**Background of Lrp2/Megalin Antibodies**
Lrp2 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2), also known as Megalin, is a large transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the LDL receptor family. It is primarily expressed in polarized epithelial cells, such as renal proximal tubules, alveolar epithelia, and the inner ear. Megalin functions as an endocytic receptor, facilitating the uptake of diverse ligands, including vitamins, hormones, lipoproteins, and signaling molecules, playing critical roles in nutrient absorption, cellular signaling, and tissue homeostasis.
Antibodies targeting Megalin are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. In research, these antibodies are widely used in techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence to investigate Megalin's role in diseases such as chronic kidney disease (e.g., diabetic nephropathy), hearing loss, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, where its interaction with amyloid-β is implicated. Additionally, Megalin's involvement in drug transport (e.g., aminoglycoside antibiotics) and vitamin metabolism (e.g., vitamin D) makes its antibodies valuable in pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies.
Commercial Megalin antibodies are often raised against specific epitopes, such as extracellular or cytoplasmic domains, with validation in knockout models to ensure specificity. Their application spans renal physiology, neurobiology, and cancer research, particularly in cancers overexpressing Megalin. Understanding Megalin's multifaceted roles through antibody-based assays continues to advance therapeutic targeting and biomarker discovery.