Claudin-2 (CLDN2) is a key protein component of tight junctions, specialized cell-cell adhesion structures that regulate paracellular permeability and maintain polarity in epithelial and endothelial tissues. As a member of the claudin family, CLDN2 forms selective channels for cations and small molecules, particularly in leaky epithelia such as the kidney proximal tubule and gastrointestinal tract. Its expression is tightly regulated and often associated with physiological ion transport, tissue homeostasis, and barrier function.
CLDN2 antibodies are critical tools for studying its localization, expression patterns, and functional roles in health and disease. Research has linked CLDN2 dysregulation to pathological conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver fibrosis, and cancers (e.g., colorectal, breast, and pancreatic), where overexpression may promote proliferation, metastasis, or chemoresistance. Antibodies against CLDN2 enable detection via techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, aiding in biomarker discovery and mechanistic studies.
Recent studies also explore CLDN2 as a therapeutic target, with antibodies potentially modulating tight junction dynamics or signaling pathways. However, challenges remain in understanding isoform-specific functions and context-dependent roles. CLDN2 antibodies thus serve as essential reagents for unraveling its contributions to epithelial biology and disease pathogenesis.