The ITGA1 antibody targets integrin alpha-1 (ITGA1), a subunit of the α1β1 integrin heterodimer, part of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors. Integrins mediate bidirectional signaling between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), influencing cell migration, proliferation, and survival. ITGA1 pairs exclusively with β1 (ITGB1) to form α1β1. a collagen/laminin receptor predominantly expressed in fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and certain immune cells. It plays critical roles in tissue development, wound healing, and angiogenesis by regulating ECM remodeling and cell-ECM interactions.
In research, ITGA1 antibodies are essential tools for detecting protein expression, localization, and function via techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and Western blotting. These antibodies help elucidate ITGA1's involvement in pathological processes, including fibrosis, cancer progression, and inflammatory diseases. For instance, ITGA1 upregulation correlates with tumor invasiveness in some cancers, while its dysregulation is linked to aberrant collagen deposition in fibrotic disorders. Additionally, studies explore ITGA1 as a potential therapeutic target, with blocking antibodies tested in preclinical models to inhibit pathogenic cell adhesion or signaling.
Available as monoclonal or polyclonal formats, ITGA1 antibodies vary in species reactivity (e.g., human, mouse, rat) and applications, requiring validation for specificity. Their utility spans basic research to translational studies, contributing to understanding integrin-mediated mechanisms in health and disease.