GCNT2 (Glucosaminyl (N-Acetyl) Transferase 2) is an enzyme encoded by the *GCNT2* gene, which plays a critical role in synthesizing branched O-glycan structures, particularly core 2 and core 4 mucin-type glycans. These glycans are essential for cell adhesion, immune response, and protein stability. GCNT2-mediated glycosylation influences various biological processes, including leukocyte trafficking, epithelial barrier function, and cancer metastasis.
GCNT2 antibodies are tools used to detect and study the expression, localization, and function of the GCNT2 protein. They are valuable in research exploring glycosylation-related diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, and immune dysregulation. For example, altered GCNT2 expression has been linked to tumor progression in colorectal, breast, and bladder cancers, where its dysregulation affects cell-matrix interactions and metastatic potential.
These antibodies are typically developed in host species (e.g., rabbits or mice) using immunogenic peptide sequences derived from GCNT2. They are validated for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry. Some studies also utilize GCNT2 antibodies to investigate genetic variants, such as the *GCNT2* polymorphism associated with the rare "I" blood group phenotype.
Overall, GCNT2 antibodies serve as critical reagents for dissecting the role of O-glycosylation in health and disease, offering insights into diagnostic or therapeutic strategies targeting glycan-mediated pathways.