MITF Antibodies

Structure of MITF

The molecular weight of the MITF protein is approximately 54 to 65 kDa, with specific values varying due to different splicing isomers (such as MITF-M, MITF-A, etc.) and post-translational modifications (such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination). This protein belongs to the basic helical-ring-helical leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) family, and its structure includes conserved DNA binding regions, transcriptional activation domains, and multiple regulatory modules. The sequences and functions of MITF are highly conserved in different species, especially in mammals, where their core structures and DNA binding characteristics show significant similarities.

The MITF protein is composed of multiple functional domains, including the N-terminal transcriptional activation domain, the central bHLH-Zip domain (responsible for dimerization and DNA binding), and the C-terminal regulatory region. Its DNA binding target is the E-box or M-box sequence (5'-CATGTG-3'). The activity of this protein is strictly regulated by multiple signaling pathways (such as MAPK/ERK, WNT, cAMP), and phosphorylation modification can affect its stability, subcellular localization and transcriptional efficacy. MITF plays a core role in regulating differentiation and survival in various cell types, especially melanocytes, osteoclasts and retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Fig. 1 Overview of the main targets of MITF.¹

Key structural properties of MITF:

• Alkaline helical ring-helical leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) domain
• Multiple conserved transcriptional activation domains and regulatory regions
• Specific DNA binding sequences (E-box/M-box)
• Multiple post-translational modification sites such as phosphorylation and acetylation

Functions of MITF

The main function of the MITF gene is to regulate the expression of target genes as a transcription factor, influencing cell differentiation, survival and metabolism. Meanwhile, it is also involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including pigment synthesis, immune regulation and tumorigenesis.

MITF exerts transcriptional regulatory effects by binding to the E-box/M-box sequence (5'-CATGTG-3'), and its activity is precisely regulated by multiple signaling pathways and post-translational modifications, demonstrating its multifunctional and core biological functions in development and disease.

Applications of MITF and MITF Antibody in Literature

1. Gelmi, Maria Chiara, et al. "MITF in normal melanocytes, cutaneous and uveal melanoma: a delicate balance." International journal of molecular sciences 23.11 (2022): 6001. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23116001

The article indicates that MITF has a complex role in uveal melanoma (UM), and its expression deficiency is associated with the loss of BAP1 protein and poor prognosis. It may inhibit tumor invasion and inflammation, but promote local proliferation.

2. Chauhan, Jagat S., et al. "The MITF regulatory network in melanoma." Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research 35.5 (2022): 517-533. https://doi.org/10.1111/pcmr.13053

The article indicates that MITF is a key factor in the phenotypic regulation of melanoma. It activates proliferation genes by binding to E/M-box and interacts with factors such as AP1/JUN to inhibit invasion-related genes. Low expression of MITF promotes tumor immune infiltration and treatment resistance, and its state transition directly affects the malignant evolution of tumors.

3. Abrahamian, Carla, and Christian Grimm. "Endolysosomal cation channels and MITF in melanocytes and melanoma." Biomolecules 11.7 (2021): 1021. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11071021

The article indicates that MITF is a key regulatory factor of melanoma, and its activity is regulated by the MAPK and Wnt/GSK3 pathways. Studies have revealed that endosomal lysosomal cation channels (such as TPC2 and TRPML1) affect MITF through the above-mentioned pathways, thereby regulating tumor growth and invasion.

4. Lee, Aram, Jihyun Lim, and Jong-Seok Lim. "Emerging roles of MITF as a crucial regulator of immunity." Experimental & Molecular Medicine 56.2 (2024): 311-318. https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-024-01175-5

The article indicates that the MITF(E318K) variant is associated with the risk of cutaneous melanoma. Through systematic analysis, this study found that its association with the risk of non-melanoma cancer is weak, but it has a novel strong association with uterine carcinosarcoma (OR=9.24). It is recommended to update the cancer screening protocol for carriers of this variant.

5. Lai, et al. "SOX10, MITF, and microRNAs: Decoding their interplay in regulating melanoma plasticity." International Journal of Cancer (2025). https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.35499

Research has found that SOX10 and MITF form a gene regulatory network through miRNA. These network motifs regulate the phenotypic transformation, treatment resistance and metastasis process of melanoma through feedforward/feedback loops, providing a new perspective for the development of mirNA-targeted therapies.

Creative Biolabs: MITF Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality MITF antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

• Custom MITF Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
• Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
• Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
• Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our MITF antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.