MTF1 (Metal-regulatory transcription factor 1) is a zinc-regulated transcription factor that plays a critical role in cellular responses to heavy metal stress and oxidative damage. It binds to metal-responsive elements (MREs) in the promoter regions of target genes, such as metallothioneins (MTs), to regulate their expression. MTF1 is activated under conditions of elevated intracellular zinc, cadmium, or other stressors, mediating detoxification pathways and maintaining metal homeostasis. Structurally, it contains six Cys2-His2 zinc fingers for DNA binding and distinct domains for nuclear localization and transcriptional activation.
MTF1 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in various biological contexts. These antibodies are commonly used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to detect endogenous MTF1 levels, monitor its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus under stress, and identify target gene interactions. Research involving MTF1 antibodies has provided insights into its role in development, cancer (e.g., regulating hypoxia-responsive genes), and neurodegenerative diseases linked to metal dysregulation. Additionally, they aid in exploring MTF1's interplay with signaling pathways like the Keap1-Nrf2 system, highlighting its broader implications in redox balance and cytoprotection.