Anti-Omi, HtrA2 (HtrA serine peptidase 2)

HtrA2 (High temperature requirement protein A2)/Omi is a serine protease with homology to the E. coli HtrA protein (DegP) and is thought to be involved in apoptosis and stress induced degradation of misfolded proteins (1). While HtrA2 was orignally identified to be present in either the nucleus (1) or endoplasmic reticulum (2), subsequent studies have since shown it to be localized in mitochondria and released during apoptosis (3-7). HtrA2 is produced as a 50kD zymogen that is cleaved to generate a 36kD mature protein that exposes an amino terminal motif (AVPS) resembling that of the IAP inhibitor Smac/Diablo (3-7). Like Smac, interaction between HtrA2 and IAP family members such as XIAP antagonizes their inhibition of caspase activity and protection from apoptosis (3-7). Interestingly, HtrA2 knock-out mice did not show show signs of reduced apoptosis, but rather had a loss of neurons in the striatum and a Parkinson's-like phenotype, suggesting that HtrA2 might have a neuroprotective function (9-11). This activity is associated with the protease activity of HtrA2 (9). Furthermore, loss of function mutations in the HtrA2 gene have been found in Parkinson's disease (12). Specificity/Sensitivity: HtrA2 Antibody detects endogenous levels of the mature form of HtrA2. This antibody is expected to also recognize the unprocessed form of HtrA2. The unprocessed form is detected in cells overexpressing HtrA2. Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot 1:1000, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.