**Background of SOX2 Antibody**
SOX2 (SRY-related HMG-box 2) is a transcription factor critical for maintaining pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells and neural progenitor cells. It belongs to the SOX gene family, characterized by a conserved high-mobility group (HMG) domain that binds DNA to regulate gene expression. SOX2 plays essential roles in early embryogenesis, neurodevelopment, and cellular reprogramming. Dysregulation of SOX2 is linked to developmental disorders and cancers, including glioblastoma, lung cancer, and squamous cell carcinomas, where it often acts as an oncogene.
SOX2 antibodies are immunological tools designed to detect and study the expression, localization, and function of SOX2 protein in research and diagnostics. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), Western blotting (WB), and flow cytometry. They aid in identifying SOX2-expressing cells, such as cancer stem cells or pluripotent stem cells, and assessing its role in tumor progression or tissue regeneration.
Validating SOX2 antibodies requires attention to specificity due to potential cross-reactivity with other SOX family members (e.g., SOX1. SOX3). High-quality antibodies are often verified using knockout cell lines or siRNA-mediated silencing. Commercial SOX2 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice against epitopes within the N-terminal transactivation or C-terminal regulatory regions. Their applications span developmental biology, cancer research, and regenerative medicine, providing insights into SOX2’s dual roles in normal physiology and disease.