Alexa Fluor® 488 Anti-LIMPII antibody [EPR12080]

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

LIMPII also known as LIMP-2 is a lysosomal membrane protein involved in the transport and degradation processes within cells. It has an approximate molecular mass of 54 kDa. LIMPII is mainly expressed in the lysosomal membranes of a variety of tissues notably in the kidney liver and spleen. Its structural characteristics enable it to function effectively within these cellular organelles delivering enzymes and other molecules essential for cellular maintenance and function.

Biological function summary

The protein plays a critical role in lipid and protein degradation and helps maintain cellular homeostasis. As part of the lysosomal membrane LIMPII facilitates the uptake and processing of large biomolecules into the lysosome. It functions as a receptor for the uptake of β-glucocerebrosidase forming a complex to assist in its proper delivery from the endoplasmic reticulum to the lysosomes. This receptor-ligand relationship ensures efficient enzymatic activity necessary for lipid metabolism.

Pathways

One finds that LIMPII participates in the sphingolipid metabolism pathway and is vital for glucosylceramide catabolism. It interacts with glucocerebrosidase in this pathway which plays a significant role in the metabolism of glycosphingolipids. Another pathway where LIMPII has importance is the autophagy pathway where it contributes to the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. Its activity supports the turnover of cellular components maintaining cellular metabolic balance.

LIMPII's dysfunction has links to Gaucher's disease and atherosclerosis. Both conditions relate to improper lipid metabolism. In Gaucher's disease the interaction between LIMPII and glucocerebrosidase becomes disrupted leading to lysosomal storage issues. In contrast altered expressions of LIMPII correlate with atherosclerosis possibly due to its role in lipid processing. These associations suggest that LIMPII could be a significant factor in therapeutic approaches for these diseases.