ALDH1A2. a member of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A family, is an enzyme critical for catalyzing the oxidation of retinaldehyde to retinoic acid (RA), a key signaling molecule in embryonic development, cellular differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. The ALDH1A2 gene encodes this enzyme, which is highly expressed in specific tissues, including the developing nervous system, kidneys, and gonads. Dysregulation of ALDH1A2 has been linked to developmental abnormalities, cancer progression, and neurodegenerative disorders, underscoring its biological significance.
ALDH1A2 antibodies are essential tools for detecting and quantifying the expression of the ALDH1A2 protein in research. These antibodies are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to study tissue-specific expression patterns, subcellular localization, and protein levels under various physiological or pathological conditions. In cancer research, ALDH1A2 antibodies help investigate its role as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target, as altered RA signaling is implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Additionally, these antibodies aid in studying developmental processes, such as neural patterning and organogenesis, where precise RA gradients are crucial.
Validated ALDH1A2 antibodies exhibit high specificity, often confirmed through knockout controls or siRNA knockdown experiments. Researchers prioritize antibodies with minimal cross-reactivity to other ALDH isoforms (e.g., ALDH1A1 or ALDH1A3) to ensure accurate data interpretation. Their applications extend to stem cell biology, toxicology (assessing retinoid metabolism), and drug discovery, making them indispensable in both basic and translational studies.