JAK2 (Janus Kinase 2) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that plays pivotal roles in cell growth, development, differentiation, and histone modifications. It mediates essential signaling events in both innate and adaptive immunity through its association with type I receptors like growth hormone (GHR), prolactin (PRLR), leptin (LEPR), erythropoietin (EPOR), thrombopoietin receptor (MPL/TPOR); and type II receptors including IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma and multiple interleukins . JAK2 functions primarily by phosphorylating specific tyrosine residues on cytoplasmic receptor tails, creating docking sites for STAT proteins, which are subsequently phosphorylated, form dimers, and translocate to the nucleus to activate gene transcription . Its central role in critical signaling pathways makes it an important target for understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic interventions.
Selection of the appropriate JAK2 antibody depends on several factors including the intended application, species reactivity requirements, and the specific epitope of interest. For Western blotting applications, antibodies with demonstrated specificity such as the mouse/rat JAK2 antibody (AF2988) have shown successful detection of JAK2 at approximately 125 kDa in various cell lines including DA3 mouse myeloma cells and L6 rat myoblast cells . For immunohistochemistry, JAK2-specific antibodies like those reported in developmental studies should be considered, particularly those validated for lack of cross-reactivity with other JAK family members . Researchers should evaluate:
Application compatibility (WB, IHC, IP, IF)
Species reactivity (human, mouse, rat)
Validated detection in relevant tissue/cell types
Antibody format (monoclonal vs. polyclonal)
Recognition of phosphorylated vs. total JAK2
For instance, rabbit monoclonal antibodies like EPR108(2) provide consistent batch-to-batch performance with confirmed specificity through knockout validation for applications including Western blotting and immunofluorescence .
To maintain optimal JAK2 antibody activity, researchers should adhere to specific storage and handling recommendations. Based on manufacturer guidelines for JAK2 antibodies, the following protocols are recommended:
Store unopened antibodies at -20 to -70°C for up to 12 months from the date of receipt
After reconstitution, store at 2-8°C under sterile conditions for short-term use (up to 1 month)
For long-term storage after reconstitution, aliquot and store at -20 to -70°C for up to 6 months
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as this can significantly reduce antibody activity
Store in buffer solutions containing stabilizers such as PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol at pH 7.3
For smaller volume antibodies (20μl), the addition of 0.1% BSA may improve stability
Aliquoting is unnecessary for -20°C storage for certain formulations, but is generally recommended to prevent freeze-thaw damage
Proper storage temperature is critical - using manual defrost freezers rather than self-defrosting models is recommended to avoid temperature fluctuations that can degrade antibody performance .
For optimal Western blot detection of JAK2, several technical considerations should be addressed:
Sample Preparation and Loading:
Use appropriate lysis buffers that preserve JAK2 integrity and phosphorylation status
Cell lines demonstrating consistent JAK2 expression include NIH/3T3, DA3 mouse myeloma, PT18 mouse mast/basophil, and L6 rat myoblast cell lines
Antibody Dilution and Detection Parameters:
For polyclonal antibodies like 17670-1-AP, use dilutions ranging from 1:200 to 1:1000
For affinity-purified antibodies like AF2988, a concentration of 1 μg/mL has been validated
Membrane and Blocking Conditions:
PVDF membranes have been successfully used for JAK2 detection
Reducing conditions are recommended for detecting JAK2 at its expected molecular weight of approximately 120-130 kDa
Secondary Antibody Selection:
For goat primary antibodies, HRP-conjugated anti-goat IgG secondary antibodies (e.g., HAF109) have proven effective
Titrate secondary antibodies to minimize background while maintaining specific signal
The specific protocol should be optimized for each experimental system, with particular attention to buffer composition, blocking reagent, and exposure time to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio.
