NRP2, or Neuropilin-2 is a transmembrane receptor which binds to the class III semaphorin proteins SEMA3C and SEMA3F, and is involved in axon guidance . It also interacts with the vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF, which is known to be involved with angiogenesis, tumor progression and metastasis. Antibody studies have suggested Neuropilin-2 may play a role in tumourigenesis, and NRP2 antibodies are used for research into angiogenesis, hypoxia and cancer.
A recent antibody study by scientists from Johns Hopkins University and the Boston University School of Medicine have identified Neuropilin-2 as a potential biomarker in melanoma cells. The group used a novel screening method which also helped clarify the process by which tumor cells metastasize.
According to American Cancer Society statistics, around one in 55 people in the US will be diagnosed with melanoma at some time. Metastasis, in which primary tumors “seed†secondary tumors in other parts of the body, are the leading cause of solid tumor death, and particularly aggressive in melanomas.
It is known that melanoma cells metastasize by interaction with proteins in the blood vessel walls, establishing tube-like conduits which can allow cells to migrate to other areas. Using antibodies within a microfluidic assay environment, the researchers were able to probe the way in which this signaling occurs. Earlier research had suggested NRP2 regulates VEGF to affect lymphatic vessel sprouting and vasculogenesis. In this study, it was discovered NRP2/VEGF binding was essential to establishing vascular conduits. Silencing NRP2 inhibited metastasis and tumor growth.
Microfluidics is a type of cell affinity chromatography, in which antibodies are suspended on biochips composed of a glass base and PDMS (microfluidic) channel. Using an antibody-functionalized microfluidic channel offers a number of benefits over conventional packed-bed CAC, with a high surface area to volume ratio and shorter cell residence times. However, it demands antibodies of extremely high purity.
We at Novus Biologicals have a comprehensive NRP antibody database of quality assured, highly purified antibodies, ideal for assays of this kind.