The SEPHS1 antibody is a tool used to detect Selenophosphate Synthetase 1 (SEPHS1), a key enzyme involved in selenium metabolism. SEPHS1 catalyzes the synthesis of selenophosphate, a critical substrate for the incorporation of selenocysteine into selenoproteins. These proteins, such as glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin reductases, play vital roles in antioxidant defense, redox signaling, and thyroid hormone metabolism. Dysregulation of SEPHS1 is linked to oxidative stress-related diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
The antibody is commonly used in research to study SEPHS1 expression, localization, and function in cellular and tissue contexts. It aids in identifying changes in SEPHS1 levels under pathological conditions, such as tumor progression, where altered selenium metabolism may promote survival or drug resistance in cancer cells. Applications include Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to analyze protein expression patterns in clinical or experimental samples.
Developed in hosts like rabbit or mouse, SEPHS1 antibodies are validated for specificity and sensitivity, often targeting unique epitopes within the protein. Their utility extends to mechanistic studies, such as exploring SEPHS1's role in selenium-dependent pathways or validating CRISPR/Cas9 knockout models. Researchers also leverage these antibodies to investigate therapeutic targeting of selenium metabolism in diseases, emphasizing their importance in both basic and translational biomedical research.