Optimizing IHC protocols for JAK2 detection requires careful consideration of several parameters:
Antigen Retrieval:
For human tissue samples, TE buffer at pH 9.0 is suggested as the primary antigen retrieval method
Alternatively, citrate buffer at pH 6.0 may be used when TE buffer yields suboptimal results
Antibody Dilution and Incubation:
Start with dilutions between 1:50 and 1:500 for IHC applications
Perform titration experiments to determine optimal concentration for specific tissue types
Tissue Selection and Validation:
Human kidney and breast cancer tissues have been validated as positive controls
For animal models, inflammatory tissues (particularly in arthritis models) show strong JAK2 expression in inflammatory cells, mast cells, and bone marrow elements
Detection Systems:
Select detection systems appropriate for the primary antibody species
Consider signal amplification methods for detecting low-abundance JAK2 expression
Controls:
Include positive controls (tissues known to express JAK2)
Negative controls (primary antibody omission or isotype controls)
When available, JAK2-deficient tissues or cell lines provide the most stringent specificity control
Each new tissue type may require protocol modification and validation to achieve optimal staining with minimal background.
When designing JAK2 immunoprecipitation (IP) experiments, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Antibody Amount:
Use 0.5-4.0 μg of antibody per 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate for effective JAK2 immunoprecipitation
Titrate antibody concentration to determine optimal binding without non-specific interactions
Cell/Tissue Selection:
NIH/3T3 cells have been validated for successful JAK2 immunoprecipitation
Consider cell lines with documented JAK2 expression or activation based on your research questions
Lysis Conditions:
Select lysis buffers that maintain protein-protein interactions if studying JAK2 binding partners
Preserve phosphorylation status with appropriate phosphatase inhibitors when examining JAK2 activation
Detection Methods:
Western blotting using JAK2 antibodies recognizing different epitopes than the IP antibody
Phospho-specific antibodies to assess JAK2 activation state
Co-IP detection of known binding partners to validate functional interactions
Controls:
Include isotype controls to assess non-specific binding
Input controls (pre-IP lysate) to confirm target presence before IP
Consider IP with non-specific IgG as negative control
For studying JAK2 activation mechanisms, designing experiments that can detect dimerization-induced phosphorylation is especially relevant, as demonstrated in studies of antibody-mediated receptor dimerization and subsequent JAK2 activation .
JAK2 activation initiates complex signaling cascades that vary by cellular context and upstream receptor engagement. The primary mechanism involves a precisely coordinated series of events:
Ligand binding to cell surface receptors (type I receptors like GHR, PRLR, LEPR, EPOR, MPL/TPOR or type II receptors including IFN receptors and interleukin receptors)
Receptor conformational changes leading to JAK2 autophosphorylation and activation
JAK2-mediated phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues on receptor cytoplasmic domains
Creation of docking sites for STAT proteins (particularly STAT3 and STAT5)
STAT protein recruitment, phosphorylation, and activation by JAK2
Dimerization of activated STATs and nuclear translocation
Transcriptional activation of target genes
In erythropoiesis, for example, erythropoietin (EPO) stimulation leads to JAK2 autophosphorylation and association with the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR). This activation primarily recruits STAT5 (either STAT5A or STAT5B), which is phosphorylated by JAK2, dimerizes, and translocates to the nucleus to promote transcription of genes critical for erythropoiesis regulation .
The specific outcomes of JAK2 signaling depend on cell type, receptor engagement, and concurrent activation of other pathways, making contextual analysis essential for understanding its biological functions.
Multiple methods can be employed to assess JAK2 phosphorylation and kinase activity:
Western Blotting:
Phospho-specific antibodies targeting key JAK2 phosphorylation sites (Y1007/Y1008 in the activation loop)
Total JAK2 antibodies to normalize phospho-signal to total protein levels
Downstream substrate phosphorylation (e.g., STAT3/5 phosphorylation) as indirect measure of JAK2 activity
Immunoprecipitation-Based Assays:
Immunoprecipitate JAK2 followed by Western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies
Kinase activity assays using immunoprecipitated JAK2 with recombinant substrates
When examining JAK2 activation through dimerization, co-immunoprecipitation can reveal mechanisms like those observed in antibody-induced receptor dimerization studies
Cellular Assays:
Reporter gene assays using STAT-responsive elements
Phospho-flow cytometry for single-cell analysis of JAK2 pathway activation
Cellular proliferation assays as functional readouts of JAK2 activity, particularly in contexts where JAK2 activation correlates with mitogenic responses
In vitro Kinase Assays:
Recombinant JAK2 with synthetic peptide substrates
ADP production measurements as indicator of kinase activity
Competitive inhibition assays to assess inhibitor potency and specificity
When designing these experiments, researchers should consider the cellular context, stimulus conditions, and timing of measurements, as JAK2 phosphorylation is typically rapid and may be transient depending on regulatory feedback mechanisms.
