**Background of BCAT2 Antibody**
The Branched-Chain Amino Acid Transaminase 2 (BCAT2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transamination of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, valine) into their corresponding α-keto acids, playing a critical role in nitrogen metabolism and energy production. BCAT2 is highly expressed in tissues with active mitochondrial metabolism, such as the liver, kidney, and brain, and is implicated in regulating cellular processes like growth, nutrient signaling, and redox balance.
BCAT2 antibodies are essential tools for studying the enzyme's expression, localization, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. Dysregulation of BCAT2 has been linked to metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. For example, elevated BCAT2 levels in certain cancers are associated with enhanced BCAA catabolism, promoting tumor growth and chemoresistance.
These antibodies enable detection of BCAT2 via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Validated antibodies are critical for specificity, as BCAT2 shares homology with its cytosolic isoform, BCAT1. Research applications include exploring BCAT2's role in metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disease mechanisms. Commercial BCAT2 antibodies are typically raised against peptide sequences unique to the human or murine protein, with validation in knockout models or siRNA-treated samples to confirm target specificity.