The ERI1 (Exoribonuclease 1) antibody is a tool used to detect ERI1. a conserved 3'→5' exoribonuclease involved in RNA metabolism. ERI1. also known as THEX1 or 3'hExo, contains an N-terminal SAP (SAF-A/B, Acinus, PIAS) domain and a C-terminal PIN (PilT N-terminal) domain, which mediate RNA binding and catalytic activity, respectively. It plays roles in RNA processing, degradation, and quality control, including trimming 3' ends of histone mRNAs and regulating small RNA pathways.
In *C. elegans*, ERI1 negatively regulates the endogenous RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, and its loss enhances RNAi sensitivity. In mammals, ERI1 is essential for embryonic development and associates with epigenetic regulators, influencing histone modification and gene expression. Dysregulation of ERI1 is linked to diseases; for example, reduced ERI1 expression correlates with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), possibly due to defective RNA clearance and immune activation. Conversely, its overexpression is observed in certain cancers, suggesting a role in oncogenesis.
ERI1 antibodies are widely used in research to study its expression, localization, and interactions via techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. These studies help elucidate ERI1's molecular mechanisms in RNA homeostasis, development, and disease. Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are available, validated for specificity across species, including human, mouse, and rat models. Understanding ERI1's functions through antibody-based assays contributes to insights into RNA biology and therapeutic targeting.