The GFER antibody targets the GFER protein, also known as Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (ALR) or ERV1 homolog, a critical enzyme involved in mitochondrial oxidative protein folding. GFER is evolutionarily conserved and functions as a sulfhydryl oxidase, facilitating the formation of disulfide bonds in substrate proteins alongside Mia40 in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. This process is essential for the assembly of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and redox homeostasis.
Initially identified for its role in liver regeneration, GFER has broader implications in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dynamics. Dysregulation of GFER is linked to mitochondrial disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. For instance, GFER mutations are associated with infantile mitochondrial cardiomyopathy, while its overexpression is observed in certain tumors.
GFER antibodies are vital tools for studying these mechanisms. They enable detection of GFER expression via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding research into mitochondrial function, disease pathways, and therapeutic targets. Commercial GFER antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, often validated for cross-reactivity in human, mouse, and rat models. Recent studies also explore GFER's extracellular roles in inflammation and tissue repair, expanding its relevance beyond mitochondrial biology.
In summary, GFER antibodies provide critical insights into cellular redox regulation, disease mechanisms, and potential interventions targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.