LSM2 Antibody
Description
What is the LSM2 Antibody?
The LSM2 antibody is a polyclonal or monoclonal reagent that binds specifically to the LSM2 protein, a component of the LSM2-8 complex. This complex stabilizes U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and facilitates pre-mRNA splicing by forming part of the U4/U6-U5 tri-snRNP complex . Commercially available LSM2 antibodies are validated for applications including Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) .
Oncological Studies
LSM2 is overexpressed in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and correlates with poor prognosis:
Table 2: Key Findings in SKCM Research
| Parameter | Result | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| mRNA Expression (TCGA) | 3.5-fold increase in SKCM | |
| 5-Year Survival Rate | 34% (High LSM2) vs. 52% (Low LSM2) | |
| Cell Proliferation (CCK8) | 60% reduction post-LSM2 knockdown |
Mechanistic Insights
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Spliceosome Function: The LSM2-8 complex stabilizes U6 snRNA, enabling spliceosome assembly and RNA decay .
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Dependency in Cancer: CRISPR-Cas9 screens (DepMap) identify LSM2 as essential for melanoma cell survival, with gene effect scores ≤ -0.5 in 8/8 melanoma lines .
Technical Validation and Best Practices
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
LSM2 (LSM2 Homolog, U6 Small Nuclear RNA Associated) is a protein-coding gene that plays a crucial role in RNA processing and degradation. This gene is part of the LSm (Like Sm) family of RNA-binding proteins, which are essential for various cellular processes, including pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA decay.
The LSM2 gene is located on chromosome 6 in humans and encodes a protein that is a component of the U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex . The protein is highly conserved across different species, including mice, where it is also known as Lsm2 . The LSM2 protein is characterized by its ability to bind to the 3’-terminal oligo(U) tract of U6 snRNA, which is crucial for its function in RNA processing .
LSM2 is involved in several key cellular processes:
- Pre-mRNA Splicing: LSM2 is a component of the U4/U6-U5 tri-snRNP complex, which is essential for the assembly of the spliceosome . The spliceosome is responsible for the removal of introns from pre-mRNA, a critical step in the maturation of mRNA.
- mRNA Degradation: LSM2 also plays a role in the degradation of mRNA by forming stable heteromers with other LSm proteins . This process is vital for the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis.
- RNA Binding: The LSM2 protein binds specifically to the 3’-terminal U-tract of U6 snRNA, facilitating the formation of the U4/U6 snRNP complex .
LSM2 is involved in several biological pathways, including:
- Processing of Capped Intron-Containing Pre-mRNA: This pathway involves the modification and splicing of pre-mRNA to form mature mRNA .
- Deadenylation-Dependent mRNA Decay: This pathway is responsible for the degradation of mRNA molecules that have been marked for decay, ensuring the proper regulation of gene expression .
Research on LSM2 has provided valuable insights into its role in RNA processing and its potential implications in disease. The use of mouse models has been instrumental in studying the function of LSM2 and its homologs in different species . Additionally, antibodies targeting LSM2, such as mouse anti-human LSM2 antibodies, are widely used in research to study the protein’s expression and function in various cellular contexts .
