UPF1 (Up-frameshift protein 1) is a conserved RNA helicase central to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a critical surveillance pathway that degrades aberrant transcripts harboring premature termination codons (PTCs). As an ATP-dependent enzyme, UPF1 unwinds RNA secondary structures and recruits downstream NMD factors to ensure precise translation and RNA quality control. Its role extends beyond NMD, involving other RNA metabolic processes like Staufen-mediated decay (SMD) and viral RNA restriction.
Antibodies against UPF1 are essential tools for studying its molecular functions. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence to detect UPF1 expression, localization, and interactions. Commercial UPF1 antibodies are typically raised against epitopes in its helicase domain or C-terminal regions, with validation in model organisms (e.g., humans, mice). Specificity is critical due to UPF1's structural homology with other helicases.
Research using UPF1 antibodies has revealed its dysregulation in diseases. Overexpression is linked to cancer progression via pro-survival signaling, while mutations correlate with neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent studies also explore UPF1's role in stress granule dynamics and antiviral immunity. However, antibody performance may vary across experimental conditions, necessitating rigorous controls. Overall, UPF1 antibodies remain indispensable for dissecting RNA surveillance mechanisms and their pathological implications.