The HKDC1 (Hexokinase Domain Containing 1) antibody is a tool used to study the HKDC1 protein, a lesser-characterized member of the hexokinase family. Hexokinases catalyze the first step of glycolysis, phosphorylating glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. Unlike classical hexokinases (HK1. HK2), HKDC1 is implicated in broader metabolic regulation, mitochondrial stability, and cellular stress responses. Research suggests HKDC1 localizes to mitochondria-associated membranes, where it may interact with voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) to modulate apoptosis, autophagy, and mitochondrial integrity. Its expression is linked to metabolic disorders, cancer progression, and aging-related pathologies.
HKDC1 antibodies, typically developed as polyclonal or monoclonal variants, enable detection and functional analysis via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Studies utilizing these antibodies have revealed HKDC1's dual role in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial quality control, particularly under oxidative or metabolic stress. Elevated HKDC1 levels are observed in certain cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer), suggesting its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target. Ongoing research aims to clarify its tissue-specific functions and regulatory mechanisms, leveraging HKDC1 antibodies to explore its contributions to diseases like diabetes, obesity, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.