MSL1 Antibody / Male-specific lethal 1, 100 ug

MSL1 antibody detects Male-specific lethal 1 homolog, a chromatin-associated protein that forms part of the MSL (male-specific lethal) complex responsible for histone acetylation and dosage compensation. Originally discovered in Drosophila, the human MSL complex includes MSL1, MSL2, MSL3, and the histone acetyltransferase KAT8 (also known as MOF). Together, these proteins catalyze histone H4 lysine 16 acetylation, a mark associated with transcriptional activation. The MSL1 antibody is widely used in chromatin biology and epigenetic regulation studies to explore histone modification and gene dosage balance.

MSL1 is encoded by the MSL1 gene located on human chromosome Xq28. The protein is approximately 618 amino acids long and contains coiled-coil regions that mediate interactions with MSL2 and MSL3, stabilizing the MSL complex structure. MSL1 localizes primarily to euchromatic regions of the nucleus and contributes to the spreading of acetylated histone marks along active genes. The protein serves as a scaffold, ensuring the recruitment and correct assembly of other MSL subunits onto chromatin.

The MSL1 antibody detects a 75 kilodalton band by western blot and demonstrates nuclear staining in cells undergoing active transcription. Through its role in facilitating KAT8-dependent histone H4 acetylation, MSL1 influences global chromatin accessibility and transcriptional output. Loss of MSL1 disrupts histone acetylation patterns and leads to altered gene expression profiles, particularly affecting dosage-sensitive genes on the X chromosome.

Beyond its role in dosage compensation, MSL1 participates in general transcriptional regulation across autosomes. It has been linked to stem cell differentiation, stress responses, and genome organization. Abnormal expression or mutation of MSL1 alters chromatin structure and is associated with cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. As a regulator of chromatin state, MSL1 bridges histone modification machinery with transcriptional control mechanisms that shape epigenetic identity.

Because of its central function in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activation, MSL1 serves as a valuable marker for studies of epigenetic regulation, gene dosage balance, and histone acetylation. NSJ Bioreagents provides a validated MSL1 antibody optimized for its applications, supporting research into histone modification, dosage compensation, and nuclear organization.