The HSDL2 (Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase-Like 2) antibody is a tool used to study the HSDL2 protein, which belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily. HSDL2 is implicated in lipid metabolism, particularly in the regulation of cholesterol and steroid hormone biosynthesis. The gene encoding HSDL2 is located on human chromosome 9q32. and the protein is characterized by a Rossmann-fold structure typical of SDR enzymes, with conserved cofactor-binding motifs. Though its exact physiological role remains under investigation, HSDL2 is hypothesized to participate in intracellular signaling pathways linked to metabolic homeostasis and cellular stress responses.
Emerging studies suggest HSDL2's potential involvement in cancer progression, including prostate and liver cancers, where altered lipid metabolism often drives tumorigenesis. It may also interact with peroxisomal pathways, influencing oxidative stress modulation. The HSDL2 antibody is primarily utilized in research settings for detecting protein expression via Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence, aiding in the exploration of its tissue distribution, subcellular localization (e.g., cytoplasmic or peroxisomal), and disease-associated expression patterns. Validation of antibody specificity is critical, as cross-reactivity with other SDR members could confound results. Ongoing research aims to clarify HSDL2's mechanistic roles and therapeutic potential, positioning this antibody as a key reagent in metabolic and oncological studies.