KPNA2 (Karyopherin Alpha 2), also known as importin subunit alpha-1. is a member of the importin α family responsible for nucleocytoplasmic transport. It facilitates the nuclear import of proteins containing classical nuclear localization signals (NLS) by forming a heterodimeric complex with importin β1. KPNA2 plays critical roles in regulating cell cycle progression, gene expression, and signal transduction by mediating the nuclear transport of transcription factors (e.g., p53. c-Myc) and other cargo proteins. Its expression is tightly controlled during normal cellular processes but is frequently dysregulated in cancers. Overexpression of KPNA2 has been linked to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in multiple cancers, including breast, lung, ovarian, and hepatocellular carcinomas, making it a potential oncogenic biomarker and therapeutic target.
KPNA2 antibodies are widely used in research to detect protein expression, localization, and interactions. They enable applications such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation. These antibodies help elucidate KPNA2's role in disease mechanisms, particularly its involvement in cancer progression through aberrant nuclear transport of oncoproteins. Recent studies also explore KPNA2's relevance in viral infections, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Commercial KPNA2 antibodies are typically developed against specific epitopes, with validation across species and sample types. Researchers must verify antibody specificity using knockout controls due to homology among importin α isoforms. As interest grows in targeting nuclear transport pathways for therapy, KPNA2 antibodies remain vital tools for diagnostic and functional studies.