46抗体;TGN46 Antibody—艾普蒂

The TGN46 antibody is a widely used tool in cell biology research, primarily targeting TGN46 (Trans-Golgi Network 46), a type II transmembrane protein enriched in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). First characterized in the 1990s, TGN46 is conserved across mammals and plays a role in maintaining TGN structure and regulating protein sorting/trafficking between the Golgi, endosomes, and plasma membrane. Its cytoplasmic tail contains phosphorylation sites and interacts with adaptor proteins, influencing vesicular transport. The antibody, often raised in rabbits or mice, recognizes TGN46's luminal domain and is utilized in techniques like immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy, and Western blotting to visualize Golgi dynamics. While highly specific to TGN under normal conditions, TGN46 redistributes to peripheral vesicles upon cellular stress, making it valuable for studying secretory pathway disruptions. Its expression pattern also aids in distinguishing the TGN from other Golgi subcompartments. Notably, TGN46's homolog in some species (e.g., rat: TGN38; human: TGN46) shows slight molecular weight variations. Despite being a stable Golgi marker, researchers must validate its specificity in experimental systems due to potential cross-reactivity with unrelated proteins in certain applications.