The MTH1 antibody is a crucial tool for studying the human MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) protein, also known as NUDT1. MTH1 belongs to the Nudix hydrolase family and plays a vital role in preventing oxidative DNA damage by sanitizing the nucleotide pool. It hydrolyzes oxidized nucleotides, such as 8-oxo-dGTP and 2-hydroxy-dATP, which arise from reactive oxygen species (ROS). If incorporated into DNA during replication, these damaged nucleotides can cause transversion mutations, genomic instability, and cellular dysfunction. MTH1's activity is particularly significant in cancer cells, which often exhibit elevated ROS levels and rely on MTH1 to maintain viability.
MTH1 antibodies are widely used in research to detect protein expression levels via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). They help investigate MTH1's role in cancer progression, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), and aging. Commercially available antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes of human MTH1 and validated for specificity using knockout controls. Recent studies also explore MTH1 inhibitors as potential anticancer therapies, making these antibodies essential for preclinical validation. Researchers must select antibodies verified for cross-reactivity and application compatibility to ensure accurate data. Overall, MTH1 antibodies are pivotal in advancing our understanding of oxidative stress-related mechanisms and therapeutic targeting.