**Background of ZA2G/AZGP1 Antibody**
The ZA2G/AZGP1 antibody targets Zinc-α2-Glycoprotein (AZGP1), a secreted glycoprotein encoded by the *AZGP1* gene. Structurally, AZGP1 belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and shares homology with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins. It is widely expressed in epithelial tissues, bodily fluids (e.g., serum, breast milk), and immune cells.
Functionally, AZGP1 plays diverse roles in lipid metabolism, immune regulation, and cell adhesion. It is implicated in lipid catabolism by stimulating adipocyte lipolysis, linking it to metabolic conditions like obesity and cachexia. In cancer, AZGP1 exhibits context-dependent roles, acting as a tumor suppressor in prostate and breast cancers by inhibiting proliferation or promoting apoptosis, while paradoxically correlating with poor prognosis in gastric and pancreatic cancers.
The ZA2G/AZGP1 antibody is widely used in research to detect and quantify AZGP1 expression in tissues or biofluids via techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, or ELISA. Its applications span studies on metabolic disorders, cancer biology, and immune responses. Validated for specificity in multiple species, this antibody aids in elucidating AZGP1's mechanistic roles and its potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic biomarker. Commercial variants often include monoclonal or polyclonal formats, optimized for different experimental workflows.