mtTFA Antibody

Overview

mtTFA Antibody is a research-use antibody directed against MTTFA. It is supplied for use in common immunoassay contexts such as WB, IHC-P, FACS (RUO).

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: MTTFA.
• Description (provided): wn as TCF6 or TCF6L2, is a 162-amino acid protein that activates transcription of each mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) strand by binding to an element of approximately 30 nucleotides present in both the light-strand and the heavy-strand promoters.
• Antibody type: Mouse, clone 4D9, Mouse IgG2b.
• Format: Antigen affinity purified; Affinity purified.
• Reported/predicted localization: Cytoplasmic.
• Species reactivity: tested: Human.
• Immunogen (if provided): Amino acids EMKSWEEQMIEVGRKDLLRRTIKKQRKY were used as the immunogen for the mtTFA antibody..

The information above helps you match the antibody format to your assay context, interpret species-dependent differences, and anticipate how epitope context (isoforms, PTMs, or conformational state) may influence signal.

Biological background

TFAM (Transcription factor A, mitochondrial), also known as TCF6 or TCF6L2, is a 162-amino acid protein that activates transcription of each mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) strand by binding to an element of approximately 30 nucleotides present in both the light-strand and the heavy-strand promoters. By Southern blot analysis of restriction enzyme digests of human/Chinese hamster somatic cell hybrid lines, Milatovich et al. (1992) mapped TFAM sequences, which they called MTTF1, to 3 different chromosomes: chromosomes 10, 7p, and 11q. By PCR-based screening of a somatic cell hybrid panel and by fluorescence in situ hybridization, Scott (2007) stated that the sequences mapped to chromosomes 7p (TCF6L1) and 11q (MTTF1, or TCF6L3) are pseudogenes. Larsson et al. (1997) mapped the mouse mitochondrial transcription factor A gene (Tfam) to the central part of mouse chromosome 10. This region exhibits syntenic homology with human 10q21. Mitochondrial transcription factor A is a key activator of mitochondrial transcription in mammals. It also has a role in mitochondrial DNA replication, since transcription generates an RNA primer necessary for initiation of mtDNA replication.

For curated annotations (gene/protein naming, domains, isoforms, and pathway links) for MTTFA, consult primary databases such as UniProt, NCBI Gene, and Ensembl.

Research relevance and current trends

• Context-dependent expression studies: researchers often examine MTTFA abundance and localization across perturbations (genetic, pharmacologic, or environmental) to connect phenotype to molecular changes.
• Reagent reproducibility: there is growing emphasis on antibody specificity checks using orthogonal approaches (e.g., genetic perturbation or independent antibodies) and transparent reporting of clone/lot information.
• Multi-modal datasets: antibody-based readouts are increasingly combined with transcriptomics and imaging to relate protein-level measurements to cell-state transitions.

Common research applications

• Western blotting (immunoblot) for relative detection of target protein abundance and apparent molecular weight.
• Immunohistochemistry for spatial mapping of target expression across tissues and cell types.
• FACS: commonly used to detect or compare MTTFA across experimental conditions (conceptual guidance only).

When comparing conditions, interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, expected localization, and any known isoform complexity for the target.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Isoforms and PTMs: alternative splicing or post-translational modifications can change epitope accessibility and apparent molecular weight; interpret bands/signals accordingly.
• Cross-reactivity and matrix effects: background binding can vary by sample type, species, and blocking/detection chemistries; include appropriate negative controls.
• Control concepts: where feasible, use genetic perturbation (KO/KD/overexpression), orthogonal assays, or independent antibodies to support specificity claims.

Antibody considerations: Polyclonal reagents may recognize multiple epitopes and can increase sensitivity but may show broader binding profiles, while monoclonal clones provide a single-epitope readout that can improve consistency across experiments. If a conjugate is listed, the antibody supports more direct detection workflows; otherwise, it is typically used with a compatible secondary antibody.

Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.