The HHIPL2 antibody is a research tool designed to detect Hedgehog-interacting protein-like 2 (HHIPL2), a lesser-characterized member of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. HHIPL2 shares structural homology with Hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP), a known regulator of Hh ligand activity, but its precise biological role remains under investigation. The Hh pathway is critical in embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer progression, with dysregulation linked to malignancies and developmental disorders. HHIPL2 is hypothesized to modulate Hh signaling by interacting with ligands like Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), though its exact mechanism—whether as a facilitator or inhibitor—requires further validation.
This antibody enables researchers to study HHIPL2's expression patterns, subcellular localization, and potential involvement in diseases. It finds applications in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence across human and model organism tissues. Emerging studies suggest HHIPL2 may serve as a biomarker in certain cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, where its overexpression correlates with clinical outcomes. However, conflicting reports about its pro- or anti-tumorigenic effects highlight the need for standardized detection tools like specific antibodies to resolve functional ambiguities. Current research focuses on clarifying HHIPL2's dual roles in physiological and pathological contexts, leveraging this antibody to explore its therapeutic potential in Hh-driven disorders.