cnt-2 Antibody

Molecular and Functional Characteristics

CNT2 Protein Overview

• Gene Name: SLC28A2

• Function: Sodium-dependent transporter selective for purine nucleosides (e.g., adenosine, inosine) and uridine. Facilitates nucleoside salvage and uptake of nucleoside-derived drugs (e.g., cladribine) .

• Structure: Integral plasma membrane protein with 12 predicted transmembrane domains .

• Tissue Expression: Highest in kidney, liver, small intestine, and pancreas; lower in brain and lung .

Role in Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

• Repression Mechanism: CNT2 expression is suppressed in CRC due to histone hypoacetylation at promoter regions (H3K9Ac, H3K18Ac, and H4Ac sites), driven by elevated histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC7) .

• Therapeutic Implications: HDAC inhibitors (e.g., trichostatin A) restore CNT2 expression, enhancing cellular uptake of nucleoside drugs like cladribine and improving chemotherapeutic efficacy .

Pharmacological Relevance

• Drug Transport: CNT2 mediates uptake of antiviral/anticancer nucleoside analogs (e.g., ribavirin, gemcitabine) .

• Energy Metabolism: Facilitates adenosine uptake, influencing glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways .

Applications in Biomedical Research

• Cancer Studies: Used to investigate nucleoside drug resistance mechanisms .

• Tissue Localization: Localizes CNT2 in apicolateral membranes of Sertoli cells (testis) and vascular endothelia .

• Drug Development: Serves as a biomarker for optimizing nucleoside-based therapies .

Limitations and Future Directions

• Species Cross-Reactivity: Limited to human, mouse, and rat; absent in non-mammalian models .

• Clinical Potential: Combining HDAC inhibitors with CNT2-targeted therapies may overcome chemoresistance in CRC .