HLTF (HeLicase-like Transcription Factor), also known as SMARCA3 or HIP116. is a member of the SWI/SNF family of chromatin-remodeling proteins. Initially identified for its helicase and ATPase activities, HLTF plays a dual role in DNA damage repair and epigenetic regulation. Structurally, it contains conserved domains like the HIRAN domain (involved in DNA binding), RING finger domain (mediating E3 ubiquitin ligase activity), and an ATPase domain. HLTF participates in error-free DNA damage tolerance via a process called template switching, facilitating replication fork restart without introducing mutations. It also regulates transcription by modifying chromatin structure and interacting with other DNA repair proteins like BRCA1 and RAD18.
In cancer biology, HLTF is recognized as a tumor suppressor. Its promoter hypermethylation and subsequent silencing are frequently observed in colorectal, gastric, and endometrial cancers, correlating with poor prognosis. HLTF antibodies are essential tools for studying these mechanisms. They enable detection of HLTF expression levels in tissues or cell lines (via Western blot, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence) and investigation of protein-protein/DNA interactions (through ChIP-seq or co-immunoprecipitation). Commercially available antibodies typically target specific epitopes within its N-terminal or C-terminal regions. However, researchers must validate antibody specificity due to potential cross-reactivity with homologous SWI/SNF proteins like BRG1 or SNF2H. Recent studies also explore HLTF's role in chemoresistance, making its antibodies valuable in therapeutic biomarker research.