Studying JAK2 inhibitors requires multifaceted approaches spanning biochemical, cellular, and in vivo methodologies:
Biochemical Assays:
In vitro kinase assays with recombinant JAK2 to determine IC50 values
Selectivity profiling against other JAK family members and related kinases
Structure-activity relationship studies using variant inhibitor structures
Cellular Systems:
Cell lines with constitutive or inducible JAK2 activation
Phosphorylation status of JAK2 and downstream STAT proteins
Functional readouts including proliferation, survival, and gene expression
Cell-based dose-response studies to establish cellular potency
Animal Models:
JAK2-dependent disease models such as polycythemia vera or myelofibrosis models
Inflammatory models such as the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (rAIA) model, where JAK2-specific antibodies have demonstrated marked JAK2 expression in inflammatory cells, mast cells, and bone marrow elements
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship determination
Biomarker analysis including blood counts and pathway-specific protein phosphorylation
Translational Approaches:
Patient-derived samples to validate target engagement
Ex vivo analysis of drug effects on primary cells
Correlation of JAK2 mutation status with inhibitor response
When developing JAK2 inhibitors, it's critical to establish specificity within the JAK family, as inappropriate cross-reactivity could lead to unintended immunosuppression or other off-target effects. The development of JAK2-specific research tools, including selective antibodies lacking cross-reactivity to JAK-1 and JAK-3, has been important for such investigations .
JAK2 mutations, particularly the V617F mutation, significantly impact antibody selection and experimental design in hematological malignancy research:
Antibody Selection Considerations:
Epitope mapping relative to mutation sites is critical - antibodies targeting regions affected by mutations may show differential binding to wild-type versus mutant JAK2
Phospho-specific antibodies may show enhanced signal in constitutively active mutants
Consider antibodies validated specifically for detecting mutant forms when studying mutation-positive samples
Experimental Design Adaptations:
Include appropriate positive controls (cell lines harboring JAK2 V617F or other mutations)
Consider isogenic cell line pairs (wild-type vs. mutant) to isolate mutation-specific effects
Design experiments to distinguish constitutive activation (mutation-driven) from ligand-dependent activation
Technical Considerations:
When using JAK2 antibodies in patients with potential JAK2 mutations, consider that these mutations can lead to polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, or leukemia
For mutation verification, complementary molecular techniques alongside antibody-based detection are recommended
The mutation status should be verified using different methodologies, as seen in clinical practice where JAK2 mutations are confirmed "twice; one year apart and from different labs"
Clinical-Research Interface:
Design experiments that address clinically relevant questions about drug response prediction
Consider the relationship between mutation allele burden and antibody-detected protein levels
For translational research, correlation of antibody-based detection with clinical parameters is essential
Understanding the specific JAK2 mutation characteristics is crucial for experimental design, as different mutations may affect antibody binding and downstream signaling in distinct ways.
