TCN2 (Transcobalamin II) is a key plasma protein responsible for the transport of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) into cells. It binds to dietary vitamin B12 in the intestines and facilitates its absorption into the bloodstream, after which the TCN2-B12 complex is internalized by cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. This process is critical for cellular functions, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological health.
Antibodies targeting TCN2 are essential tools for studying its expression, distribution, and role in vitamin B12 metabolism. They are widely used in immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, Western blot) to quantify TCN2 levels in serum or tissues, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like vitamin B12 deficiency, congenital TCN2 defects, or autoimmune disorders where anti-TCN2 autoantibodies may impair vitamin uptake. Research applications also include investigating TCN2's involvement in cancer progression, as some tumors overexpress TCN2 to meet high metabolic demands.
Commercial TCN2 antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with validation in specificity and cross-reactivity across species (human, mouse, rat). Their development has advanced understanding of cobalamin-related pathologies and therapeutic strategies, such as targeted drug delivery systems leveraging TCN2 receptors.