PTK2B (Protein Tyrosine Kinase 2 Beta), also known as PYK2 or FAK2. is a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) family. It plays critical roles in cell signaling, particularly in calcium-regulated pathways, cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. PTK2B is activated by intracellular calcium influx, inflammatory cytokines, and stress signals, interacting with integrins, Src-family kinases, and cytoskeletal proteins to regulate cellular responses. Its dysregulation has been implicated in neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where PTK2B interacts with tau protein and amyloid-beta plaques, contributing to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Genome-wide association studies also link PTK2B genetic variants to AD susceptibility. In cancer, PTK2B overexpression correlates with tumor metastasis, drug resistance, and poor prognosis by promoting survival signaling in malignant cells.
PTK2B antibodies are essential tools for detecting and studying this kinase’s expression, activation (e.g., phosphorylation at Tyr402), and localization in tissues or cell lines. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to explore PTK2B’s role in disease mechanisms or therapeutic targeting. Researchers employ these antibodies to validate PTK2B as a potential biomarker or to assess the efficacy of kinase inhibitors in preclinical models. Given its dual role in neurodegeneration and oncology, PTK2B remains a focal point for developing targeted therapies, underscoring the importance of high-specificity antibodies in both basic and translational research.