Delta2-catenin (also known as CTNND2) is a member of the catenin family, primarily expressed in the nervous system. It plays a critical role in cell-cell adhesion and synaptic plasticity by interacting with cadherins, particularly δ-protocadherins, to stabilize synaptic junctions. Unlike β-catenin, delta2-catenin lacks the α-catenin-binding domain, suggesting distinct regulatory mechanisms in cytoskeletal organization and signaling. Its expression is tightly linked to neuronal development, with studies highlighting its importance in dendrite morphogenesis, spine formation, and synaptic stability.
Antibodies targeting delta2-catenin are essential tools for investigating its localization, expression levels, and interactions in both physiological and pathological contexts. Researchers use these antibodies in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and co-immunoprecipitation to study its role in neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, intellectual disability) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s). Delta2-catenin dysregulation has also been implicated in cancer, particularly in tumors with neural or epithelial origins, where altered adhesion signaling promotes invasiveness.
The development of specific and validated delta2-catenin antibodies has advanced understanding of its dual roles in structural adhesion and synaptic signaling, offering insights into therapeutic targets for neurological and oncological conditions.