Anti-Maelstrom Antibody

The mammalian homolog of the Drosophila protein Maelstrom is expressed in the male germline and localizes to the sex body in spermatocytes and the chromatoid body in round spermatids. Similar to its expression in Drosophila, Maelstrom is a component of nuages, a germ-cell specific organelle and is thought to be essential for spermatogenesis and transposon repression during meiosis. In humans, Maelstrom has been found to be expressed only in the testis and in various cancer cell lines. Treatment of these cell lines with the demethylating agent 5'-Aza-2-Deoxycytidine significantly upregulated Maelstrom levels, indicating that its expression is regulated by DNA methylation.

Maelstrom antibody was raised against a 16 amino acid synthetic peptide near the carboxy terminus of human Maelstrom. The immunogen is located within amino acids 30 - 80 of Maelstrom.

Plays a central role during spermatogenesis by repressing transposable elements and preventing their mobilization, which is essential for the germline integrity. Acts via the piRNA metabolic process, which mediates the repression of transposable elements during meiosis by forming complexes composed of piRNAs and Piwi proteins and governs the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons. Its association with piP- bodies suggests a participation in the secondary piRNAs metabolic process. Required for the localization of germ-cell factors to the meiotic nuage (By similarity) .

Maelstrom antibody can be stored at 4°C for three months and -20°C, stable for up to one year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Antibodies should not be exposed to prolonged high temperatures.