UBXN1 (UBX domain protein 1), also known as UBXD1. is a member of the UBX domain-containing protein family, characterized by a conserved ubiquitin regulatory X (UBX) domain that facilitates interactions with proteins involved in ubiquitin-dependent processes. It functions as a cofactor for p97/VCP (valosin-containing protein), a critical ATPase responsible for coordinating protein homeostasis, including endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), autophagy, and DNA repair. UBXN1 is thought to regulate p97’s activity by modulating its ATPase cycle or substrate recruitment, thereby influencing proteasomal degradation pathways. Its role in ERAD involves recognizing and processing misfolded proteins tagged with ubiquitin for destruction, linking it to cellular stress responses and quality control mechanisms.
Antibodies targeting UBXN1 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and interactions in various biological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence to investigate UBXN1’s involvement in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and myopathies, where p97-related pathways are dysregulated. Validation of UBXN1 antibodies often includes testing in knockout cell lines or tissues to confirm specificity. Research utilizing these antibodies has highlighted UBXN1’s regulatory roles in apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and viral infection responses, underscoring its broader significance in maintaining proteostatic balance and cellular health.