The NPRL2 (Nitrogen Permease Regulator-Like 2) antibody is a tool used to detect the NPRL2 protein, a key component of the GATOR1 complex in the mTOR signaling pathway. NPRL2. encoded by the *NPRL2* gene, functions as a tumor suppressor by regulating cell growth, proliferation, and autophagy. It interacts with NPRL3 and DEPDC5 to form the GATOR1 complex, which inhibits mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) by activating the TSC1-TSC2 complex. This regulation is critical for maintaining cellular energy balance and responding to nutrient deprivation.
NPRL2 antibodies are widely utilized in cancer research to study protein expression patterns, as NPRL2 downregulation or mutations are linked to various cancers, including lung, breast, and renal carcinomas. These antibodies enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess NPRL2 localization and levels in tissues or cell lines. Additionally, NPRL2 is implicated in neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, due to its role in mTOR dysregulation.
Research using NPRL2 antibodies has advanced understanding of mTOR pathway mechanisms, therapeutic resistance, and potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis. Their specificity and reliability make them essential for exploring NPRL2's dual roles in tumor suppression and metabolic regulation.