For detecting JAK2 expression in inflammatory and autoimmune disease models, the following protocols are recommended:
Tissue Preparation:
Fresh frozen or properly fixed tissues (preferably with minimal overfixation)
For rheumatoid arthritis models, joint tissues require specialized decalcification protocols that preserve antigenicity
Immunohistochemistry Protocol:
In rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (rAIA) models, JAK2-specific antibodies have successfully detected expression in inflammatory cells (macrophages and neutrophils), mast cells, and bone marrow elements
For optimal results, antigen retrieval methods should be carefully optimized, with citrate buffer (pH 6.0) often being effective for inflammatory tissues
Antibody dilutions typically range from 1:50 to 1:500, but should be optimized for each specific model
Cell-Type Identification:
Consider dual immunofluorescence or sequential immunohistochemistry to identify JAK2 expression in specific cell populations
Recommended cell markers include:
CD68 for macrophages
MPO for neutrophils
Tryptase or c-kit for mast cells
CD3 for T cells
CD19 for B cells
Controls and Validation:
Include appropriate positive controls (tissues known to express JAK2)
Negative controls (primary antibody omission and isotype controls)
When available, JAK2 inhibitor-treated tissues provide functional validation
Western Blot Complementation:
To quantify JAK2 expression levels, Western blotting of tissue lysates is recommended
For inflammatory tissues, special attention to extraction protocols is necessary to overcome high protease content
These methodologies have been successfully applied in studies developing JAK2-specific antibodies for investigative efficacy studies in RA models, demonstrating specific detection without cross-reactivity to JAK-1 and JAK-3 .
Effective use of JAK2 antibodies in studying JAK-STAT signaling requires strategic application across various experimental systems:
Cell Line Models:
Select cell lines with well-characterized JAK-STAT pathway components
NIH/3T3, DA3 mouse myeloma, PT18 mouse mast/basophil, and L6 rat myoblast cell lines have demonstrated reliable JAK2 detection
Consider cytokine-responsive cell lines to study ligand-induced JAK2 activation
Western Blot Analysis:
Use phospho-specific antibodies to detect activated JAK2 (pY1007/1008)
Examine downstream STAT phosphorylation patterns (particularly STAT3 and STAT5)
Include total JAK2 and STAT protein detection for normalization
For optimal detection, PVDF membranes with appropriately optimized blocking conditions are recommended
Pathway Manipulation Approaches:
Study receptor dimerization effects on JAK2 activation, as demonstrated in antibody-mediated dimerization studies showing correlation between receptor dimerization and JAK2 phosphorylation
Apply JAK2 inhibitors to confirm pathway specificity
Use siRNA/shRNA knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9 knockout to validate antibody specificity and pathway dependence
Immunoprecipitation Strategies:
Co-immunoprecipitation to identify JAK2 binding partners
Immunoprecipitation followed by phospho-specific Western blotting
For these applications, 0.5-4.0 μg of antibody per 1.0-3.0 mg of total protein lysate has proven effective
Microscopy Applications:
Immunofluorescence to assess JAK2 subcellular localization
Proximity ligation assays to detect JAK2-receptor or JAK2-STAT interactions
Live-cell imaging with fluorescently tagged JAK2 to monitor dynamics
When designing JAK-STAT pathway experiments, it's important to remember that JAK2 functions in the context of receptor complexes. The activation mechanism typically involves ligand-induced receptor dimerization leading to JAK2 autophosphorylation and subsequent STAT protein recruitment and phosphorylation .
Researchers frequently encounter several technical challenges when working with JAK2 antibodies:
Solution: Optimize blocking conditions (5% non-fat dry milk or BSA)
Increase washing stringency with higher salt or detergent concentrations
Try alternative antibody dilutions (1:200 to 1:1000 range recommended)
Consider using monoclonal antibodies like EPR108(2) with validated knockout testing for improved specificity
Solution: Ensure proper sample preparation to preserve JAK2 integrity
For phospho-JAK2 detection, use fresh samples with phosphatase inhibitors
Try different antigen retrieval methods for IHC (TE buffer pH 9.0 or citrate buffer pH 6.0)
Increase antibody concentration or incubation time
Confirm JAK2 expression in your experimental system
Solution: Adjust antibody amount (0.5-4.0 μg for 1.0-3.0 mg of lysate recommended)
Optimize lysis buffer composition to maintain protein-protein interactions
Consider pre-clearing lysates to reduce non-specific binding
Use protein A/G mix beads for broader immunoglobulin class capture
Solution: Titrate primary antibody concentration (1:50-1:500 range recommended)
Extend blocking step duration or change blocking reagent
Reduce secondary antibody concentration
Include additional washing steps
Solution: Standardize antibody handling and storage conditions
Aliquot antibodies to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Maintain consistent experimental conditions across studies
Use manual defrost freezers for storage to avoid temperature fluctuations
Solution: Select JAK2-specific antibodies validated for lack of cross-reactivity
Include appropriate controls (JAK1/JAK3 knockout or knockdown samples)
Validate findings with multiple antibodies targeting different JAK2 epitopes
Addressing these technical challenges requires systematic optimization and appropriate controls to ensure reliable and reproducible results when working with JAK2 antibodies.
