EAAT1 (Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 1), also known as GLAST (Glutamate Aspartate Transporter), is a sodium-dependent transporter critical for regulating extracellular glutamate levels in the central nervous system. As a member of the SLC1A family, it is primarily expressed in astrocytes, where it facilitates the uptake of synaptic glutamate to prevent excitotoxicity and maintain neural homeostasis. Dysregulation of EAAT1 is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., ALS, Alzheimer’s) and neurological disorders, making it a key research target.
EAAT1 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to visualize EAAT1 distribution in tissues or cultured cells. Specificity is crucial, as cross-reactivity with other EAAT subtypes (e.g., EAAT2/GLT-1) can occur; validation using knockout models or siRNA is recommended. Researchers employ these antibodies to investigate EAAT1 alterations in disease models (e.g., stroke, epilepsy) or under pharmacological modulation. Additionally, EAAT1’s role in cancer metabolism has spurred interest, as some tumors exploit glutamate transporters for growth.
When selecting EAAT1 antibodies, factors like species reactivity (human, rodent), clonality (monoclonal vs. polyclonal), and host species (rabbit, mouse) should align with experimental needs. Their applications span basic neuroscience, drug discovery, and diagnostic research, underscoring their versatility in both mechanistic and translational studies.