The glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the GSTM2 protein, a member of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme family. GSTM2 belongs to the Mu class of GSTs, which play critical roles in cellular detoxification by catalyzing the conjugation of glutathione to electrophilic substrates, including carcinogens, toxins, and oxidative stress byproducts. This enzyme is predominantly expressed in the liver, kidneys, and testes, contributing to phase II metabolism and protection against oxidative damage. Dysregulation of GSTM2 has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and drug resistance, making it a target for therapeutic and diagnostic research.
The GSTM2 antibody is widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to assess protein expression levels, localization, and tissue distribution. Researchers utilize it to investigate GSTM2's role in cellular defense mechanisms, metabolic pathways, and disease progression. Specificity and validation are crucial, as cross-reactivity with other GST isoforms (e.g., GSTM1) must be ruled out. Studies leveraging this antibody have revealed associations between GSTM2 polymorphisms and disease susceptibility, as well as its potential as a biomarker for oxidative stress-related conditions. Its applications span basic research, clinical diagnostics, and drug development, underscoring its importance in understanding redox biology and precision medicine.