The ENOX2 Antibody is a polyclonal rabbit-derived immunoglobulin (IgG) designed to specifically target the ecto-NOX disulfide-thiol exchanger 2 (ENOX2) protein. It is widely used in biomedical research to study the expression, localization, and functional roles of ENOX2 in cellular processes, particularly in cancer biology and immune modulation.
ENOX2 is a cell surface protein encoded by the ENOX2 gene located on the X chromosome (Xq26.1). It exhibits two distinct enzymatic activities:
NADH Oxidase: Converts NADH to NAD+ with high specificity (10–20 μmol/min/mg protein).
Protein Disulfide-Thiol Exchanger: Catalyzes the interchange of disulfide bonds in membrane proteins.
These activities oscillate every 24 minutes, creating a biological clock linked to cell growth and proliferation. ENOX2 is overexpressed in cancer cells, where it supports tumor progression and metastasis.
In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the antibody detects elevated ENOX2 levels in patient plasma, which are linked to disease progression .
The antibody facilitates studies of ENOX2 inhibitors (e.g., phenoxodiol, idronoxil), which enhance tumor immune infiltration by promoting CD8+ effector memory T-cell activity .
IHC Analysis: High ENOX2 expression in primary melanoma is associated with aggressive tumor behavior (e.g., nodular subtype) and low tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) .
Survival Data: Patients with high ENOX2 expression exhibit a 10-year OS rate of 67.8% vs. 80.5% for low expressers (p = 0.0396) .
Plasma Levels: CML patients at diagnosis show a 10-fold increase in plasma ENOX2 compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001) .
BCR-ABL1 Dependency: ENOX2 upregulation is driven by BCR-ABL1 kinase activity, suggesting a role in leukemogenesis .
ENOX2, also identified as tumor-associated NADH oxidase (tNOX), is a protein involved in cellular processes including growth regulation and apoptosis . At the molecular level, ENOX2 functions as a terminal oxidase of plasma electron transport, transferring electrons from cytosolic NAD(P)H via hydroquinones to acceptors at the cell surface .
The protein combines two oscillatory enzymatic activities that alternate within a period of 22 minutes:
This oscillatory behavior is believed to control physical membrane displacements associated with vesicle budding or cell enlargement, and plays a crucial role in generating an ultradian cellular biological clock with a period of 22 hours . This clock function may contribute to ENOX2's influence on cell growth regulation.
ENOX2 shows a highly specific expression pattern that makes it particularly interesting for cancer research:
Embryonic expression: ENOX2 is present during embryonic development, particularly in early stages . Studies in chicken embryos revealed that the drug-responsive NADH oxidase activity associated with ENOX2 was present in plasma membranes and sera of early chicken embryos .
Adult normal tissue: The protein and its drug-responsive activity are absent from normal adult cells and tissues . Western blot analyses and enzymatic activity measurements confirm this absence in plasma membranes prepared from normal adult tissues.
Cancer cells: ENOX2 reappears in cancer cells across multiple malignancies . Full-length ENOX2 mRNA is present in both cancer and non-cancer cells, but is translated only in cancer cells as alternatively spliced variants .
This pattern suggests ENOX2 fulfills functions essential to early embryonic growth that are normally suppressed in adult tissues but become reactivated during malignant transformation, classifying it as an oncofetal antigen .
Based on the research literature, several complementary methods have proven effective for ENOX2 detection:
Western Blot Analysis:
Quantitative RT-PCR:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC):
ELISA:
The choice of method depends on the specific research question, with Western blot and qRT-PCR being most suitable for basic expression studies, IHC for tissue localization, and ELISA for clinical biomarker investigations.
When selecting an ENOX2 antibody for research applications, investigators should consider:
Target epitope location:
Validated applications:
Species reactivity:
Antibody type:
Detection system compatibility:
The search results indicate that rabbit polyclonal antibodies targeting human ENOX2 have been successfully used across multiple applications and species, making them versatile tools for ENOX2 research .
