ACAT1 (Acetyl-CoA Acetyltransferase 1), also known as sterol O-acyltransferase 1. is an enzyme encoded by the *SOAT1* gene. It plays a critical role in cellular cholesterol metabolism by catalyzing the esterification of cholesterol into cholesteryl esters, which are stored in lipid droplets. This process is essential for maintaining cholesterol homeostasis, as excess free cholesterol can be toxic to cells. ACAT1 is primarily localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and is highly expressed in tissues involved in lipid metabolism, such as the liver, adrenal glands, and macrophages.
ACAT1-specific antibodies are widely used in research to study the enzyme's expression, localization, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. These antibodies enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate ACAT1's role in diseases linked to dysregulated cholesterol metabolism, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. For example, ACAT1 inhibition has been explored as a therapeutic strategy to reduce cholesteryl ester accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques.
Commercial ACAT1 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes of the human or mouse protein, with validation in knockout models to ensure specificity. Researchers rely on these tools to dissect ACAT1's regulatory mechanisms, its interaction with lipid droplets, and its potential as a biomarker or drug target. However, variability in antibody performance across applications and species necessitates careful validation for experimental consistency.