The ACTG2 antibody targets gamma-2 actin (ACTG2), a smooth muscle-specific isoform of actin critical for maintaining contractile function in visceral smooth muscle cells. Encoded by the ACTG2 gene, this protein is predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and uterus, where it regulates peristalsis, motility, and organ wall tension. Research on ACTG2 gained momentum following discoveries linking ACTG2 mutations to visceral myopathies, such as chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) and megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS). These conditions are characterized by impaired smooth muscle contraction, leading to severe digestive and urinary complications.
ACTG2 antibodies are widely used in research and diagnostics to study protein expression patterns in tissue samples, aiding in the identification of smooth muscle abnormalities. In immunohistochemistry, these antibodies help visualize ACTG2 distribution, providing insights into structural defects in diseases. Western blotting and immunofluorescence applications further enable quantitative and subcellular localization analyses. Beyond genetic disorders, ACTG2 dysregulation has been implicated in functional gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome) and certain cancers, particularly those involving smooth muscle tissues. Recent studies also explore ACTG2's potential as a biomarker for disease progression or therapeutic response. However, commercial ACTG2 antibodies vary in specificity, necessitating rigorous validation to minimize cross-reactivity with other actin isoforms like beta-actin (ACTB). Ongoing research aims to clarify ACTG2's role in mechanotransduction and its interplay with cytoskeletal regulators.