The ANK2 antibody targets ankyrin-B, a member of the ankyrin family of adaptor proteins critical for anchoring membrane proteins to the cytoskeleton. Ankyrin-B (encoded by the ANK2 gene) is ubiquitously expressed but particularly abundant in cardiac, neuronal, and muscular tissues. It plays a pivotal role in organizing ion channels, transporters, and cell adhesion molecules by linking them to the β-spectrin-actin network, ensuring proper cellular excitability, signaling, and structural stability.
Research on ANK2 antibodies has been driven by ANK2's association with human diseases. Mutations in ANK2 are linked to cardiac arrhythmias, including long QT syndrome type 4 (LQT4) and atrial fibrillation, as well as neurological disorders like autism and Alzheimer’s disease. In cancer, ANK2 dysregulation correlates with altered cell motility and metastasis. The ANK2 antibody is thus widely used in studies to detect ankyrin-B expression, assess its localization, and explore pathological mechanisms in disease models.
ANK2 antibodies are applied in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Their specificity helps validate protein expression in tissues or cultured cells, aiding in functional studies. Additionally, they serve as tools to investigate post-translational modifications or interactions with binding partners. As ankyrin-B’s roles in disease pathogenesis gain attention, ANK2 antibodies have potential as diagnostic or therapeutic biomarkers, particularly in cardiovascular and neurological research.