The PTP4A2 antibody is a research tool designed to detect protein tyrosine phosphatase 4A2 (PTP4A2), a member of the PRL (phosphatase of regenerating liver) family of dual-specificity phosphatases. PTP4A2. also known as PRL-2. is implicated in regulating cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and metastasis. It is overexpressed in various cancers, including ovarian, breast, and colorectal malignancies, where it is linked to tumor progression and poor prognosis. Structurally, PTP4A2 contains a conserved C-terminal CAAX motif that facilitates membrane localization, critical for its interaction with signaling pathways involving Rho GTPases, MAPK, or PI3K/Akt.
The PTP4A2 antibody is commonly used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study protein expression, subcellular localization, and functional roles in disease models. Its specificity is validated through knockout controls or siRNA-mediated silencing. Research highlights PTP4A2's potential as a therapeutic target, given its role in promoting cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Additionally, studies explore its involvement in non-cancer contexts, such as neural development and metabolic regulation. However, its precise molecular mechanisms remain under investigation, necessitating reliable antibodies for ongoing exploration. Commercial PTP4A2 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, with reactivity confirmed across human, mouse, and rat samples.