The insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) antibody is a crucial tool for studying the IRS2 protein, a central mediator in insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathways. IRS2 belongs to the IRS family of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins, which transmit signals from activated cell surface receptors to intracellular effectors. It plays a vital role in regulating metabolic homeostasis, cell growth, survival, and differentiation. Dysregulation of IRS2 is implicated in metabolic disorders (e.g., type 2 diabetes, obesity), cancer progression, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
IRS2 antibodies are designed to detect specific epitopes of the IRS2 protein, enabling researchers to study its expression, localization, and post-translational modifications. These antibodies are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation. Polyclonal and monoclonal variants are available, often raised in hosts like rabbits or mice. Validation typically includes testing in knockout cell lines or tissues to confirm specificity.
Research applications focus on IRS2's dual role in metabolism and oncogenesis. For example, IRS2 overexpression is linked to cancer cell proliferation and therapy resistance, while its deficiency correlates with insulin resistance. When using IRS2 antibodies, experimental conditions (e.g., tissue type, fixation methods) must be optimized to avoid cross-reactivity with homologous proteins like IRS1. Commercial antibodies often provide datasheets detailing validated species reactivity and recommended protocols.