The SPINT1 (Serine Peptidase Inhibitor, Kunitz Type 1) antibody is a tool used to detect SPINT1. a transmembrane protein also known as Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator Inhibitor 1 (HAI-1). SPINT1 functions as a potent inhibitor of serine proteases, including hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA), matriptase, and trypsin, which are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, cell signaling, and tissue homeostasis. It plays a critical role in regulating proteolytic pathways essential for epithelial integrity, embryonic development, and cancer progression. SPINT1 is particularly important in suppressing excessive protease activity that could otherwise lead to pathological conditions such as inflammation, fibrosis, or metastasis.
SPINT1 antibodies are widely used in research to study its expression, localization, and interaction partners in various tissues, including the liver, intestines, and skin. Dysregulation of SPINT1 is linked to congenital disorders (e.g., congenital sodium diarrhea) and cancers (e.g., colorectal, breast), where its loss or mutation correlates with enhanced tumor invasion and poor prognosis. Antibodies targeting SPINT1 enable detection via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding investigations into its dual role as a tumor suppressor and promoter depending on cellular context. Recent studies also explore SPINT1's involvement in cell polarity and receptor signaling (e.g., MET receptor), highlighting its therapeutic potential.