The GLI2 antibody is a crucial tool in studying the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, a key regulator of embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer. GLI2. a zinc-finger transcription factor, acts as a primary mediator of Hh signaling. Upon pathway activation, it translocates to the nucleus to regulate target genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Unlike GLI1. which is strictly an activator, GLI2 can function as both an activator and a repressor, depending on post-translational modifications and cellular context.
Antibodies targeting GLI2 are widely used in research to detect its expression, localization, and activation status in various biological systems. They are essential for techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, helping to elucidate GLI2's role in developmental disorders (e.g., holoprosencephaly) and cancers (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, and glioblastoma). Dysregulation of GLI2 is linked to tumor progression, stemness, and drug resistance, making it a potential therapeutic target.
Commercial GLI2 antibodies are often raised against specific epitopes, such as the N-terminal or C-terminal regions, with validation in knockout cell lines to ensure specificity. Researchers must select antibodies validated for their specific applications, as cross-reactivity with other GLI family members (GLI1/GLI3) can occur. Understanding GLI2 dynamics through these antibodies continues to advance insights into Hh pathway mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.