CLDN18.2 Specific Neutra™ Antibody Products

Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), also known as Claudin 18 Isoform 2, is a protein belonging to the claudin family. Claudins are integral membrane proteins that form tight junctions in epithelial and endothelial cells, playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and barrier function of epithelial and endothelial barriers.

Its Gene ID is 51208, UniProtKB ID is P56856, and OMIM ID is 607380.

CLDN18.2 Functions

• Epithelial Barrier Function: CLDN18.2 is essential for maintaining the integrity of epithelial barriers by forming tight junctions between adjacent cells, thereby regulating paracellular transport.
• Cell Signaling Modulation: CLDN18.2 affects cell migration, differentiation, and proliferation by modulating several signaling pathways.
• Tissue Morphogenesis: CLDN18.2 is involved in tissue morphogenesis during embryonic development.

CLDN18.2 Pathways

• Wnt Signaling Pathway: CLDN18.2 has been shown to modulate the Wnt signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in various cellular processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. CLDN18.2's modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway suggests that it could be involved in maintaining the balance between cell growth and cell death, ensuring proper tissue formation and regeneration. Furthermore, its role in this pathway highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and aberrant cell migration, such as metastatic cancers.
• Notch Signaling Pathway: CLDN18.2 is also involved in the Notch signaling pathway, which is essential for regulating cell fate determination, proliferation, and apoptosis. The Notch signaling pathway facilitates direct cell-to-cell communication and influences cell differentiation processes. By influencing the Notch pathway, CLDN18.2 might contribute to the precise control of cellular functions and the prevention of inappropriate cell division or survival. Understanding the interaction between CLDN18.2 and the Notch signaling pathway could provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for treating diseases linked to cell fate determination and apoptotic regulation.

Diseases and Mechanisms Associated with CLDN18.2

• Cancers: Aberrant expression of CLDN18.2 is associated with various cancers, including gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer. It contributes to the growth, invasion, and metastasis of tumors.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Dysregulation of CLDN18.2 has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, where disruption of epithelial barrier function occurs.
• Genetic Disorders: Mutations in the CLDN18.2 gene can lead to developmental abnormalities and genetic disorders affecting epithelial tissues.

Applications of CLDN18.2 Antibodies

• Diagnostic Marker: Antibodies targeting CLDN18.2 are used as diagnostic markers for certain cancers, facilitating the detection and characterization of tumor cells.
• Therapeutic Agent: CLDN18.2 antibodies are being explored as potential therapeutic agents for cancer treatment, either by direct targeting of tumor cells or modulating signaling pathways involved in tumor progression.

Fig.1 Schematic of the claudin protein located in tight junction.¹

Creative Biolabs offers CLDN18.2 antibody products that specifically target the CLDN18.2 isoform, which is selectively expressed in certain cancer cells, particularly in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas.

REFERENCE

1. Hashimoto, Itaru, and Takashi Oshima. "Claudins and gastric cancer: an overview." Cancers 14.2 (2022): 290. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0. The image was modified by extracting and using only a part of the original image and revising the title.