Rabbit Polyclonal GUCA2A Antibody

The GUCA2A antibody targets the protein guanylin, encoded by the GUCA2A gene, which is a critical peptide hormone predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Guanylin functions as an endogenous activator of guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C), a transmembrane receptor found on intestinal epithelial cells. Upon binding, it stimulates intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production, regulating electrolyte and fluid homeostasis by modulating ion channels and transporters. GUCA2A is structurally related to the heat-stable enterotoxin (ST) produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli, which exploits GC-C signaling to induce secretory diarrhea. Dysregulation of GUCA2A expression has been implicated in gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer, where its downregulation is often observed. Antibodies against GUCA2A are essential tools for studying its tissue distribution, expression levels, and functional roles in both physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques such as immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA to investigate GC-C pathway dynamics, evaluate therapeutic targets, or diagnose conditions linked to guanylin signaling defects. Recent studies also explore GUCA2A's potential as a biomarker for tumorigenesis or intestinal barrier dysfunction.