Comprehensive validation of JAK2 antibody specificity is critical for experimental rigor:
Genetic Approaches:
Use JAK2 knockout or knockdown systems as negative controls
If knockout validation is not available, siRNA or shRNA knockdown can provide alternative specificity confirmation
Antibodies like EPR108(2) that have undergone knockout testing provide high confidence in specificity
Peptide Competition Assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide or recombinant JAK2 protein
Specific signal should be significantly reduced or eliminated
Include non-specific peptide control to confirm specificity of competition
Multi-Antibody Validation:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different JAK2 epitopes
Consistent detection patterns strengthen confidence in specificity
For example, comparing results between mouse/rat JAK2 antibody (AF2988) and other available antibodies
Cross-Species Reactivity Testing:
Test antibody in samples from different species where sequence homology is known
Compare observed reactivity with predicted cross-reactivity based on epitope conservation
JAK2 antibodies have demonstrated reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples
Cell Line Panel Screening:
Test antibody across cell lines with known JAK2 expression levels
Validated cell lines include NIH/3T3, DA3 mouse myeloma, PT18 mouse mast/basophil, and L6 rat myoblast
Signal intensity should correlate with expected expression levels
JAK Family Specificity:
Test against other JAK family members (JAK1, JAK3, TYK2)
Use recombinant proteins or cell lines with differential JAK expression
Some antibodies have been specifically characterized for lack of cross-reactivity to JAK1 and JAK3
Molecular Weight Verification:
Confirm detection at the expected molecular weight (120-130 kDa for JAK2)
Multiple bands may indicate degradation, post-translational modifications, or specificity issues
Proper validation is particularly important when using JAK2 antibodies in novel experimental systems or applications where they haven't been previously characterized.
JAK2 antibody applications are expanding with several emerging techniques in advanced research:
Single-Cell Analysis:
Integration with mass cytometry (CyTOF) for high-dimensional analysis of JAK2 activation at single-cell resolution
Imaging mass cytometry combining JAK2 antibodies with spatial information in tissue sections
Single-cell Western blotting for heterogeneity assessment in JAK2 signaling responses
Proximity-Based Protein Interaction Studies:
Proximity ligation assays (PLA) to visualize JAK2 interactions with receptors or downstream substrates
BioID or APEX2 proximity labeling with JAK2 fusion proteins to identify novel interaction partners
FRET/BRET-based approaches using antibody-conjugated fluorophores to study JAK2 dynamics
Therapeutic Antibody Development:
Engineered antibodies targeting JAK2 directly for therapeutic applications
Bispecific antibodies linking JAK2 to specific degradation pathways
Development of antibody-drug conjugates for targeted delivery to JAK2-expressing cells
Advanced Imaging Applications:
Super-resolution microscopy with JAK2 antibodies for detailed subcellular localization
Intravital microscopy to study JAK2 signaling dynamics in vivo
Expansion microscopy combined with JAK2 immunostaining for enhanced spatial resolution
Emerging Clinical Applications:
Development of companion diagnostic antibodies for JAK2 inhibitor therapies
Circulating tumor cell analysis with JAK2 mutation-specific antibodies
Liquid biopsy applications detecting JAK2 in extracellular vesicles
CRISPR Screening Combined with Antibody-Based Readouts:
High-throughput screens for JAK2 pathway modifiers using phospho-specific antibodies as readouts
Pooled CRISPR screens with JAK2 activation-dependent cell sorting
Epitope tagging of endogenous JAK2 in combination with high-affinity tag antibodies
These emerging techniques represent the cutting edge of JAK2 research, enabling more sophisticated analysis of JAK2 biology, drug responses, and disease mechanisms. As with all advanced applications, careful validation and optimization are essential for generating reliable data with these approaches.
