The ATP1B2 antibody targets the beta-2 subunit (β2) of the Na+/K+ ATPase, a critical ion transporter responsible for maintaining electrochemical gradients across cell membranes. This subunit, encoded by the ATP1B2 gene, plays a regulatory role in the enzyme’s activity, stability, and membrane localization by interacting with the alpha subunit. ATP1B2 is predominantly expressed in astrocytes, the inner ear, and specific brain regions, such as the cerebellum, where it supports ion homeostasis and cellular excitability.
Research on ATP1B2 has highlighted its involvement in neurological and auditory functions. Mutations or dysregulation of ATP1B2 are linked to hearing loss and neurological disorders, including epilepsy and glioblastoma. In the inner ear, ATP1B2 deficiency disrupts endolymphatic potential, impairing auditory signal transduction. In cancer, elevated ATP1B2 expression in glioblastoma correlates with tumor progression and therapy resistance.
ATP1B2 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying the β2 subunit in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. They enable studies on protein localization, expression patterns, and interactions in both normal and diseased tissues. These antibodies also aid in exploring molecular mechanisms underlying ion transport disorders and developing targeted therapies. Their specificity and reliability make them valuable in both basic research and clinical diagnostics.