STARD5 (UniProt ID: Q9H0Z9) is a 213-amino acid protein containing a conserved START domain that binds cholesterol and oxysterols. Key features:
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 24 kDa |
| Tissue Expression | Liver > Kidney > Macrophages |
| Subcellular Location | Endoplasmic reticulum & plasma membrane |
| Key Ligands | Cholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol |
STARD5 regulates cholesterol distribution between cellular membranes and modulates lipid homeostasis through its sterol-binding capacity .
STARD5 antibodies have enabled critical discoveries in metabolic research:
These applications demonstrate the antibody's utility in detecting:
Protein expression levels under dietary challenges
Subcellular localization changes during ER stress
Tissue-specific expression patterns
Recent publications validate antibody performance:
MOI 10: 3.2× baseline expression
MOI 50: 6.7× baseline expression
(Immunoblot quantification from primary hepatocyte studies)
Critical Validation Parameters:
Specificity: No cross-reactivity with STARD4/6 in knockout controls
Epitope Recognition: Confirmed via mass spec of immunoprecipitates
STARD5 antibodies revealed pathological correlations:
| Parameter | StarD5 −/− vs WT | Rescue Effect |
|---|---|---|
| HOMA-IR Score | 5.8 vs 2.1 (+176%) | Reduced to 3.2 (-45%) |
| Hepatic Cholesterol | 58 vs 34 mg/g (+70%) | 42 mg/g (-28%) |
| Plasma VLDL | 22 vs 40 mg/dL (-45%) | 35 mg/dL (+59%) |
| Fibrosis Stage | 2.3 vs 0.8 (ND) | Not reversed |
Data from WD-fed murine models demonstrates STARD5's role in lipid regulation and disease progression .
Current antibody limitations:
Limited multiplex compatibility in FFPE tissues
No validated phospho-specific variants available
Cross-reactivity with murine STARD5 only (non-human primate data lacking)
Recent advances include CRISPR-validated monoclonal antibodies showing improved signal-to-noise ratios in hepatic steatosis models .
Emerging applications:
High-content screening for lipid-modifying therapeutics
Single-cell resolution mapping in fibrotic niches
Companion diagnostics for MASLD/MASH clinical trials
Research suggests that STARD5, along with its counterparts StarD4 and StarD6, share a similar lipid binding pocket, particularly for sterols, but differ in their regulation and localization.