The HSPG2 antibody targets heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), also known as perlecan, a large multidomain proteoglycan encoded by the HSPG2 gene. HSPG2 is a key component of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix, playing critical roles in cell adhesion, signaling, and tissue integrity by interacting with growth factors, cytokines, and structural proteins like collagen. It is widely expressed in vascular, cartilaginous, and epithelial tissues. Antibodies against HSPG2 are essential tools for studying its biological functions, localization, and expression patterns in normal and diseased states.
HSPG2 dysregulation is linked to genetic disorders such as Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (a neuromuscular condition) and certain cancers, where altered expression may influence tumor progression, angiogenesis, or metastasis. Researchers use HSPG2 antibodies in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to investigate its involvement in these pathologies. Additionally, these antibodies have potential therapeutic applications, including targeting HSPG2 in tumor microenvironments or monitoring disease biomarkers.
Quality validation (e.g., specificity, cross-reactivity) is crucial for HSPG2 antibodies due to structural complexity and splice variants. Ongoing research explores their utility in regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems leveraging HSPG2’s binding properties.