The KCNH2 antibody is a crucial tool in cardiovascular research, targeting the KCNH2 protein encoded by the *KCNH2* gene (also known as *hERG*). This voltage-gated potassium channel, primarily expressed in cardiac tissue, plays a pivotal role in repolarizing cardiac action potentials by mediating the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (\(I_{Kr}\)). Dysfunction of KCNH2. often due to genetic mutations or drug-induced inhibition, is linked to life-threatening arrhythmias such as long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2) and sudden cardiac death.
KCNH2 antibodies are widely used to investigate channel expression, localization, and trafficking in both physiological and pathological contexts. They enable detection of KCNH2 via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding studies on channel assembly, post-translational modifications, and interactions with regulatory proteins. Commercially available antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, such as intracellular N- or C-terminal domains, with validation in human, rodent, or other model systems.
Research applications extend to drug safety assessments, as many pharmaceuticals unintentionally block KCNH2. prolonging QT intervals. Additionally, these antibodies support diagnostic workflows for genetic screening in familial arrhythmia syndromes. Recent advances also explore KCNH2's roles beyond the heart, including neuronal and cancer biology. However, users must verify antibody specificity due to potential cross-reactivity with related potassium channels or splice variants. Overall, KCNH2 antibodies remain indispensable for unraveling cardiac electrophysiology and developing targeted therapies.