The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes are key gatekeeper molecules that regulate the amount of dietary cholesterol retained by the body. They are a multifamily comprised of cAMP-dependent anion transporter cell membrane proteins that monitor reverse cholesterol efflux from cells into the peripheral tissues via apolipoprotein A-I (Apo). ABCG8 is expressed at high levels in the liver and intestine. Normal digestion is partially facilitated by ABCG8 and its counterpart ABCG5, which together complex into a heterodimer that transports cholesterol out of the liver and into bile. Unsurprisingly, ABCG8 mutations lead to sterol accumulation, gallstone disease, biliary cancer, hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerosis. Studies related to diabetes, heart disease, and digestive cancer will often assess the expression, function, and ABCG5-dependent interaction of ABCG8. Kobayashi’s group performed a western blot against an ABCA1 antibody to compare mechanisms driving the efflux of sphingomyelin, cholesterol, and phosphatidylcholine in response to ABCA1 versus ABCG11.
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence: ABCA1 Antibody
A German research group used an ABCA1 antibody in immunofluorescence to genetically and functionally map the causative variant for gallstone disease in a patient cohort from several countries2. Their study identifies a 250 kB disease-associated locus with two distinct ABCG5/8 variants – meshing postgenomic with pregenomic knowledge. Renner et al employed the ABCA1 antibody to help clarify the role of the ABCG8 19H risk allele3. Levy’s group used the ABCA1 antibody in their work on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in cholesterol metabolism and lipid transport4. They were able to show that PCSK9 not only degrades low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr), but also enhances cholesterol uptake and transport, as well as increase apoB biogenesis. Recent pharmacological studies from Canada were done with the ABCA1 antibody, where the CD36 selective ligand EP 80317 was shown to stimulate macrophage-to-feces reverse cholesterol transport5.
Novus Biologicals offers ABCA1 reagents for your research needs including:
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