GGT1 (gamma-glutamyltransferase 1) antibodies are immunological tools used to detect and study the GGT1 enzyme, a cell membrane-associated protein involved in glutathione metabolism and amino acid transport. GGT1 catalyzes the cleavage of extracellular glutathione, facilitating cysteine recycling and maintaining intracellular redox balance. It is highly expressed in tissues with secretory or absorptive functions, such as the liver, kidney, and pancreas, and its dysregulation has been linked to oxidative stress-related pathologies, including liver disease, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer.
GGT1 antibodies are primarily employed in research to investigate the enzyme's expression, localization, and role in disease mechanisms. In oncology, elevated GGT1 levels are associated with tumor progression, drug resistance, and poor prognosis, making these antibodies valuable in cancer biomarker studies. They are also used in diagnostic settings to assess hepatic or biliary dysfunction.
Available as monoclonal or polyclonal forms, GGT1 antibodies are optimized for techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Validation includes specificity checks using knockout controls or recombinant proteins. Challenges in application may arise from cross-reactivity with other GGT isoforms or tissue-specific post-translational modifications. Recent studies explore GGT1's potential as a therapeutic target, driving demand for high-affinity antibodies in preclinical drug development.