WNK2 (With No Lysine [K] 2) is a member of the WNK serine/threonine kinase family, which regulates ion transport and cellular signaling. Unlike other WNK kinases, WNK2 is widely expressed in tissues, including the brain, kidney, and cardiovascular system. It modulates ion channels and transporters, such as the Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC) and renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK), influencing electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Dysregulation of WNK2 has been implicated in hypertension, neurological disorders, and cancer.
WNK2 antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. They enable detection of WNK2 in western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding research into its physiological and pathological roles. For instance, WNK2 is epigenetically silenced in some cancers (e.g., glioblastoma, colorectal cancer), and its loss correlates with tumor progression. Antibodies help validate these findings and explore WNK2’s tumor-suppressive mechanisms, such as inhibiting proliferation pathways (e.g., MEK/ERK).
Commercial WNK2 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes (e.g., N-terminal or kinase domains) and vary in specificity across species (human, mouse, rat). Challenges include cross-reactivity with other WNK isoforms, necessitating rigorous validation. Research using these antibodies continues to uncover WNK2’s role in cellular stress responses, neuronal development, and ion homeostasis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic or diagnostic target in diseases linked to kinase dysregulation.