ZNRF2 (Zinc and Ring Finger 2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in regulating cellular processes such as membrane protein trafficking, receptor turnover, and Wnt signaling pathways. Structurally, it contains a characteristic RING domain critical for its enzymatic activity in mediating ubiquitination, a post-translational modification that tags target proteins for degradation or functional modulation. ZNRF2 primarily interacts with cell surface receptors, including Frizzled and LRP5/6 in the Wnt pathway, promoting their internalization and lysosomal degradation to fine-tune signal transduction. This regulatory role positions ZNRF2 as a key player in maintaining tissue homeostasis, cell polarity, and differentiation.
Antibodies against ZNRF2 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and interaction networks. They enable detection via techniques like Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry, aiding in research on its physiological and pathological roles. Dysregulation of ZNRF2 has been implicated in cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders, with altered expression levels correlating with disease progression. Notably, ZNRF2 is functionally distinct from its homolog ZNRF1. exhibiting broader tissue distribution and differing substrate specificities. Current studies focus on exploring ZNRF2 as a therapeutic target or biomarker, leveraging antibody-based assays to dissect its mechanisms in disease contexts and evaluate potential interventions targeting ubiquitination pathways.