Mouse Monoclonal ATG14L Antibody

ATG14L (Autophagy-Related 14-Like), also known as Barkor or ATG14. is a key regulatory protein in autophagy, a cellular degradation process essential for maintaining homeostasis. It serves as a critical component of the Beclin 1-VPS34 complex, which drives autophagosome formation by generating phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) to recruit downstream autophagy machinery. ATG14L specifically directs this complex to autophagic membranes, distinguishing its role in autophagy from other PI3K-III complexes involved in endocytic trafficking. Antibodies targeting ATG14L are vital tools for studying autophagy mechanisms, enabling researchers to detect protein expression, localization, and interactions via techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. These antibodies help elucidate ATG14L’s regulatory functions, such as its phosphorylation-dependent activity and role in stress responses. Dysregulation of ATG14L is linked to diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes, making its study clinically relevant. Commercial ATG14L antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, such as the N-terminal coiled-coil domain or C-terminal BATS domain, with validation in knockout models to ensure specificity. Researchers must verify antibody compatibility with their experimental systems (e.g., species, isoforms) to avoid cross-reactivity with homologous proteins like UVRAG, another Beclin 1 complex component.