SNAI1 Antibody

Snail Family Zinc Finger 1, commonly referred to as SNAI1 or Snail, is a zinc finger transcriptional repressor. This protein plays a crucial role in the regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) during embryonic development. EMT is a process where epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion properties, gaining migratory and invasive characteristics to become mesenchymal stem cells. This transition is essential for various developmental processes, including mesoderm formation and wound healing.

The SNAI1 gene is located on chromosome 20 in humans and chromosome 2 in mice. The gene encodes a nuclear protein that is structurally similar to the Drosophila Snail protein. The protein contains several zinc finger domains, which are critical for its function as a transcriptional repressor. These zinc finger domains allow SNAI1 to bind to specific DNA sequences, known as E-boxes, in the promoter regions of target genes.

SNAI1 primarily functions by repressing the expression of E-cadherin, an adhesion molecule that maintains the epithelial phenotype. By binding to the E-cadherin promoter, SNAI1 inhibits its transcription, leading to the disassembly of adherens junctions and the subsequent loss of epithelial characteristics. This repression is facilitated by the recruitment of histone demethylase complexes, which modify chromatin structure to suppress gene expression.

In addition to E-cadherin, SNAI1 also regulates other genes involved in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization, such as claudin-7 (CLDN7) and keratin-8 (KRT8). The coordinated repression of these genes by SNAI1 is essential for the induction of EMT and the formation of mesenchymal cells.

During embryonic development, SNAI1 is critical for the formation and maintenance of the mesoderm, a middle layer of cells that gives rise to various tissues, including muscle, bone, and blood. The protein is also involved in the regulation of cell migration and survival, processes that are vital for proper embryogenesis.

In the context of disease, aberrant expression of SNAI1 has been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. The ability of SNAI1 to induce EMT and promote cell migration makes it a key player in the dissemination of cancer cells from primary tumors to distant sites. Elevated levels of SNAI1 have been observed in various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, where it is associated with poor prognosis and increased metastatic potential.

Mouse anti-human SNAI1 antibodies are commonly used in research to study the expression and function of SNAI1 in human cells. These antibodies are generated by immunizing mice with human SNAI1 protein or peptides, leading to the production of specific antibodies that can recognize and bind to human SNAI1. These antibodies are valuable tools for various applications, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation, allowing researchers to investigate the role of SNAI1 in different biological contexts.