Anti-MT2A Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody for WB, IHC-P, ELISA - P02795

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: Metallothionein-2 Function and Localization

• Metallothionein-2 (MT2A), also known as Metallothionein-II, is a small cysteine-rich protein with a molecular weight of approximately 6 kDa, primarily involved in the binding and sequestration of heavy metals such as zinc and cadmium.
• It belongs to the metallothionein family, encoded by the MT2A gene in humans, and plays a critical role in metal ion homeostasis and detoxification.
• The protein contains a high proportion of cysteine residues that form metal-thiolate clusters, allowing it to chelate multiple metal ions per molecule, as evidenced by its three-dimensional structure.
• MT2A expression is transcriptionally regulated by heavy metals and glucocorticoids, serving as a rapid response protein to metal exposure and stress.
• Post-translational modifications, including acetylation and phosphorylation, have been identified on MT2A, potentially influencing its function or stability.
• Widely expressed, metallothioneins like MT2A are key components of cellular defense against oxidative stress and metal toxicity.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• Given the small molecular weight of MT2A (approx. 6 kDa), consider using a high-percentage polyacrylamide gel (e.g., 15-20%) for SDS-PAGE to achieve proper resolution in Western blotting.
• For immunohistochemistry (IHC-P), optimize antigen retrieval conditions, as metallothioneins can be difficult to detect without effective unmasking; test different retrieval buffers and heating protocols.
• In ELISA applications, the polyclonal nature of this antibody may provide robust signal, but it is advisable to validate cross-reactivity and matrix effects in your specific sample type.
• Since MT2A expression is inducible by heavy metals, confirm the protein’s presence by pre-treating cells or tissues with zinc or cadmium if endogenous levels are low.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

CamelBio supports IVD developers with comprehensive raw material solutions, from validated antibody pairs and optimized polyclonal antibodies like this MT2A pAb to bulk ancillary reagents. Our sourcing capabilities cover a wide range of targets, including metal-binding proteins, ensuring you have reliable, scalable materials for assay development from concept to clinic.