The PPM1F antibody is a research tool used to detect and study the protein phosphatase 1F (PPM1F), a member of the metal-dependent protein phosphatase (PPM) family. Also known as POPX2. PPM1F is a serine/threonine phosphatase involved in regulating cellular stress responses, energy metabolism, and apoptosis. It interacts with key signaling pathways, including the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) pathways, modulating processes such as autophagy, mitochondrial function, and cell survival. Structurally, PPM1F contains a conserved catalytic domain critical for its phosphatase activity and a regulatory C-terminal domain that influences substrate specificity.
Researchers employ PPM1F antibodies in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to quantify protein expression, assess localization, and investigate its role in disease contexts. Studies have linked PPM1F dysregulation to cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, though its exact role varies by cellular context. For example, PPM1F may act as a tumor suppressor by dephosphorylating AMPK to promote energy homeostasis or as a potential oncogene in certain malignancies. The antibody’s utility in distinguishing these dual roles underscores its importance in elucidating PPM1F’s complex regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Commercial antibodies are typically validated for specificity using knockout cell lines or siRNA knockdown to ensure reliable experimental outcomes.