Anti-KPNA4 Polyclonal Antibody for WB, IHC-P, IF/ICC, ELISA - O00629

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: KPNA4 Function and Localization

• KPNA4 encodes importin subunit alpha-3 (also known as importin alpha Q1, Qip1, or karyopherin subunit alpha-4), a 58 kDa adapter protein critical for classical nuclear import. Related references: PMID:20818336
• It functions by binding substrates containing either simple or bipartite nuclear localization signals (NLS) and linking them to importin beta (KPNB1) for transport through the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Related references: PMID:20818336, PMID:28760339, PMID:29042532
• The importin-substrate complex docks at the NPC via KPNB1–nucleoporin interactions and translocates in a Ran-GTP–dependent, energy-requiring manner; directionality is achieved by the asymmetric distribution of Ran-GTP and Ran-GDP. Related references: PMID:20818336, PMID:28760339, PMID:29042532
• KPNA4 mediates nuclear import of diverse cargo, including AARS1, MRTFA, and RANBP3, and also facilitates the nuclear entry of viral proteins such as human cytomegalovirus UL84 via non-classical NLS recognition. Related references: PMID:10567565, PMID:20818336, PMID:28760339
• Subcellularly, KPNA4 localizes to both the cytoplasm and nucleus, consistent with its role in shuttling cargo into the nucleus.
• The protein is highly expressed in testis, ovary, small intestine, heart, skeletal muscle, lung, and pancreas, with low expression in kidney, thymus, colon, and peripheral blood leukocytes.
• Post-translational modifications include acetylation and phosphorylation; the protein contains Armadillo repeat domains essential for NLS binding and is classified as a reference proteome member involved in protein transport and host-virus interactions.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen targets the N-terminal 1–240 amino acids of human KPNA4, which may confer specificity for the importin alpha subunit over other karyopherin family members; however, validation in the relevant model system is recommended.
• For Western blotting, a band near 58 kDa is expected under reducing conditions; titrating antibody concentration is advised for optimal signal-to-noise.
• In immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence, since KPNA4 shuttles between cytoplasm and nucleus, both compartments may show staining; nuclear accumulation may be more prominent under certain conditions.
• For immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections, antigen retrieval and optimization on tissue arrays containing high- and low-expressing tissues (e.g., testis vs. kidney) can help confirm specificity.
• The antibody cross-reacts with mouse and rat, making it suitable for orthologous studies; nevertheless, cross-reactivity should be verified in each species' lysate.
• When using for ELISA, consider that polyclonal antibodies may provide broader epitope coverage but may also exhibit higher background; optimization of blocking and washing steps is critical.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

CamelBio serves as a comprehensive sourcing partner for IVD manufacturers, providing one-stop access to raw materials such as this anti-KPNA4 polyclonal antibody for nuclear import research. Our portfolio includes validated antibody pairs, bulk ancillary reagents, and customized sourcing for rare targets, ensuring streamlined procurement from early-stage R&D to clinical assay development.