The LAT2 antibody is a research tool designed to detect the L-type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2), a protein encoded by the *SLC7A8* gene. LAT2 belongs to the solute carrier (SLC) family and functions as a heterodimeric transporter, typically pairing with SLC3A2 (CD98hc) to facilitate the cellular uptake of neutral amino acids, such as leucine, phenylalanine, and glutamine. It plays a critical role in nutrient sensing, cell growth, and metabolic regulation, particularly in tissues like the kidney, placenta, and blood-brain barrier.
In cancer biology, LAT2 has garnered attention due to its overexpression in certain tumors, where it supports rapid proliferation by enhancing amino acid uptake. This makes it a potential biomarker or therapeutic target. LAT2 antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions in both normal and pathological states.
Research using LAT2 antibodies has also explored its involvement in drug resistance and crosstalk with oncogenic signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR). However, challenges remain in standardizing antibody specificity across experimental models. Continued development of validated LAT2 reagents is essential for advancing studies on amino acid metabolism in health and disease.