The UFC1 antibody targets UFC1 (Ubiquitin-fold modifier-conjugating enzyme 1), a key component of the UFMylation pathway, a ubiquitin-like post-translational modification system. UFC1 functions as an E2 conjugating enzyme, working alongside the E1 enzyme UBA5 and the E3 ligase UFL1 to attach the ubiquitin-like protein UFM1 to substrate proteins. This modification is critical for regulating cellular processes such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, ribosome biogenesis, and DNA damage repair. UFC1-mediated UFMylation is particularly vital for maintaining ER homeostasis and protein quality control, with dysregulation linked to diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and hematopoietic defects.
Antibodies against UFC1 are essential tools in studying its expression, localization, and interaction partners. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation to explore UFC1's role in cellular stress pathways and disease mechanisms. Research highlights UFC1's involvement in tumor progression, where altered UFMylation impacts cell proliferation and apoptosis, and in neurodevelopmental conditions tied to ER dysfunction. Additionally, UFC1 antibodies aid in investigating novel therapeutic targets, as modulating the UFMylation pathway holds potential for treating cancers or diseases associated with proteostatic imbalance.