The DHCR24 antibody targets the enzyme 3β-hydroxysterol Δ24-reductase (DHCR24), a key player in cholesterol biosynthesis. This enzyme catalyzes the reduction of desmosterol to cholesterol, the final step in the Bloch pathway of cholesterol synthesis. Beyond its role in lipid metabolism, DHCR24 is implicated in cellular stress responses, oxidative defense, and apoptosis regulation. It is also known as Seladin-1 (Selective Alzheimer's Disease Indicator-1), as its downregulation has been linked to Alzheimer's disease pathology, potentially through disrupted cholesterol homeostasis and increased neuronal vulnerability.
DHCR24 antibodies are widely used in research to study the enzyme's expression, localization, and function in various tissues and disease models. These antibodies enable detection via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding investigations into DHCR24's roles in cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. For instance, DHCR24 overexpression has been observed in certain cancers, correlating with tumor progression and therapy resistance, while its deficiency is associated with developmental defects and lipid metabolism disorders.
The antibody's specificity and reliability are critical for elucidating DHCR24's dual roles as a cholesterol synthase and a stress-response mediator, offering insights into therapeutic strategies targeting cholesterol-related diseases.