The COX6B2 antibody targets the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6B2 (COX6B2), a nuclear-encoded subunit of mitochondrial complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), a key component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. COX6B2 is a testes-specific isoform of the COX6B subunit family, distinct from the ubiquitously expressed COX6B1. It localizes to the mitochondrial inner membrane and plays a role in energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, particularly in sperm cell differentiation and male fertility.
COX6B2 antibodies are essential tools for studying tissue-specific mitochondrial function, reproductive biology, and metabolic disorders. They are commonly used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to detect COX6B2 expression patterns, primarily in testicular tissues or germ cells. Research involving these antibodies has highlighted COX6B2's association with male infertility, as its deficiency disrupts sperm motility and mitochondrial energetics.
Commercial COX6B2 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice using peptide immunogens. Validation includes testing specificity via knockout controls or siRNA knockdown. Studies using these antibodies contribute to understanding mitochondrial dynamics, tissue-specific adaptations in energy metabolism, and molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive health.