The MARK1 (Microtubule Affinity-Regulating Kinase 1) antibody is a crucial tool for studying the function and regulation of the MARK1 protein, a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the PAR1 (Partitioning Defective 1) family. MARK1 plays a pivotal role in establishing cell polarity, regulating microtubule dynamics, and maintaining neuronal integrity by phosphorylating microtubule-associated proteins (e.g., tau, MAP2/4). This phosphorylation destabilizes microtubule binding, influencing cellular architecture and trafficking. Dysregulation of MARK1 is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, where hyperphosphorylated tau forms neurofibrillary tangles.
The MARK1 antibody enables detection and quantification of MARK1 expression in various experimental models, including Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. It helps elucidate MARK1's interaction networks, activity under stress or disease conditions, and its role in signaling pathways like Wnt or AMPK. Researchers also use it to study MARK1's involvement in developmental processes, cancer (cell cycle disruption), and synaptic plasticity.
Commercial MARK1 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice against specific epitopes, with validation in knockout controls to ensure specificity. Its applications span basic research, drug discovery, and diagnostic development, making it indispensable for exploring MARK1's dual roles in physiological homeostasis and pathological mechanisms. Ongoing studies focus on its therapeutic potential in targeting tauopathies and cancer metastasis.