STEAP2 (Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 2) is a member of the STEAP family, which comprises metalloreductases involved in cellular communication, metal ion metabolism, and redox regulation. STEAP2 is overexpressed in various cancers, including prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers, and has been implicated in tumor progression, apoptosis resistance, and androgen signaling. Antibodies targeting STEAP2 are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional roles in both physiological and pathological contexts.
STEAP2 antibodies are typically developed using immunogenic peptide regions of the protein, such as extracellular or intracellular domains, and are validated for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies offer high specificity, while polyclonal antibodies may detect multiple epitopes, enhancing sensitivity. Validation often includes testing in STEAP2-knockout cell lines or tissues to confirm minimal cross-reactivity with homologous STEAP family members (e.g., STEAP1 or STEAP3).
Commercially available STEAP2 antibodies are widely used in cancer research to explore its potential as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker, or as a therapeutic target. Challenges include variability in STEAP2 expression across tissue types, post-translational modifications affecting antibody binding, and the need for standardized validation protocols. Despite these hurdles, STEAP2 antibodies remain pivotal in elucidating its oncogenic mechanisms and translational relevance.