JAK2 antibodies are instrumental in studying JAK2 mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs):
Detection of Mutant vs. Wild-Type JAK2:
Phosphorylation Status Analysis:
Phospho-specific antibodies reveal activation status differences between wild-type and mutant JAK2
In MPNs, constitutive activation of JAK2 can be monitored through persistent phosphorylation
Quantitative assessment of phospho-JAK2 to total JAK2 ratios provides activation metrics
Downstream Signaling Studies:
Antibodies against JAK2 targets (STAT3/5, ERK, PI3K pathway components) enable mapping of altered signaling networks
Comparative analysis between JAK2 mutant and wild-type samples reveals pathway dysregulation
For mechanistic studies, analysis of JAK2-mediated receptor phosphorylation is important, as JAK2 creates docking sites for STATs by phosphorylating specific tyrosine residues on cytoplasmic receptor tails
Drug Response Assessment:
JAK2 antibodies facilitate monitoring of inhibitor effects on mutant vs. wild-type protein
Dose-dependent changes in phosphorylation status serve as pharmacodynamic biomarkers
For translational research, correlation with clinical parameters informs therapeutic optimization
Patient Sample Analysis:
Immunohistochemistry in bone marrow biopsies to assess JAK2 expression patterns
Flow cytometry with phospho-specific antibodies to analyze MPN patient blood samples
These approaches complement molecular testing for JAK2 mutations, which should be verified using different methodologies as practiced clinically
Clonal Evolution Monitoring:
Antibody-based assays to track changes in JAK2 mutant clone size during disease progression
Single-cell approaches to characterize heterogeneity in JAK2 signaling within mutant populations
These applications of JAK2 antibodies provide critical insights into the pathophysiology of MPNs and facilitate development of targeted therapeutic approaches for patients with JAK2 mutations.
Studying JAK2 signaling in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases requires specific methodological considerations:
Tissue-Specific Expression Analysis:
Use of appropriate antibody dilutions for cardiovascular tissues (1:50-1:500 range recommended for IHC)
Optimization of antigen retrieval methods specifically for cardiovascular tissues
Consideration of tissue-specific JAK2 expression patterns and signaling contexts
Cellular Models:
Selection of relevant cell types (cardiomyocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes)
Establishment of appropriate stimulation conditions (cytokines, growth factors, metabolic stressors)
Analysis of JAK2 activation in response to specific disease-relevant stimuli
Signaling Pathway Context:
Assessment of JAK2 activation in relation to insulin, leptin, and adipokine signaling
Examination of crosstalk between JAK2 and other pathways (insulin receptor, AMPK, NF-κB)
Integration of JAK2 signaling data with metabolic functional readouts
In Vivo Models:
Careful selection of animal models with relevant metabolic or cardiovascular phenotypes
Tissue-specific JAK2 knockdown or knockout approaches to delineate cell-specific roles
Correlation of JAK2 activation with disease progression markers
Technical Adaptations:
For adipose tissue, specialized protein extraction protocols to overcome lipid interference
For heart tissue, consideration of contractile protein abundance when normalizing JAK2 signals
For vascular tissues, layer-specific analysis (intima, media, adventitia) through precise microdissection or laser capture
Translational Approaches:
Analysis of JAK2 expression and activation in patient-derived samples
Correlation with clinical parameters, disease severity, and treatment response
Integration with genomic data to identify potential JAK2 pathway alterations
Metabolic Context Integration:
Assessment of JAK2 activation in relation to metabolic states (fed vs. fasted, insulin-sensitive vs. resistant)
Consideration of circadian rhythm effects on JAK2 signaling
Analysis of acute vs. chronic metabolic stress on JAK2 pathway dynamics
When designing these studies, researchers should consider the complex integration of JAK2 signaling with other metabolic and inflammatory pathways relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic disease pathophysiology.
