Rat Aconitase 1 (ACO1) ELISA Kit

Background

Aconitase 1 (ACO1) is a dual-function iron-sulfur protein located in the cytoplasm, acting as both an enzyme and an iron-responsive element-binding protein (IRP1). As an enzyme, ACO1 catalyzes the reversible isomerization of citrate to isocitrate via cis-aconitate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, contributing to cellular energy production. Under low iron conditions, ACO1 switches to its role as IRP1, binding to iron-responsive elements (IREs) in mRNAs to regulate the expression of genes involved in iron metabolism, such as ferritin and transferrin receptor. This functional versatility allows ACO1 to coordinate cellular energy metabolism and iron homeostasis. Dysregulation of ACO1 is implicated in disorders related to iron overload or deficiency, as well as oxidative stress-induced damage in neurodegenerative diseases.