Recombinant Human NELL2 protein

NELL2 (Neural Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Like 2) is a secreted glycoprotein belonging to the NELL family, initially identified for its neural tissue expression and structural resemblance to epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains. It plays regulatory roles in cell survival, differentiation, and tissue development, particularly within the nervous system. NELL2 contains multiple functional domains, including thrombospondin type-1 repeats and epidermal growth factor-like repeats, enabling interactions with extracellular matrix components and cell surface receptors like integrins or receptor tyrosine kinases.

Recombinant NELL2 protein is engineered through genetic modification, typically expressed in mammalian or insect cell systems to ensure proper post-translational modifications. Its production allows researchers to study mechanistic pathways in vitro and in vivo. Studies suggest NELL2 participates in axon guidance, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection, with implications in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s) or neural injury repair. It also exhibits tumor-suppressive properties in certain cancers by modulating cell proliferation and apoptosis pathways.

Recent research highlights NELL2’s involvement in non-neural contexts, such as bone metabolism, angiogenesis, and immune regulation. Its interaction with kinases like PROK2 or Wnt signaling components further broadens its functional scope. Despite progress, NELL2’s full receptor network and tissue-specific roles remain under investigation. Recombinant NELL2 serves as a critical tool for dissecting these pathways and exploring therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine or targeted cancer therapies. Ongoing studies aim to clarify its dual roles in health and disease, emphasizing its potential as a biomarker or biologic drug candidate.