Creative Biolabs is a leading service provider that focuses on antibody discovery and production for various applications. Now, we introduce our high-quality IVD (in vitro diagnostic) antibody and immunoassay development services to global clients. Our services target a wide range of disease biomarkers with diagnostic or prognostic potential, such as the angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) marker.
Ang2 is a type of angiogenic peptide, which is encoded by the gene ANGPT2. Angiopoietins are members of vascular growth factor family which are involved in embryonic and postnatal angiogenesis. Angiopoietin cytokines play a role in controlling microvascular permeability, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction via signaling smooth muscle cells surrounding vessels. Ang2 is primarily expressed by endothelial cells and some smooth muscle cells and is found to bind to Tie2 with a similar affinity as Ang1. Generally, Ang2 contributes to cell death and disrupts vascularization. However, it can promote neo-vascularization and facilitate cell proliferation and migration, when binding with vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF). Ang2 functions as an antagonist of Ang1 in the absence of VEGF, which results in endothelial cell death and vascular degradation. Ang2 plays an essential role in the angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling system, which is identified as a vascular-specific receptor tyrosine kinase pathway that contributes to vessel development.
Fig.1 Molecular components of the angiopoietin-Tie pathway. (Thurston, 2012)
Different studies have reported the potential of Ang2 as a biomarker for diagnosis, clinical outcome prediction, and prognosis of cancers. Xu et al. (2016) measured the serum concentrations of Ang2 and VEGF in lung cancer patients with solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) using ELISA. They found significantly higher levels of both biomarkers in patients with malignant SPN than those in patients with benign SPN and healthy volunteers. Additionally, higher levels of Ang2 were associated with a higher tumor stage. The findings suggested that Ang2 might be a useful diagnostic marker for SPN patients. Wu et al. (2017) reported the predictive and prognostic value of circulating Ang2 in metastatic melanoma patients receiving immune checkpoint therapy.
Fig.2 Model for the role of Ang2 signaling in tumor angiogenesis. (Daly, 2013)
Besides, increased circulating Ang2 was found in other diseases known for their common characteristics of vascular inflammation and endothelial activation such as acute coronary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, sepsis, cardiac allograft arteriosclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For instance, Hernández-Bartolomé et al. (2013) measured serum levels of Ang2 and Ang1 in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and the results showed that Ang2 levels may be useful to help in managing CHC and monitoring long-term follow-up prognosis.
Creative Biolabs has extensive experience in contract IVD antibody & immunoassay development. We offer customized solutions for developing raw materials and immunoassays for the quantitative or qualitative detection of different disease biomarkers. We offer expertise in different phases of the kit development, including antigen design, antibody generation, recombinant protein expression, and assay development, validation, and production. For more information, please click the links below:
Please feel free to contact us to learn more about what we offer and how to get started on your next project.
References
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