The BCL2L2 antibody targets the BCL2-like 2 protein (BCL2L2), also known as BCL-W, a member of the BCL-2 family of apoptosis regulators. BCL-W is an anti-apoptotic protein that promotes cell survival by binding and neutralizing pro-apoptotic family members like BAX and BAK, thereby preventing mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and caspase activation. It is broadly expressed in tissues, with elevated levels observed in certain cancers, including colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers, where it contributes to tumor progression and chemoresistance.
Antibodies against BCL2L2 are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and interactions in both physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess BCL-W levels in cell lines, tissues, or clinical samples. Such studies help elucidate its role in apoptosis regulation, cancer biology, and potential as a therapeutic target. For instance, BCL2L2 antibodies aid in evaluating the efficacy of BH3-mimetic drugs designed to disrupt anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein functions.
Research using BCL2L2 antibodies has also explored its involvement in non-cancerous conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders, where dysregulated apoptosis pathways may contribute to pathogenesis. These antibodies are essential for advancing both basic research and preclinical drug development targeting BCL-W-mediated survival mechanisms.