TSFM (mitochondrial translation elongation factor Ts) is a critical protein involved in mitochondrial protein synthesis, specifically functioning as a cofactor for the elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) during the elongation phase of mitochondrial translation. It facilitates the exchange of GDP for GTP on EF-Tu, ensuring the proper delivery of aminoacyl-tRNAs to the ribosome. As mitochondria possess their own genome (mtDNA) and translation machinery, TSFM is essential for synthesizing core subunits of the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, which are vital for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and cellular energy production.
Antibodies targeting TSFM are widely used in research to investigate mitochondrial translation defects linked to human diseases. Mutations in the TSFM gene are associated with severe mitochondrial disorders, including encephalopathies, cardiomyopathies, and Leigh syndrome. These antibodies enable the detection of TSFM expression levels, subcellular localization, and post-translational modifications via techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. They also aid in studying the interplay between mitochondrial translation efficiency and metabolic or neurodegenerative conditions.
The development of TSFM-specific antibodies has advanced diagnostic and mechanistic studies, offering insights into mitochondrial dysfunction and potential therapeutic strategies. Their application extends to model organisms, enhancing understanding of conserved mitochondrial processes. As mitochondrial diseases often lack effective treatments, TSFM antibodies remain pivotal in unraveling pathogenic pathways and identifying biomarkers.