The HSD17B2 antibody targets the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD17B2), a member of the 17β-HSD family involved in steroid hormone metabolism. HSD17B2 primarily catalyzes the conversion of active sex steroids, such as estradiol (E2) and testosterone, into their less active forms (estrone and androstenedione, respectively), playing a critical role in regulating hormone balance in tissues. This enzyme is expressed in various organs, including the placenta, liver, prostate, and endometrium, where it modulates local hormone levels to maintain physiological functions. Dysregulation of HSD17B2 has been implicated in hormone-dependent pathologies, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast and prostate cancer).
The HSD17B2 antibody is widely used in research to investigate protein expression, localization, and function in cellular and tissue contexts. It enables detection via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Studies utilizing this antibody have contributed to understanding HSD17B2's role in steroid metabolism, its tissue-specific expression patterns, and its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target. Commercial HSD17B2 antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with validation data ensuring specificity for human, mouse, or rat isoforms. Researchers rely on this tool to explore hormonal regulation mechanisms and disease associations, advancing insights into endocrine health and disease.