Rabbit Polyclonal CollagenXIα2 Antibody

The collagen XI α2 antibody is a specialized tool used to detect the α2 chain of collagen type XI, a minor fibrillar collagen crucial for extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. Collagen XI, composed of three α chains (α1. α2. α3), plays a key role in regulating fibril diameter and structural integrity of collagen type II-rich tissues, particularly in cartilage, vitreous humor, and the inner ear. The α2 chain, encoded by the COL11A2 gene, is essential for proper collagen fibril assembly and tissue development. Mutations in COL11A2 are linked to skeletal disorders like fibrochondrogenesis, Stickler syndrome, and hearing loss. Researchers use collagen XI α2 antibodies in immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, or immunofluorescence to study its expression, localization, and role in ECM remodeling during development, tissue repair, or diseases such as osteoarthritis and cancer. These antibodies help investigate collagen XI's involvement in tumor progression, as aberrant α2 expression is observed in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Commercial antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice using peptide antigens specific to the α2 chain. Validation includes testing on COL11A2-knockout models or tissues with known expression. Proper antibody selection ensures specificity for research on connective tissue disorders, developmental biology, or cancer mechanisms.