Mouse Monoclonal MITF Antibody

The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a key regulator in the development, differentiation, and survival of melanocytes, as well as in pigment synthesis. Belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) family, MITF controls the expression of genes critical for melanogenesis (e.g., tyrosinase, TYR) and cell cycle progression. It is also implicated in various cancers, notably melanoma, where it can act as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor, depending on context. MITF exists in multiple isoforms (MITF-M, -A, -H, etc.), with MITF-M being melanocyte-specific. Antibodies targeting MITF are widely used in research and diagnostics to identify MITF-expressing cells in tissues, aiding in the classification of melanocytic tumors (e.g., distinguishing melanoma from other malignancies) and studying diseases linked to MITF dysfunction, such as Waardenburg syndrome. In melanoma research, MITF antibodies help assess tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Additionally, MITF’s role in osteoclasts and retinal pigment epithelium expands its relevance to bone biology and ocular disorders. These antibodies are essential tools in techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, supporting both basic research and clinical applications targeting MITF-related pathways.