Research has revealed significant correlations between ENOX2 expression and clinical outcomes across multiple cancer types:
In Malignant Melanoma:
Expression patterns across cancer progression:
ENOX2 expression increases along the progression continuum from benign nevi → primary melanomas → melanoma metastases
Similar patterns are observed with increasing tumor thickness and stage
Relationship with immune infiltration:
High ENOX2 expression is associated with reduced electronic tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (eTILs)
This suggests ENOX2 may influence the immunological microenvironment of tumors
The table below summarizes survival outcomes in melanoma based on ENOX2 expression:
| Survival Parameter | High ENOX2 Expression | Low ENOX2 Expression | P-value (GBW test) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-year OS (all stages) | 67.81% | 80.46% | 0.0396 |
| 10-year DSS (all stages) | 78.15% | 88.95% | 0.0345 |
| 10-year MFS (all stages) | 76.42% | 90.44% | 0.0191 |
| 10-year MFS (stage I/II) | 75.83% | 93.25% | 0.0015 |
These findings strongly support the role of ENOX2 as a potential prognostic biomarker, particularly for predicting metastatic risk in early-stage disease .
For biomarker development purposes, researchers have employed several complementary approaches to quantify ENOX2 in patient samples:
Plasma/Serum ENOX2 Protein Quantification by ELISA:
Tissue-based ENOX2 Protein Assessment:
Tissue microarray analysis with immunohistochemical staining provides quantitative assessment
Scoring system:
mRNA Expression Analysis:
qRT-PCR has been used to measure ENOX2 mRNA levels in patient samples
In CML studies, this approach demonstrated a 4.75-fold increase in ENOX2 mRNA in patient samples compared to healthy donors (p<0.0001)
Bioinformatic analysis of existing transcriptomic datasets can also provide valuable insights into ENOX2 expression patterns across disease stages
When developing ENOX2 as a biomarker, researchers should consider:
Consistent sample collection and processing protocols
Appropriate control populations
Correlation with clinical parameters and outcomes
Integration of protein and mRNA data for comprehensive biomarker development
Research has established a clear relationship between the BCR-ABL1 fusion oncogene and ENOX2 expression in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML):
BCR-ABL1-dependent upregulation:
Transcriptome analysis identified ENOX2 as significantly upregulated in BCR-ABL1-expressing cell lines
Western blot experiments with UT-7 and TET-inducible Ba/F3 cell lines confirmed that ENOX2 protein expression increases in a BCR-ABL1-dependent manner
The upregulation is dependent on BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase activity, as tyrosine kinase inhibitors reversed the effect
Clinical correlation in CML patients:
Disease phase specificity:
Analysis of the GSE4170 transcriptome dataset revealed that ENOX2 mRNA upregulation is characteristic specifically of the chronic phase of CML
ENOX2 expression was significantly higher in chronic phase patients compared to those in accelerated (p<0.0001) and blast phases (p<0.0001)
ENOX2 expression in accelerated and blast crisis phases resembles that of normal CD34+ cells
Functional relevance:
This relationship suggests ENOX2 may play a significant role in BCR-ABL1-induced leukemogenesis, though further studies are needed to clarify whether ENOX2 is a direct or indirect target of BCR-ABL1 .
Research into ENOX2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy has employed several methodological approaches:
Cell Viability Assays with ENOX2 Inhibitors:
Combination Therapy Approaches:
For melanoma: Combining ENOX2 inhibitors with BRAF inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib)
For other cancers: Combinations with conventional chemotherapy agents have been explored
Immune Response Assessment:
Target Engagement Validation:
Confirm that observed therapeutic effects are due to ENOX2 inhibition:
Measure ENOX2 enzymatic activity (hydroquinone NADH oxidase and protein disulfide-thiol oxidoreductase functions)
Compare effects in ENOX2-high versus ENOX2-low expressing cells
Use genetic approaches (siRNA, CRISPR) to confirm specificity of inhibitor effects
Therapeutic Context Identification:
Researchers should note that while ENOX2 inhibition shows promise, careful validation of target specificity and mechanism of action is essential for therapeutic development.
