The FNIP2 (Folliculin Interacting Protein 2) antibody is a research tool used to detect and study the FNIP2 protein, which plays a critical role in cellular metabolic regulation. FNIP2 interacts with folliculin (FLCN), a tumor suppressor protein linked to Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with kidney tumors, lung cysts, and skin lesions. Together, FNIP2 and FLCN form a complex that modulates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mTORC1 signaling axis, influencing energy sensing, cell growth, and autophagy. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in cancer, metabolic diseases, and renal pathologies.
FNIP2 antibodies are primarily utilized in Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry to investigate protein expression, localization, and interactions in various tissues and disease models. Researchers employ these antibodies to explore FNIP2's role in cellular responses to nutrient stress, its involvement in tumorigenesis, and its potential as a therapeutic target. Specificity and validation of FNIP2 antibodies are crucial, as cross-reactivity with homologous proteins like FNIP1 may occur. Recent studies also highlight FNIP2's involvement in immune regulation and mitochondrial function, expanding its relevance in metabolic and oncological research.