The DNA Damage Inducible Transcript 4 (DDIT4), also known as REDD1 (Regulated in Development and DNA Damage Response 1), is a stress-responsive gene upregulated under hypoxic, DNA-damaging, or nutrient-deprived conditions. It plays a pivotal role in regulating the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway, a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival. DDIT4 acts as a negative regulator of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) by promoting its inhibition under stress, thereby coordinating cellular energy homeostasis and stress adaptation.
DDIT4 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying DDIT4 protein expression in research settings. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to study DDIT4's role in physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulation of DDIT4 has been implicated in cancer, metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemic injuries, making it a focus for therapeutic targeting.
Antibodies targeting DDIT4 help elucidate its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions with signaling partners like TSC1/TSC2. Validated antibodies with high specificity are critical for distinguishing DDIT4 from homologous proteins (e.g., REDD2) and ensuring reliable experimental outcomes. Research utilizing DDIT4 antibodies continues to advance understanding of stress-response mechanisms, mTOR pathway modulation, and disease progression, highlighting their importance in both basic and translational studies.