Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2) is a member of the intracellular lipid-binding protein family, primarily involved in mediating the biological effects of retinoic acid (RA), an active metabolite of vitamin A. CRABP2 facilitates the transport of RA from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it interacts with nuclear receptors like retinoic acid receptors (RARs) to regulate gene expression. This process is critical for cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, particularly during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.
CRABP2 antibodies are widely used in research to study its expression, localization, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. Elevated CRABP2 levels have been associated with several cancers, including breast, ovarian, and lung cancers, where it may promote tumor progression by enhancing RA signaling or through RA-independent pathways. These antibodies enable the detection of CRABP2 via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF), aiding in the exploration of its role as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target.
Commercial CRABP2 antibodies are typically raised against specific epitopes, such as recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides, and validated for specificity using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated knockdown. Researchers utilize these tools to investigate CRABP2's involvement in developmental disorders, cancer metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms, contributing to advances in molecular diagnostics and targeted therapies.