The NMRK2 antibody targets the enzyme nicotinamide riboside kinase 2 (NMRK2), a key player in cellular NAD⁺ biosynthesis. NMRK2 catalyzes the phosphorylation of nicotinamide riboside (NR) to generate nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a critical precursor in the NAD⁺ salvage pathway. NAD⁺ is essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and signaling processes linked to aging and stress responses. Unlike its isoform NMRK1. which is broadly expressed, NMRK2 shows tissue-specific enrichment, particularly in muscle and brain, suggesting specialized roles in these tissues.
Antibodies against NMRK2 are vital tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. They enable researchers to investigate how NMRK2 contributes to NAD⁺ homeostasis under physiological or pathological conditions, such as metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, or cancer. For instance, reduced NAD⁺ levels are implicated in age-related decline, and NMRK2 upregulation may offer therapeutic potential.
Commercial NMRK2 antibodies are typically developed in hosts like rabbits or mice, using immunogenic peptide sequences unique to the enzyme. Validation methods (e.g., Western blot, immunofluorescence) ensure specificity, though cross-reactivity with NMRK1 remains a consideration. Recent studies using these antibodies highlight NMRK2's role in mitochondrial function and muscle regeneration, positioning it as a biomarker or target for interventions in metabolic syndromes or aging. Ongoing research aims to clarify its regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic relevance.