The PIWIL2 antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the PIWI-like protein 2 (PIWIL2), a member of the evolutionarily conserved Argonaute/PIWI protein family. PIWIL2. also known as HILI in humans, plays critical roles in germ cell development, stem cell self-renewal, and post-transcriptional gene regulation, particularly through its interaction with piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs guide PIWIL2 to silence transposable elements, maintain genomic stability, and regulate epigenetic modifications during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis.
PIWIL2 antibodies are widely used in molecular biology and clinical research to investigate protein expression patterns, subcellular localization, and functional mechanisms. They enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, helping researchers map PIWIL2's tissue-specific distribution, particularly in reproductive tissues, embryonic stem cells, and certain cancers. Aberrant PIWIL2 expression has been implicated in tumorigenesis, with studies linking its overexpression to testicular, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting potential roles as a diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target.
These antibodies are crucial for exploring PIWIL2's dual roles in both physiological processes (e.g., spermatogenesis) and pathological conditions, providing insights into reproductive disorders and cancer biology. Validation parameters including species reactivity, clonality, and application-specific performance are essential considerations for experimental reliability.