tmc-2 Antibody

Introduction to TMC2 Protein and Antibody

TMC2 is a 906-amino acid transmembrane protein encoded by the TMC2 gene on chromosome 20 in humans . It belongs to the TMC family, which includes eight paralogs (TMC1 to TMC8) . TMC2 is transiently expressed in cochlear hair cells but persists in vestibular hair cells, contributing to mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channels . Antibodies targeting TMC2 are used for immunodetection in:

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

• Western blot (WB)

• Immunofluorescence (IF)

• Flow cytometry

These reagents enable precise localization and quantification of TMC2 in tissues such as fetal cochlea, mouse inner ear, and transfected cell lines .

Antibody Applications and Validation

TMC-2 antibodies are validated for diverse experimental workflows, with species-specific reactivity and optimized dilution ranges.

Mechanoelectrical Transduction (MET)

TMC2 forms a pore subunit of the MET channel in vestibular hair cells, where it mediates calcium influx and mechanosensory signaling . In cochlear hair cells, TMC1 is the primary MET subunit, while TMC2 expression is transient .

Transgenic Studies

• Compensation in Tmc1 KO Mice: Transgenic expression of Tmc2 under the Tmc1 promoter restores sensory transduction in neonatal cochlear hair cells but fails to prevent age-related hearing loss .

• Vestibular vs. Auditory Roles: Δ/Δ Tmc2 expression rescues vestibular function (e.g., normal vestibulo-ocular reflex) but not auditory thresholds in Tmc1/Tmc2-deficient mice .

Functional Differences

Key Research Insights

1. Evolutionary Roles: TMC2 expression in fetal cochlea may represent an evolutionary remnant, as it is not required for mature auditory function .

2. Therapeutic Potential: Transgenic Tmc2 expression delays but does not prevent hearing loss in Tmc1-deficient mice, suggesting transient therapeutic windows .

3. Vestibular Dependency: TMC2 is indispensable for vestibular function, as shown by normal balance in Δ/Δ Tmc2 mice with rescued hair cell transduction .