MEST (mesoderm-specific transcript), also known as PEG1 (paternally expressed gene 1), is an imprinted gene predominantly expressed from the paternal allele. It encodes a protein belonging to the α/β hydrolase superfamily, though its precise enzymatic function remains unclear. MEST is implicated in embryonic development, particularly in mesoderm formation, and plays roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue remodeling. Studies suggest its involvement in adipogenesis, neurodevelopment, and placental function.
MEST antibodies are essential tools for detecting and analyzing MEST protein expression in various biological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study tissue-specific expression patterns. Research has linked dysregulated MEST expression to multiple diseases, including cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, and lung), where it may act as an oncogene, and metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Epigenetic alterations, such as loss of imprinting, have been associated with abnormal MEST expression in pathological conditions.
These antibodies also aid in exploring MEST's interaction networks and post-translational modifications. Commercial MEST antibodies are typically validated for specificity against the ~37 kDa protein, often targeting conserved regions like the C-terminal domain. Ongoing research aims to clarify MEST's molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential across developmental and disease models.