ACO1 (Aconitase 1) antibody targets the protein encoded by the ACO1 gene, also known as iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1). Aconitase 1 is a bifunctional enzyme that plays dual roles in cellular metabolism and iron homeostasis. In its canonical role, it catalyzes the isomerization of citrate to isocitrate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, a critical pathway for energy production. However, under low iron conditions, ACO1 loses its enzymatic activity and transforms into IRP1. which binds to iron-responsive elements (IREs) in mRNAs to regulate the expression of proteins involved in iron uptake, storage, and utilization, such as ferritin and transferrin receptor.
ACO1 antibodies are widely used in research to study metabolic reprogramming, iron metabolism disorders, and oxidative stress responses. They help detect ACO1/IRP1 expression levels, localization (cytosolic or mitochondrial), and post-translational modifications under varying physiological or pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and anemia. Commercial ACO1 antibodies are typically validated for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Dysregulation of ACO1 has been linked to tumor progression, as cancer cells often exploit its metabolic flexibility to sustain rapid proliferation. Additionally, its role in iron sensing makes it relevant in studies of diseases like hemochromatosis or iron-deficiency anemia. Researchers also investigate ACO1's sensitivity to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can disrupt its enzymatic function and shift its activity toward iron regulation.