The CERT1 antibody targets the CERT protein (ceramide transfer protein), also known as STARD11 or COATED, which plays a critical role in lipid metabolism. CERT facilitates the non-vesicular transfer of ceramide, a key sphingolipid precursor, from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus, where ceramide is converted to sphingomyelin or glycosphingolipids. This process is essential for maintaining membrane structure, signaling, and cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of CERT is linked to metabolic disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, as ceramide trafficking impacts apoptosis, autophagy, and stress responses.
The CERT1 antibody is widely used in research to study CERT's expression, localization, and function. It aids in detecting CERT in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Studies employing this antibody have revealed that CERT overexpression correlates with tumor progression and chemoresistance in cancers, while its deficiency may disrupt lipid homeostasis, contributing to pathologies like Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, CERT1 antibodies help explore post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation) that regulate CERT activity. By elucidating CERT's role in lipid dynamics, this tool advances understanding of cellular lipid biology and its implications in disease mechanisms.