TOMM22 (Translocase of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 22) is a core component of the mitochondrial protein import machinery, primarily forming part of the TOM complex. This complex facilitates the recognition and translocation of nuclear-encoded proteins into mitochondria, a critical process for mitochondrial function and cellular energy production. As a central receptor subunit, TOMM22 anchors precursor proteins and coordinates with other TOM components (e.g., TOMM20. TOMM40) to ensure proper protein sorting across the outer mitochondrial membrane.
Antibodies targeting TOMM22 are widely used in research to study mitochondrial structure, biogenesis, and dysfunction. They serve as reliable markers for identifying mitochondrial outer membrane integrity in techniques like Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. In disease contexts, TOMM22 expression or localization alterations have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease), cancer (mitochondrial metabolism dysregulation), and metabolic syndromes. Additionally, these antibodies help investigate mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, and quality control pathways, as disrupted protein import is associated with cellular stress responses.
Commercial TOMM22 antibodies are typically raised against conserved epitopes (human, mouse, rat), ensuring cross-species applicability. Validation often includes mitochondrial fractionation assays to confirm specificity. Researchers rely on TOMM22 antibodies to explore mitochondrial health in aging, drug toxicity, and genetic models, making them essential tools in cell biology and translational studies.