The ISL2 antibody is a research tool targeting the ISL LIM homeobox 2 (ISL2) protein, a transcription factor critical in developmental biology. ISL2 belongs to the LIM-homeodomain family, characterized by two LIM zinc-binding domains and a DNA-binding homeodomain. It plays regulatory roles in cell differentiation, axon guidance, and tissue patterning, particularly in the nervous system. During embryogenesis, ISL2 is expressed in subsets of retinal ganglion cells, spinal motor neurons, and sensory neurons, where it influences cell fate determination and neuronal circuit formation.
ISL2 antibodies are widely used in immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blotting (WB) to study ISL2's spatial-temporal expression and function in developmental models. Researchers employ these antibodies to explore neurodevelopmental disorders, retinal degeneration, and motor neuron diseases. For instance, ISL2 knockdown or mutation studies link it to axonal pathfinding defects in the visual system and motor coordination impairments.
Commercial ISL2 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes in human or murine ISL2. validated for species cross-reactivity. Proper controls (e.g., knockout tissues) are essential to confirm specificity due to potential cross-reactivity with homologous proteins like ISL1. Recent studies also implicate ISL2 in cancer progression, expanding its relevance beyond developmental contexts. As a key marker in neuroscience and developmental research, ISL2 antibodies remain vital for dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying health and disease.