Scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is a member of the phospholipid scramblase family, a group of proteins involved in the bidirectional movement of phospholipids across cell membranes. This activity is critical for maintaining membrane asymmetry, a process disrupted during cellular activation, apoptosis, or platelet procoagulant responses, where phosphatidylserine (PS) is externalized to the outer leaflet. PLSCR1. a 35-37 kDa transmembrane protein, is ubiquitously expressed but particularly enriched in hematopoietic cells. Beyond its role in lipid scrambling, PLSCR1 has been implicated in diverse cellular processes, including signal transduction, antiviral defense, and transcriptional regulation, often interacting with proteins like STAT1 and IP3 receptors.
Antibodies targeting PLSCR1 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry to investigate PLSCR1's role in diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections. For instance, upregulated PLSCR1 has been observed in certain cancers, correlating with tumor progression or chemoresistance, while its deficiency is linked to impaired interferon responses. Commercial PLSCR1 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes (e.g., human PLSCR1 N-terminal peptides) and validated for species reactivity (human, mouse, rat). However, functional redundancy among scramblase family members and context-dependent roles necessitate careful experimental controls to ensure specificity in research applications.