The METTL17 antibody is a research tool designed to study the methyltransferase-like 17 (METTL17) protein, a member of the methyltransferase superfamily implicated in various cellular processes. METTL17 is evolutionarily conserved and thought to participate in RNA or protein methylation, though its precise substrates and biological functions remain under investigation. Structurally, it contains a conserved Rossmann-fold methyltransferase domain, suggesting its role in transferring methyl groups. Recent studies link METTL17 to mitochondrial function, potentially regulating mitochondrial RNA modification or ribosome assembly, which may influence cellular metabolism, stress responses, and disease pathways.
Antibodies targeting METTL17 enable researchers to detect its expression, localization, and interactions via techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. These tools have revealed METTL17's predominant mitochondrial localization and dynamic expression patterns across tissues, with elevated levels in metabolically active organs like the liver and heart. Dysregulation of METTL17 has been tentatively associated with cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes, though mechanistic insights are still emerging.
Validated METTL17 antibodies are critical for exploring its role in development, disease, and potential therapeutic targeting. Ongoing research aims to clarify its molecular mechanisms, including crosstalk with other methyltransferases and impact on mitochondrial homeostasis. As a relatively understudied protein, METTL17 represents a frontier in epitranscriptomics and metabolic regulation research.