The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6A2 (COX6A2) is a nuclear-encoded subunit of cytochrome c oxidase (COX), also known as Complex IV, the terminal enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. COX6A2 is specifically expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle tissues, reflecting its role in energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. This subunit is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and catalytic activity of COX, which facilitates the transfer of electrons to oxygen, driving ATP synthesis.
Antibodies targeting COX6A2 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in muscle physiology and disease. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess protein levels in normal versus pathological tissues. Research has linked COX6A2 dysregulation to mitochondrial disorders, myopathies, and metabolic syndromes, making these antibodies valuable for exploring disease mechanisms.
COX6A2 antibodies are typically raised in animal models (e.g., rabbits, mice) using immunogenic peptides or recombinant proteins. Validation includes specificity checks via knockout controls and cross-reactivity assessments. Commercial availability supports research in fields like exercise physiology, cardiomyopathy, and neurodegenerative diseases, where mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated. Understanding COX6A2's role through antibody-based assays continues to advance insights into cellular energy regulation and muscle-specific pathologies.