ERBB2 Antibody Polyclonal
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Herstatin is a term often associated with antibodies targeting the HER2/ERBB2 protein, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. These antibodies are crucial in research and clinical diagnostics, particularly in the context of cancer biology. The Rabbit Anti-Human Polyclonal antibody against HER2/ERBB2 is a widely used tool in various applications, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blotting (WB).
HER2, also known as ERBB2, is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. It is encoded by the ERBB2 gene located on chromosome 17q12. HER2 is overexpressed in approximately 20% of breast cancers and is associated with aggressive tumor growth and poor prognosis .
Herstatin is a naturally occurring truncated form of the HER2 protein. It acts as a negative regulator of HER2 signaling by inhibiting the dimerization and activation of the full-length HER2 receptor. This inhibition can lead to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in HER2-overexpressing cancer cells .
Polyclonal antibodies are produced by immunizing animals (in this case, rabbits) with a specific antigen—in this context, the HER2 protein. The immune system of the rabbit generates a diverse array of antibodies that recognize multiple epitopes on the HER2 protein. These antibodies are then harvested and purified for use in research and diagnostics.
Applications
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique involves staining tissue sections with the antibody to visualize the presence and localization of HER2 in the tissue. It is commonly used in cancer diagnostics to assess HER2 expression levels in tumor samples .
- Immunofluorescence (IF): In this application, the antibody is used to stain cells or tissue sections, which are then visualized using a fluorescence microscope. This method allows for the detection of HER2 at the cellular level .
- Western Blotting (WB): This technique involves separating proteins by gel electrophoresis, transferring them to a membrane, and probing with the antibody to detect HER2. It is used to assess the expression levels and molecular weight of HER2 in various samples .
Storage and Handling
The Rabbit Anti-Human Polyclonal antibody against HER2 is typically supplied in a buffer containing phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and sodium azide as a preservative. It should be stored at 2°C to 8°C for short-term use and at -20°C for long-term storage .
