CoraLite® Plus 488-conjugated TOM20 Polyclonal antibody

Background

 TOM20 (KIAA0016) belongs to the Tom family. It is a subunit of the mitochondrial import receptor (PMID: 7584026), whose main role is to translocate cytosolically synthesized mitochondrial proteins through the outer mitochondrial membrane and subsequently facilitate the movement of proteins into the TOM40 translocation pore complex (PMID: 21173275).

 What is the molecular weight of TOM20? 

 It is a short 16.3 kDa protein containing several highly conserved regions, including the transmembrane segment, the ligand-binding domain, and flexible segments at the N terminus and the C terminus of the protein crucial for its function (PMID: 15733919).

 What is the subcellular localization of TOM20?

 It specifically localizes in the mitochondrial outer membrane. In malignant cells, strong granular staining in the cytoplasm has been observed.

 What is the tissue specificity of TOM20?

 It is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, with a particularly high expression in the brain, thyroid, and pancreas.

 What is the function of TOM20 in the mitochondrial membrane?

 Mitochondrial preproteins are generally synthesized in the cytoplasm with signal or targeting sequences, which are recognized by specific receptors on the outer mitochondrial membrane. TOM20, as one of the components of the TOM40 complex, specifically recognizes pre-sequences on target proteins or their unfolded forms. In addition to its translocase activity, TOM20 may act as a chaperone preventing these proteins from aggregation at the surface of mitochondria (PMID: 14699115).

 What is TOM20's involvement in disease?

 Diseases linked to the misregulation of TOM20 include Perry Syndrome and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation 2A. Numerous studies also associate deregulation of TOM20 with an array of mitochondrial dysfunctions and mitophagy defects (PMIDs: 30254015, 30160596).