Optimizing immunohistochemical detection of ENOX2 requires careful attention to several methodological aspects:
Tissue Preparation and Fixation:
Antibody Selection and Optimization:
Detection System:
Scoring and Quantification:
Digital pathology approach:
Digitize slides using a slide scanner (e.g., VENTANA DP 200)
Analyze using image analysis software (e.g., QuPath-0.3.2)
Scoring methodology:
Assess ENOX2 staining intensity specifically in target cells (e.g., melanoma cells/melanocytes)
Grade intensity: 1 point (negative/weak), 2 points (moderate), 3 points (strong)
Determine maximum and most frequent intensity
Calculate total score (2-6) based on combined assessment
Use multiple independent evaluators to ensure reliability
Controls and Validation:
Special Considerations:
Following these optimized protocols can enhance sensitivity and specificity of ENOX2 detection in tissue specimens for research and potential diagnostic applications.
Distinguishing between the tumor-associated ENOX2 (tNOX) and constitutive ENOX1 (CNOX) requires specific methodological approaches:
Drug Responsiveness Testing:
The defining characteristic differentiating ENOX2 from ENOX1 is drug responsiveness
ENOX2 activity is inhibited by:
ENOX1 activity remains unaffected by these compounds
Experimental approach: Measure NADH oxidase activity with and without inhibitor treatment
Antibody-Based Discrimination:
Molecular Weight Identification:
Source Material:
Temporal Characteristics:
Both ENOX proteins exhibit oscillatory activity patterns
Time course measurements of NADH oxidase activity can help distinguish between them based on their characteristic oscillatory patterns
When designing experiments to distinguish between ENOX proteins, researchers should incorporate appropriate controls and validate their findings using multiple approaches to ensure accurate distinction between these closely related but functionally distinct proteins.
Validating ENOX2 antibody specificity requires rigorous controls to ensure reliable experimental outcomes:
Positive Control Tissues/Cells:
Negative Control Tissues/Cells:
Technical Validation Controls:
Primary antibody omission control to assess non-specific binding of secondary detection systems
Isotype control antibody to evaluate non-specific binding of the primary antibody
Secondary antibody-only control
For tissues: endogenous peroxidase or phosphatase blocking controls
Specificity Validation Methods:
Peptide Competition Assay: Pre-incubation of the antibody with immunizing peptide should abolish specific signal
siRNA/shRNA Knockdown: Reduction of ENOX2 expression should correspondingly decrease signal intensity
Western Blot Molecular Weight Verification: Confirm detection of bands at expected molecular weights (~34 kDa, ~68 kDa, or ~72 kDa depending on isoform)
Multiple Antibody Validation: Use of antibodies targeting different epitopes of ENOX2 should yield comparable results
Cross-Reactivity Assessment:
Functional Correlation:
Correlate antibody immunoreactivity with ENOX2 enzymatic activity
Specifically, measure drug-responsive NADH oxidase activity in samples with positive antibody staining
Implementing these controls systematically ensures that experimental findings attributed to ENOX2 are genuine and not artifacts of non-specific antibody binding or cross-reactivity with related proteins.
ENOX2 contributes to the ultradian cellular biological clock through its unique oscillatory enzymatic activities:
Mechanism of ENOX2's Clock Function:
Alternating Enzymatic Activities:
Physical Membrane Effects:
Methodological Approaches to Measure ENOX2 Clock Function:
Continuous NADH Oxidase Activity Measurement:
Spectrophotometric assay: Monitor NADH oxidation at 340 nm in continuous mode
Sample measurement interval: Every 1-2 minutes for at least 90 minutes to observe full oscillatory pattern
Temperature control: Maintain at 37°C throughout measurement
Control condition: Include parallel measurements with ENOX2 inhibitors to confirm specificity
Protein Disulfide-Thiol Interchange Activity Assay:
Use dithiodipyridine (DTDP) substrate
Monitor release of thiopyridone spectrophotometrically at 340 nm
Record measurements at 1-minute intervals
Synchronized Cell Population Analysis:
Synchronize cells using serum starvation followed by serum addition
Collect samples at regular intervals (e.g., every 2-3 hours) over 24-48 hours
Measure ENOX2 activity and correlate with cell cycle phases
Live Cell Imaging of Membrane Dynamics:
Employ time-lapse microscopy with membrane-specific labels
Record images at short intervals (minutes) over extended periods
Quantify membrane movement patterns and correlate with ENOX2 activity
Pharmacological Manipulation:
Apply ENOX2 inhibitors (capsaicin, quinone site inhibitors, etc.)
