Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) is a member of the hnRNP family, which plays critical roles in RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA transport, stability, and translation regulation. It contains RNA-binding domains (RRMs) and a prion-like domain, enabling its involvement in dynamic ribonucleoprotein assembly. hnRNPA1 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Research highlights hnRNPA1's dual role in health and disease. It regulates telomere maintenance, DNA repair, and stress granule formation. However, mutations in its prion-like domain (e.g., D262V) are linked to neurodegenerative disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multisystem proteinopathy, where hnRNPA1 forms pathological aggregates. hnRNPA1 antibodies help detect these aggregates in disease models.
In cancer, hnRNPA1 is often overexpressed and promotes tumor progression by modulating oncogenic mRNAs (e.g., MYC, KRAS). Antibodies enable its identification as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to investigate hnRNPA1's dysregulation in tissues or cell lines.
Overall, hnRNPA1 antibodies are pivotal in dissecting its contributions to RNA biology, neurodegeneration, and cancer, bridging molecular mechanisms with clinical insights.