HMOX1 (heme oxygenase 1) is a stress-responsive enzyme encoded by the HMOX1 gene, which catalyzes the breakdown of heme into biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and free iron. This process plays a critical role in cellular defense against oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. HMOX1 is induced by various stimuli, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), heavy metals, hypoxia, and inflammatory cytokines, primarily through the activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. Its expression is associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective functions, making it a key biomarker in studies of oxidative damage, aging, and diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
HMOX1 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying HMOX1 protein levels in research. These antibodies are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and ELISA to investigate HMOX1's regulation, localization, and role in disease mechanisms. Most commercially available HMOX1 antibodies are raised against specific epitopes of human or mouse HMOX1. with rabbit or mouse-derived monoclonal or polyclonal variants. Validation includes testing for cross-reactivity and specificity across species. Researchers rely on HMOX1 antibodies to explore therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress pathways, evaluate drug efficacy, or study tissue-specific responses to injury. However, variability in antibody performance under different experimental conditions necessitates careful optimization and controls.