The MAD1 (Mitotic Arrest Deficient 1) protein is a critical component of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), a surveillance mechanism that ensures accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis. MAD1. along with MAD2. forms a heterocomplex that detects unattached or improperly attached kinetochores, delaying anaphase onset until all chromosomes achieve proper microtubule attachment. This checkpoint prevents aneuploidy, a hallmark of genomic instability linked to cancer and developmental disorders. Dysregulation of MAD1 disrupts SAC signaling, leading to premature mitotic exit and chromosomal missegregation.
MAD1 antibodies are essential tools for studying SAC function, protein localization, and interactions in cell cycle regulation. They are widely used in techniques like immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation to investigate MAD1's role in mitosis, cancer biology, and response to anti-mitotic therapies. Research has also explored MAD1 mutations or expression anomalies in tumors, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic or prognostic marker. Additionally, MAD1 antibodies aid in understanding crosstalk between SAC proteins and other pathways, such as DNA damage repair, offering insights into therapeutic strategies targeting cell cycle checkpoints in cancer treatment.