JAK2 antibodies offer powerful tools for studying the inflammation-cancer nexus:
Tumor Microenvironment Analysis:
Dual immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence to simultaneously detect JAK2 activation in tumor and immune cells
Spatial mapping of JAK2 activation patterns relative to inflammatory infiltrates
Assessment of JAK2 phosphorylation gradients from tumor core to periphery
Inflammatory Cell Phenotyping:
Flow cytometry with JAK2 and phospho-JAK2 antibodies to characterize immune cell subsets
Correlation of JAK2 activation with functional states of tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils
JAK2 has been observed in inflammatory cells (macrophages and neutrophils), mast cells, and bone marrow elements in inflammatory models , with similar analysis applicable to cancer contexts
Cytokine Response Profiling:
Analysis of JAK2 activation following treatment with cancer-relevant cytokines
Temporal dynamics of JAK2-STAT pathway activation in chronic inflammatory stimulation
Comparative analysis between normal and malignant cells of the same tissue origin
Pre-Neoplastic to Neoplastic Transition:
JAK2 antibody application in tissue samples representing cancer progression continuum
Correlation of JAK2 activation patterns with markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Analysis of JAK2 pathway activation in inflammation-associated metaplasia preceding malignancy
Therapeutic Intervention Studies:
Monitoring JAK2 inhibitor effects on both inflammatory and neoplastic components
Assessment of combination therapies targeting both inflammation and cancer-intrinsic pathways
Pharmacodynamic biomarker development using phospho-JAK2 antibodies
Ex Vivo Culture Systems:
Patient-derived organoids co-cultured with immune components to study JAK2-mediated interactions
JAK2 antibody-based readouts for high-throughput drug screening in inflammatory tumor models
Live cell imaging with fluorescently-labeled JAK2 antibodies to track signaling dynamics
Mechanistic Approaches:
Analysis of JAK2-dependent inflammatory gene signatures in cancer cells
Investigation of JAK2-mediated epigenetic alterations during inflammation-associated carcinogenesis
Examination of JAK2's role in mediating cell death resistance during inflammatory stress
Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in the signaling pathways of various cytokine receptors. It is a member of the Janus kinase family, which includes JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2. JAK2 is involved in the signaling of type II cytokine receptors, the GM-CSF receptor family, the gp130 receptor family, and single-chain receptors .
JAK2 is characterized by the presence of seven Janus homology (JH) domains, labeled JH1 to JH7. The JH1 domain is the kinase domain responsible for its enzymatic activity, while the JH2 domain, initially thought to be a pseudokinase domain, has been found to have catalytic activity, albeit at a lower level . The JH2 domain plays a regulatory role, maintaining low basal activity in the absence of cytokines and facilitating activation upon cytokine binding .
JAK2 is activated upon cytokine binding to its receptor, leading to autophosphorylation and subsequent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins. These phosphorylated STAT proteins then translocate to the nucleus, where they influence gene transcription . JAK2 is essential for the signaling of various cytokines and growth factors, including erythropoietin, thrombopoietin, and interleukins .
Mutations in the JAK2 gene have been implicated in several myeloproliferative disorders, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis . The most clinically relevant mutation is V617F, which results in constitutive activation of JAK2 and hypersensitivity to cytokine signaling . This mutation is used as a diagnostic marker for polycythemia vera .
Mouse anti-human JAK2 antibodies are commonly used in research to study the expression and function of JAK2 in various biological contexts. These antibodies are generated by immunizing mice with human JAK2 protein, leading to the production of antibodies that specifically recognize and bind to human JAK2. These antibodies can be used in various applications, including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry, to investigate the role of JAK2 in different signaling pathways and disease states .