The ATOX1 (Antioxidant 1) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the ATOX1 protein, a copper chaperone critical for maintaining cellular copper homeostasis. ATOX1 facilitates the transfer of copper ions to ATP7A and ATP7B, transmembrane transporters responsible for copper efflux and incorporation into cuproenzymes. Dysregulation of copper metabolism, linked to ATOX1 dysfunction, is associated with disorders like Wilson disease and Menkes disease. ATOX1 also exhibits antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals.
Research using ATOX1 antibodies has revealed its involvement in diverse biological processes, including cell proliferation, DNA repair, and transcriptional regulation. In cancer, elevated ATOX1 levels correlate with tumor progression and metastasis in breast, colorectal, and other cancers, suggesting its role in promoting oncogenic signaling. Structurally, ATOX1 forms homodimers and interacts with copper via a conserved CXXC motif.
ATOX1 antibodies are widely applied in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess protein expression, localization, and post-translational modifications. These studies help elucidate ATOX1’s regulatory mechanisms in copper-dependent pathways and its potential as a therapeutic target. Recent work also explores its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, where copper imbalance contributes to pathology. Overall, ATOX1 antibodies are vital for advancing understanding of copper biology and related diseases.