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HTRA2, also known as Omi, is a serine protease located in the mitochondria. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. The HTRA2 protein is encoded by the HTRA2 gene in humans and has homologs in other species, including mice and rats.
HTRA2 is a mitochondrial protein that is released into the cytoplasm in response to apoptotic stimuli. It contains a serine protease domain and a PDZ domain, which are essential for its proteolytic activity and protein-protein interactions, respectively. The mature form of HTRA2 has a conserved IAP-binding motif (AVPS) at its N-terminus, which allows it to interact with and inhibit Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) .
HTRA2 is involved in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Upon induction of apoptosis, HTRA2 is released from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm, where it binds to IAPs and neutralizes their anti-apoptotic effects. This interaction promotes the activation of caspases, the executioners of apoptosis, leading to cell death .
Mouse anti-human HTRA2 antibodies are used in various scientific applications to detect and study HTRA2 in human samples. These antibodies are typically monoclonal or polyclonal and are developed in mice. They can be used in techniques such as Western Blot, Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, Immunocytochemistry, and Immunoprecipitation .