The ERN2 antibody targets the protein ERN2 (also known as IRE1β), a key component of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway in eukaryotic cells. ERN2 is a transmembrane serine/threonine kinase and endoribonuclease primarily expressed in epithelial cells, particularly in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. It shares structural and functional homology with ERN1 (IRE1α), another critical UPR sensor, but exhibits distinct tissue-specific roles. During endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ERN2 activates by dimerizing and autophosphorylating, triggering its RNase domain to splice XBP1 mRNA, which facilitates the transcription of genes involved in protein folding, degradation, and ER homeostasis.
ERN2 is implicated in maintaining mucosal immunity and managing inflammatory responses, with studies linking its dysfunction to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, and certain cancers. Antibodies against ERN2 are essential tools for studying its expression, activation status, and interaction networks in both physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate ER stress mechanisms in disease models. Researchers also utilize ERN2 antibodies to explore therapeutic strategies targeting the UPR pathway, particularly in conditions involving chronic inflammation or secretory cell dysfunction. Commercial ERN2 antibodies vary in host species, clonality, and epitope specificity, requiring validation for specific experimental applications.