The NAT8L antibody is a crucial tool for studying N-acetyltransferase 8-like (NAT8L), an enzyme encoded by the *NAT8L* gene. NAT8L catalyzes the biosynthesis of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a highly abundant metabolite in the brain, by transferring an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to L-aspartate. NAA plays essential roles in neuronal osmoregulation, myelination, and energy metabolism. Dysregulation of NAT8L expression or NAA levels has been implicated in neurological disorders such as Canavan disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and glioblastoma, making NAT8L a potential biomarker or therapeutic target.
The NAT8L antibody is widely used in research to detect and quantify NAT8L protein expression in tissues, particularly in the central nervous system. It enables techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to localize NAT8L in neurons and oligodendrocytes. Studies using this antibody have revealed NAT8L’s role in maintaining NAA homeostasis and its impact on mitochondrial function. For example, NAT8L knockout models exhibit reduced NAA levels and defects in myelination, underscoring its biological significance.
Commercial NAT8L antibodies are typically validated for specificity and sensitivity across species (e.g., human, mouse, rat). Researchers rely on these antibodies to explore NAT8L’s involvement in neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, and cancer, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential interventions.