ACAA2 (Acetyl-CoA Acyltransferase 2) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in lipid metabolism, specifically the β-oxidation of fatty acids. It catalyzes the final step of this pathway, cleaving medium-chain fatty acyl-CoA into acetyl-CoA and a shortened acyl-CoA molecule, which is critical for energy production. ACAA2 is encoded by the ACAA2 gene located on human chromosome 18q21.1 and shares structural homology with other thiolases in its family, featuring conserved catalytic residues.
Research on ACAA2 antibodies has gained attention due to their utility in studying metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Dysregulation of ACAA2 expression has been linked to impaired fatty acid oxidation, contributing to conditions like mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. In cancer, altered ACAA2 levels are associated with tumor progression and metabolic reprogramming.
Antibodies targeting ACAA2 are essential tools for detecting protein expression via Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence. They help elucidate its tissue distribution (e.g., high expression in liver, heart, and kidney) and subcellular localization. Commercial ACAA2 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, such as recombinant protein fragments, and validated for specificity. Recent studies also explore ACAA2's role in cellular stress responses, making these antibodies valuable for both diagnostic and mechanistic research in metabolic and oncogenic pathways.