KCNE1 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily E member 1) is a regulatory subunit that modulates the function of voltage-gated potassium channels, particularly the KCNQ1 channel. Together, they form the slowly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs), which is critical for cardiac action potential repolarization. Mutations in KCNE1 are associated with cardiac arrhythmias, such as long QT syndrome and familial atrial fibrillation, making it a key target in cardiovascular research.
KCNE1 antibodies are essential tools for studying the expression, localization, and interaction of KCNE1 with other ion channel subunits. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to investigate KCNE1's role in health and disease. Researchers employ them to analyze tissue-specific distribution, quantify protein levels in disease models, or explore post-translational modifications influencing channel activity.
Commercial KCNE1 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes of human or murine KCNE1. with cross-reactivity validated in common experimental species. Validation steps, such as knockout controls or siRNA knockdown, are crucial to ensure specificity due to potential homology with other KCNE family members. Reliable KCNE1 antibodies advance mechanistic insights into arrhythmogenic disorders and support drug discovery efforts targeting potassium channel dysfunction.