The ELAVL1 (Embryonic Lethal, Abnormal Vision, Drosophila-like 1) protein, also known as HuR, is a member of the ELAVL/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins. It plays a critical role in post-transcriptional gene regulation by stabilizing and enhancing the translation of target mRNAs, particularly those containing AU-rich elements (AREs) in their 3' untranslated regions. ELAVL1 is involved in diverse cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and stress response. Its dysregulation is implicated in cancer, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune diseases, with elevated expression observed in many malignancies, correlating with poor prognosis.
ELAVL1 antibodies are widely used in research to detect and quantify the protein’s expression, localization, and interactions. These antibodies enable techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation, aiding studies on ELAVL1’s cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling and regulatory mechanisms. Commercial ELAVL1 antibodies are typically raised against epitopes in its RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs) or linker regions. However, variability in specificity and cross-reactivity with other ELAVL family members (e.g., HuB, HuC, HuD) necessitates careful validation via knockout controls or siRNA-based approaches. Research applications span cancer biology (e.g., glioblastoma, colon cancer), neurobiology, and drug development, particularly in targeting ELAVL1-mediated pathways for therapeutic intervention.