Adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular energy homeostasis by catalyzing the interconversion of adenine nucleotides. Specifically, it facilitates the reaction: ATP + AMP ⇔ 2 ADP. This enzyme is part of the nucleoside monophosphate (NMP) kinase family, which is essential for nucleotide metabolism .
Adenylate kinase 2 is a mitochondrial isoenzyme, meaning it is localized within the mitochondria of cells. It is involved in maintaining the balance of adenine nucleotides within the cell, which is vital for various cellular processes, including energy transfer and signal transduction . The enzyme’s activity ensures that the levels of ATP, ADP, and AMP are regulated, which is critical for cellular energy homeostasis .
There are multiple isoforms of adenylate kinase, each with specific functions and localizations within the cell. AK2 is primarily found in the mitochondria, whereas other isoforms, such as AK1, are found in the cytosol. The different isoforms have varying affinities for their substrates and are involved in distinct cellular processes .
Mutations or dysregulation of adenylate kinase 2 have been linked to several medical conditions. For instance, AK2 mutations are associated with reticular dysgenesis, a severe form of immunodeficiency characterized by a lack of white blood cells and sensorineural hearing loss . Additionally, the impairment of mitochondrial isoenzymes like AK2 has been demonstrated in neuroblastoma and glioma, highlighting its role in various diseases .
The mouse anti-human AK2 antibody is a monoclonal antibody used in research to study the expression and function of AK2 in human cells. This antibody is produced by immunizing mice with human AK2 protein, followed by the isolation and cloning of specific B cells that produce the desired antibody. The resulting monoclonal antibody can be used in various applications, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry, to detect and quantify AK2 in human samples .