TAGLN2 directly binds to F-actin, stabilizing cytoskeletal structures and regulating actin polymerization. It modulates cell motility, adhesion, and contractility by interacting with effectors. Dysregulation of this pathway contributes to metastatic phenotypes in cancer cells.
Introduction of TAGLN2 Analysis
TAGLN2 analysis is the focused investigation of the transgelin-2 protein to define its role in cancer biology, particularly within the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. TAGLN2, historically considered an actin-bundling protein, has been re-established through recent integrated research as a critical pan-cancer oncogene and a powerful prognostic biomarker. Its connection to pivotal immunosuppressive cells and its role in facilitating metastasis underscore its potential as a viable and promising therapeutic target for the development of next-generation drugs.
Fig.1 Structure of transgelin-2 and comparison with other single calponin homology domain proteins.1
Key Pathway Associations
Cytoskeletal Dynamics & Actin Remodeling
Immune Cell Activation & Inflammation
In immune cells, TAGLN2 enhances actin-dependent processes like immune synapse formation and phagocytosis. It is upregulated during inflammatory responses and associates with NF-κB signaling, influencing cytokine production.
Cancer Progression & Metastasis
TAGLN2 acts as a pro-oncogenic factor in multiple cancers. It promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β pathways, enhancing invasiveness.
Autophagy & Cellular Stress Response
TAGLN2 regulates autophagy by interacting with LC3 and p62, key components of the autophagosome machinery. This pathway is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress.
Metabolic Reprogramming
Emerging evidence suggests TAGLN2 influences metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and lipid metabolism. It interacts with AMPK and mTOR to modulate energy sensing, potentially linking cytoskeletal remodeling to metabolic adaptation in cancer cells and adipocytes.
Service Catalog
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
ELISA quantitatively detects TAGLN2 protein in biological fluids (serum, plasma) and cell lysates using a sandwich format. Samples are incubated with anti-TAGLN2 capture antibodies, followed by biotinylated detection antibodies and HRP-streptavidin/TMB substrate for colorimetric readout.
Western Blotting
Western blotting separates proteins via SDS-PAGE and transfers them to membranes for anti-TAGLN2 antibody detection. After blocking, primary antibodies bind TAGLN2, followed by HRP-secondary antibodies and chemiluminescent visualization. This semiquantitative method validates TAGLN2 knockdown/overexpression, compares expression across conditions, and distinguishes isoforms, making it a gold standard for protein analysis.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
IHC localizes TAGLN2 in tissue sections using labeled antibodies. Fixed tissues are stained with anti-TAGLN2 primary antibodies, followed by enzyme- or fluorescence-conjugated secondaries. Chromogenic (DAB) or fluorescent signals reveal spatial expression patterns, linking TAGLN2 to clinical outcomes like T-cell infiltration and tumor immune evasion.
Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry (IP-MS)
IP-MS identifies TAGLN2-interacting proteins by co-immunoprecipitating TAGLN2 from lysates with antibody-beads, followed by mass spectrometry.
Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR)
qRT-PCR measures TAGLN2 mRNA levels by reverse-transcribing RNA to cDNA and amplifying transcripts with specific primers.
Application Examples
Cancer Biology & Metastasis
TAGLN2 regulates actin dynamics, driving tumor invasion in breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. Its overexpression enhances cell motility and EMT, making it a biomarker for metastasis. Researchers combine TAGLN2 profiling with migration assays to identify promising targets.
Immune Cell Regulation
TAGLN2 modulates T cell cytokine production and macrophage phagocytosis. Multiplex immunofluorescence and flow cytometry map its expression in immune subsets, aiding immunotherapy development for autoimmune diseases.
Drug Target Validation
Genome-edited cell models screen cytoskeletal drugs using TAGLN2 as a motility readout. Promoter analysis reveals NF-κB/AP-1 binding sites for epigenetic drug discovery.
Neurodegenerative Pathways
TAGLN2 colocalizes with tau tangles and microglia in Alzheimer's models. Co-IP assays explore its interactions with amyloid-beta, supporting neuroprotective strategies.
FAQs
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How does TAGLN2 analysis compare to standard biomarker assays like ELISA?
Standard ELISA and IHC offer simple quantitation, but they often lack the necessary contextual data. Our TAGLN2 analysis goes deeper, providing a full mechanistic story that is far more valuable for research development.
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What materials do I need to provide for the analysis, and is sample quantity a precaution?
We typically require clinical data and either FFPE tissue, fresh-frozen tissue, or plasma/serum. Sample quantity is always a key precaution in oncology. Our protocols are highly optimized for low input, utilizing advanced microfluidics and sensitive mass spectrometry to maximize data yield from precious clinical samples. Please reach out to discuss your specific sample constraints with our specialists.
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Can your TAGLN2 analysis help us identify which patients will respond best to our existing drugs?
Absolutely. By correlating TAGLN2 expression levels with clinical response data, our analysis can define a predictive biomarker signature.
Get in touch with us to customize your exclusive TAGLN2 analysis plan.
Reference
- Kim, Hye-Ran, et al. "Transgelin-2: A double-edged sword in immunity and cancer metastasis." Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 9 (2021): 606149. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.606149
For Research Use Only.
