Smg1 (Suppressor with Morphogenetic effect on Genitalia 1) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase (PIKK) family. It plays a critical role in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a conserved surveillance mechanism that degrades aberrant transcripts harboring premature termination codons to prevent the production of truncated proteins. Smg1 phosphorylates UPF1. a central NMD factor, initiating downstream events that lead to mRNA degradation. Beyond NMD, Smg1 is implicated in maintaining genomic stability, regulating stress responses, and modulating DNA damage repair pathways. Dysregulation of Smg1 has been linked to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and immune dysfunctions, highlighting its broad physiological relevance.
Smg1-specific antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and molecular interactions. These antibodies enable researchers to investigate Smg1’s role in NMD efficiency, cellular stress adaptation, and disease mechanisms through techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. Commercial Smg1 antibodies are typically validated for specificity across human, mouse, and rat models, aiding translational research. Recent studies also explore Smg1 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents, emphasizing the antibody’s utility in drug development. Understanding Smg1’s multifaceted functions continues to shed light on mRNA quality control and cellular homeostasis.