ADAM2 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 2), also known as PH-30β or Fertilin β, is a member of the ADAM family of transmembrane proteins, which are characterized by their roles in cell adhesion, proteolysis, and cell signaling. Initially identified in reproductive tissues, ADAM2 is best known for its critical function in sperm-egg fusion during fertilization. It localizes to the sperm surface and interacts with egg membrane proteins, facilitating membrane binding and fusion. Structurally, ADAM2 contains conserved domains, including a prodomain, metalloprotease-like domain, disintegrin domain, cysteine-rich region, and transmembrane segment, though its metalloprotease activity remains inactive due to catalytic site mutations.
Antibodies targeting ADAM2 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in reproductive biology and beyond. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate ADAM2’s role in fertility, as well as its potential implications in cancer, immune regulation, and neurological disorders. Some studies suggest ADAM2 may influence cell migration or signaling in non-reproductive contexts. Commercially available ADAM2 antibodies include both monoclonal and polyclonal variants, often validated for specificity in human, mouse, or rat models. Researchers should optimize experimental conditions (e.g., tissue pretreatment, antibody dilution) to avoid cross-reactivity with other ADAM family members. Dysregulation of ADAM2 has been linked to male infertility, making its antibodies valuable in clinical diagnostics and therapeutic research.