Monitor effects on:
Cell cycle progression
Ultradian rhythms of cellular functions
Membrane dynamics
Genetic Approaches:
Use ENOX2 knockdown/knockout systems
Compare oscillatory patterns in wildtype vs. ENOX2-deficient cells
Employ ENOX2 overexpression to assess clock amplification
When designing experiments to study ENOX2's role in the ultradian clock, researchers should consider the appropriate temporal resolution of their measurements to capture the oscillatory behavior effectively, as well as controls to distinguish ENOX2-specific effects from other cellular oscillators.
Recent research has revealed important connections between ENOX2 expression and tumor immune microenvironment:
Inverse Correlation with Immune Infiltration:
In malignant melanoma, high ENOX2 expression is significantly associated with lower electronic tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (eTILs) scores (p=0.031)
Tissue microarray analysis revealed that samples with low eTIL scores (≤16.6%) had higher rates of high ENOX2 expression (45.5%) compared to samples with higher eTIL scores (>16.6%, 17.0% high ENOX2)
Findings in Other Cancer Types:
Therapeutic Implications:
Potential Mechanisms:
While not fully elucidated, several possibilities exist for how ENOX2 may influence immune infiltration:
Alterations in tumor cell metabolism affecting the microenvironment
Changes in cell surface properties affecting immune recognition
Production of factors that actively suppress immune cell recruitment or function
ENOX2 exists in multiple isoforms that can significantly impact experimental outcomes and interpretation:
Identified ENOX2 Isoforms and Their Characteristics:
Experimental Detection Challenges:
Antibody epitope location: Different antibodies may preferentially detect specific isoforms
Western blot analysis: Multiple bands may appear, requiring careful interpretation
Relative abundance variations: The distribution of isoforms may vary between:
Functional Implications:
Recommendations for Researchers:
Comprehensive detection: Use antibodies capable of detecting multiple ENOX2 isoforms
Isoform documentation: Clearly report which isoform(s) are being detected in experiments
Functional validation: Confirm whether observed phenotypes are associated with specific isoforms
Context consideration: Evaluate isoform expression patterns in the specific experimental system used
Cancer-Specific Patterns:
Understanding and accounting for ENOX2 isoform heterogeneity is critical for accurate experimental design, data interpretation, and cross-study comparisons in ENOX2 research.
Investigating ENOX2's role in cancer metabolism requires specialized methodologies that address its unique enzymatic functions and their metabolic impacts:
These methodological approaches, used in combination, can provide comprehensive insights into ENOX2's contribution to cancer metabolism and potentially identify metabolic vulnerabilities that could be exploited therapeutically.
Based on current evidence, several promising research directions emerge for ENOX2 antibody research in oncology:
Diagnostic Biomarker Development:
Development of standardized ELISA tests for ENOX2 detection in patient plasma
Creation of multiparameter diagnostic panels combining ENOX2 with other cancer biomarkers
Validation in larger prospective patient cohorts across multiple cancer types
Focus on early detection applications, particularly for cancers where ENOX2 shows high specificity
Prognostic and Predictive Applications:
Therapeutic Targeting Approaches:
Development of more specific ENOX2 inhibitors with improved pharmacokinetic properties
Creation of antibody-drug conjugates targeting ENOX2 on cancer cell surfaces
Exploration of combination therapies with:
Mechanistic Investigations:
Technology Development:
Creation of improved antibodies with:
Higher specificity for ENOX2 isoforms
Better performance across multiple applications
Development of novel detection methods for ENOX2 enzymatic activity in clinical samples
Advancement of imaging approaches to visualize ENOX2 in living systems