The ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) is a key subunit of the iron-storage protein ferritin, which regulates cellular iron homeostasis by sequestering excess iron in a soluble, non-toxic form. FTH1 exhibits ferroxidase activity, critical for converting Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺, enabling iron storage within the ferritin nanocage. Dysregulation of FTH1 is linked to iron-related disorders, oxidative stress, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s).
FTH1 antibodies are essential tools for studying iron metabolism and related pathologies. They enable detection and quantification of FTH1 expression via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Researchers use these antibodies to explore FTH1's role in cellular responses to oxidative damage, tumor progression (e.g., its upregulation in cancers to mitigate ferroptosis), and neurological iron accumulation.
Commercial FTH1 antibodies are typically raised against epitopes specific to the heavy chain, ensuring minimal cross-reactivity with the ferritin light chain (FTL). Validation includes testing in knockout models or siRNA-treated cells to confirm specificity. Applications extend to clinical research, where FTH1 serves as a biomarker for iron overload conditions or therapeutic targeting in cancers resistant to iron-dependent cell death.
Overall, FTH1 antibodies are pivotal in elucidating iron biology and developing diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for diseases tied to iron dysregulation.