BBOX1 (γ-butyrobetaine hydroxylase) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of L-carnitine, a molecule essential for fatty acid metabolism. It catalyzes the final step in carnitine synthesis by hydroxylating γ-butyrobetaine to form L-carnitine, primarily in the liver and kidneys. BBOX1's role in energy metabolism links it to various physiological and pathological processes, including cardiac function, muscle performance, and metabolic disorders.
Antibodies targeting BBOX1 are widely used in research to study its expression, localization, and regulation. These antibodies enable detection of BBOX1 protein levels in tissues or cell lines via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Studies employing BBOX1 antibodies have explored its involvement in diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, where altered carnitine metabolism may contribute to pathogenesis. Additionally, research has investigated BBOX1's potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target in metabolic syndromes.
Commercial BBOX1 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes of human BBOX1. with validation in common experimental models. Researchers often verify antibody specificity using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated gene silencing. Recent work also examines BBOX1's interaction networks and post-translational modifications, facilitated by immunoprecipitation-competent antibodies. As interest in metabolic reprogramming grows, BBOX1 antibodies remain crucial tools for understanding cellular energy regulation mechanisms.