What is ARK-1 Antibody?
ARK-1 antibody, also known as Aurora Kinase A antibody, is a powerful research tool used to detect and study the Aurora kinase A protein. This protein is essential in controlling the cell cycle, particularly during mitosis. Scientists often refer to it by alternative names such as AURKA, STK6, or AIK1.
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Aurora kinase A plays a central role in chromosome alignment, spindle assembly, and centrosome maturation. Because of these critical functions, disruptions in AURKA activity are frequently linked to abnormal cell division and tumor formation.
Researchers rely on the ARK-1 antibody to:
- Track AURKA expression
- Identify subcellular localization
- Analyze how it changes in response to drugs or mutations
Due to its specificity and versatility, the ARK-1 antibody has become a must-have reagent in cancer research labs worldwide.
Role of ARK-1 (Aurora Kinase A) in Cell Cycle and Cancer
Aurora kinase A, the protein target of the ARK-1 antibody, is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates several processes in early mitosis.
Key Functions in the Cell Cycle:
- Initiates centrosome separation
- Promotes spindle formation and stability
- Controls chromosomal alignment and segregation
This kinase is usually active during G2 and M phases of the cell cycle, and its expression is tightly regulated. However, in many cancer types, AURKA becomes overexpressed, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Overexpression in Cancers:
- Breast cancer: Correlates with poor prognosis
- Colorectal cancer: Drives chromosomal instability
- Prostate cancer: Promotes metastasis and resistance
This makes Aurora kinase A not only a biomarker for disease progression but also a therapeutic target in oncology.
Where Is AURKA Found in Cells?
ARK-1 antibody staining shows that Aurora kinase A localizes to:
- Centrosomes
- Spindle poles
- Cytoplasm during interphase
This localization helps researchers visualize mitotic dynamics and identify defects in dividing cells.
How is ARK-1 Antibody Used in the Laboratory?
ARK-1 antibodies are incredibly versatile. Researchers choose them for both quantitative and qualitative analysis of Aurora kinase A expression.
Popular Applications:
- Western Blot (WB): Detects AURKA protein levels in cell lysates, often used to monitor knockdowns or drug treatments.
- Immunoprecipitation (IP): Pulls down AURKA to study its interacting proteins or modifications.
- Immunofluorescence (IF): Visualizes the spatial distribution of AURKA inside cells during the mitotic cycle.
- ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Measures protein concentration quantitatively in biological samples.
- Flow Cytometry (FCM): Enables analysis of AURKA expression at the single-cell level, especially useful for cancer stem cell studies.
Case Studies of Use:
- Cancer Research: Understanding tumor progression and drug resistance
- Cell Biology: Exploring cell cycle checkpoints
- Drug Development: Screening AURKA inhibitors
When paired with the right controls and protocols, the ARK-1 antibody delivers robust, reproducible data across platforms.
Choosing the Right ARK-1 Antibody
Selecting the proper ARK-1 antibody for your experiment depends on several factors:
Monoclonal vs. Polyclonal
Monoclonal Antibodies
- Derived from a single B-cell clone
- Recognize one epitope
- Provide consistent results
- Ideal for quantitative assays like WB or FCM
Polyclonal Antibodies
- Come from multiple B-cell lineages
- Recognize multiple epitopes
- Offer high sensitivity
- Great for IP or IF
Host Species Options
- Mouse: High specificity; often used in monoclonal formats
- Rabbit: Strong affinity; excellent for immunofluorescence
Conjugate Types
Choose based on your detection system:
- HRP: For chemiluminescent Western blots
- FITC: Green fluorescence for microscopy
- PE (Phycoerythrin): Strong fluorescence in flow cytometry
Amerigo Scientific offers a wide variety of antibodies for each research need.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
What is the function of ARK-1 in cancer?
ARK-1, or Aurora kinase A, regulates mitosis. In cancer, it is often overexpressed, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor progression.
How is ARK-1 antibody used in experiments?
It's used to detect AURKA protein via Western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and other immunoassays to study cell cycle and cancer biology.
What's the difference between ARK-1 and other Aurora kinases?
- ARK-1 (AURKA): Controls centrosome function and spindle assembly
- AURKB: Regulates chromosome alignment and cytokinesis
- AURKC: Primarily found in germ cells, important in meiosis
How should ARK-1 antibodies be stored?
Store at –20°C or 4°C depending on the datasheet. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain antibody stability.
Can ARK-1 be targeted for therapy?
Yes. Aurora kinase A inhibitors are in clinical trials for several cancers. Antibodies also support the development of these targeted treatments.
Advances in ARK-1 Antibody Research and Future Directions
Therapeutic Targeting of ARK-1
Due to its pivotal role in oncogenesis, ARK-1 is under investigation as a target for precision medicine. Several small molecule inhibitors are in clinical trials. These drugs aim to selectively inhibit AURKA and stop cancer cells from dividing.
Emerging Technologies
- Single-cell proteomics: ARK-1 antibodies help map protein dynamics in heterogeneous tumors
- Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC): Enables simultaneous detection of ARK-1 with other markers
- CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout Validation: Paired with ARK-1 antibody staining to confirm gene edits
What's Next?
Expect integration of ARK-1 antibodies into AI-guided workflows, predictive analytics for cancer risk, and companion diagnostics for personalized therapy.
Why Choose Amerigo Scientific?
Amerigo Scientific stands out as a trusted supplier for high-performance antibodies, offering:
Scientific Expertise
Our team holds advanced degrees in life sciences, ensuring high-quality consultation and support.
Global Technology Integration
We collaborate with leading manufacturers to deliver cutting-edge reagents, including ultra-sensitive antibodies.
One-Stop Support
From product selection to troubleshooting and after-sales care, we provide a full-service experience for our customers.
Conclusion
The ARK-1 antibody is a crucial asset for researchers studying cell division and cancer. Its specificity, versatility, and compatibility with various lab techniques make it ideal for in-depth analysis of Aurora kinase A.
Whether you're validating mitotic checkpoints, profiling tumors, or developing next-gen therapies, antibodies from Amerigo Scientific offer the accuracy and reliability you need.
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