MRI1 (also known as Metal-Responsive Transcription Factor 1 or MTF-1) is a zinc-regulated transcription factor that plays a critical role in cellular responses to heavy metal stress and oxidative damage. It binds to metal-responsive elements (MREs) in gene promoters to regulate the expression of metallothioneins and other detoxification proteins. MRI1 is evolutionarily conserved and involved in maintaining metal ion homeostasis, particularly zinc, copper, and cadmium. Dysregulation of MRI1 has been linked to metal toxicity, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer progression.
Antibodies targeting MRI1 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. They are commonly used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). These antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, such as the N-terminal or DNA-binding domains, and are validated for species cross-reactivity (e.g., human, mouse, rat). Recent studies utilize MRI1 antibodies to explore its role in metal-induced cellular stress pathways, cancer drug resistance, and interactions with signaling molecules like NF-κB. Commercial MRI1 antibodies often include validation data (e.g., knockout-validated) to ensure specificity, supporting research in toxicology, molecular biology, and precision medicine targeting metal-associated diseases.