**Background of ALS2 Antibody**
ALS2 antibody targets the ALS2 protein, encoded by the *ALS2* gene, which is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), juvenile primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), and infantile-onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis (IAHSP). The ALS2 protein, also called alsin, plays a role in intracellular signaling and endosomal trafficking, particularly in motor neurons. It functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for small GTPases like Rab5 and Rho, regulating endosome fusion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and axonal transport.
Mutations in the *ALS2* gene are linked to autosomal recessive motor neuron diseases, characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. ALS2-related disorders typically manifest in early childhood, leading to muscle weakness, spasticity, and loss of motor function. The ALS2 antibody is a critical tool for studying these conditions, enabling researchers to detect alsin expression, investigate its localization, and assess its interaction with signaling pathways in cellular and animal models.
Research using ALS2 antibodies has advanced understanding of disease mechanisms, including disrupted endosomal trafficking and impaired neuronal maintenance. While no cure exists for ALS2-linked disorders, such antibodies aid in biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. Their application spans immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and functional assays, contributing to both basic research and preclinical studies aimed at mitigating motor neuron degeneration.