FUNDC1 Antibody: ATTO 488

FUNDC1 (FUN14 domain-containing protein 1) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein that functions as a mitophagy receptor, playing a critical role in the selective clearance of damaged mitochondria. Mitophagy is essential for maintaining mitochondrial quality control, especially in neurons, which are highly dependent on mitochondrial integrity for energy production, calcium buffering, and synaptic function. Under stress conditions such as hypoxia or oxidative damage, FUNDC1 interacts with LC3 through its LC3-interacting region (LIR) motif, initiating the engulfment of dysfunctional mitochondria by autophagosomes. This process is tightly regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events that modulate FUNDC1’s activity and binding affinity. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), impaired mitophagy contributes to the accumulation of defective mitochondria, increased oxidative stress, and neuronal death. Dysregulation of FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy has been linked to mitochondrial fragmentation, disrupted energy metabolism, and neuroinflammation—key features of neurodegenerative pathology. FUNDC1 also participates in mitochondrial dynamics by interacting with proteins involved in fission and fusion, further influencing neuronal survival and plasticity. Its role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis positions FUNDC1 as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in neurodegeneration. Targeting FUNDC1 to enhance mitophagy may offer a novel strategy to restore mitochondrial function and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

A 1:1000 dilution of SPC-638 was sufficient for detection of FUNDC1 in 15 µg of rat liver cell lysates by ECL immunoblot analysis using goat anti-rabbit IgG:HRP as the secondary antibody.