Anti-Nkx2.2 antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Nkx2.2 also known as NK2 homeobox 2 is a transcription factor weighing approximately 29 kDa. It plays a pivotal role in early neural development and is important for the differentiation of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system. Nkx2.2 is expressed in the developing brain and spinal cord. Researchers often use Nkx2.2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) to study its spatial and temporal expression patterns during embryonic development. This protein is part of a group that includes other members such as Nkx2-1 and Nkx2-5 and it shares conserved domains with them.

Biological function summary

Nkx2.2 influences the regulation of specific genes essential for cell fate determination. It interacts with other factors in a regulatory network forming complexes that modulate gene expression necessary for the maturation of neural precursor cells. Notably Nkx2.2 is required for the development of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells where it works in conjunction with other transcription factors like Pdx1 and Foxa2. Its ability to bind DNA and promote specific gene transcription positions it as an important regulator in the networks driving neural and pancreatic tissue specification.

Pathways

Nkx2.2 is important in the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway which is instrumental for embryonic neural tube patterning. The Shh pathway directs Nkx2.2 expression in response to morphogen gradients to determine distinct neural progenitor domains. Nkx2.2 expression is closely linked with the transcription factor Olig2 which aligns with specific domains in the ventral neural tube. Moreover Nkx2.2 is involved in the Wnt signaling pathway playing a role in the coordination of cell differentiation and proliferation.

Associated diseases and disorders

Nkx2.2 has associations with glioma and type 1 diabetes. Abnormal expression may contribute to glioma development by disrupting normal oligodendrocyte precursor cell development. Nkx2.2 dysregulation can also interfere with insulin regulation implicating it in type 1 diabetes progression especially through its interaction with Pdx1 an important player in pancreas development. Understanding Nkx2.2's role in these conditions aids in deciphering underlying mechanisms and provides potential therapeutic targets.