The EXTL1 antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the exostosin-like 1 (EXTL1) protein, a member of the EXT/EXTL family of glycosyltransferases. EXTL1 is implicated in heparan sulfate (HS) biosynthesis, a critical process for forming heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which regulate cell signaling, adhesion, and extracellular matrix interactions. Unlike its homologs EXT1 and EXT2. which form a heterocomplex essential for HS chain elongation, EXTL1's precise role remains less defined. Studies suggest it may act as a chain initiator or modifier in HS synthesis, though its enzymatic activity and substrates are still under investigation.
The EXTL1 antibody is commonly used in applications such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to analyze protein expression, localization, and interactions in various tissues and cell types. It has been employed in cancer research, as dysregulation of HSPGs is linked to tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Additionally, EXTL1 mutations or altered expression have been associated with skeletal disorders and inherited conditions, though these links are less well-characterized compared to EXT1/EXT2.
Researchers rely on validated EXTL1 antibodies to explore its biological functions, particularly in developmental biology and disease models. Specificity and cross-reactivity with other EXTL family members (e.g., EXTL2. EXTL3) should be confirmed via knockout controls or siRNA-based validation to ensure accurate interpretation of results. Commercial EXTL1 antibodies are typically raised against peptide sequences unique to the protein, with reactivity across species like human, mouse, and rat.