ALDH4A1 (Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 4 Family Member A1) is a mitochondrial enzyme encoded by the ALDH4A1 gene, primarily involved in proline catabolism and oxidative stress response. As a member of the aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily, it catalyzes the NAD+-dependent oxidation of L-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde (GSA) to L-glutamate, a critical step in both proline degradation and the synthesis of ornithine/arginine. Dysregulation of ALDH4A1 has been implicated in metabolic disorders, hyperprolinemia, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, as well as cancer progression due to its role in redox homeostasis.
Antibodies targeting ALDH4A1 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in biological systems. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and ELISA to detect protein levels in tissues or cell lines. Commercial ALDH4A1 antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, using immunogens derived from specific epitopes of the human protein. Validation often includes knockout cell line controls or peptide blocking assays to confirm specificity. Researchers employ these antibodies to explore ALDH4A1's involvement in metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disease mechanisms, particularly in contexts of cellular stress or malignancy. Proper validation remains crucial due to potential cross-reactivity with other ALDH family members.