Recombinant mouse Nkx2-2 protein

Nkx2-2 (NK2 Homeobox 2) is a transcription factor belonging to the NK2 family of homeodomain-containing proteins, which play critical roles in embryonic development and cell fate determination. It is characterized by a conserved DNA-binding homeodomain that enables sequence-specific interactions with target gene promoters. Nkx2-2 is notably involved in the development of the central nervous system (CNS), pancreas, and other tissues. In the CNS, it regulates the specification of ventral neuronal subtypes, particularly V3 interneurons, while in the pancreas, it is essential for the differentiation of β-cells and other endocrine cell lineages. Dysregulation of Nkx2-2 has been linked to developmental disorders, diabetes, and certain cancers, highlighting its biomedical relevance.

Recombinant Nkx2-2 protein is engineered using expression systems such as *E. coli* or mammalian cells to produce a purified, functional form for experimental applications. This protein typically retains its DNA-binding capacity and transcriptional regulatory activity, making it valuable for *in vitro* studies, including electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and cell-based differentiation assays. Researchers utilize recombinant Nkx2-2 to investigate its interaction with co-factors (e.g., NeuroD, Pax6) or epigenetic modifiers, as well as its role in gene regulatory networks governing cell identity. In disease modeling, it aids in exploring mechanisms underlying pancreatic β-cell dysfunction or neurodevelopmental defects. Additionally, it serves as a tool for screening small molecules that modulate its activity, with potential therapeutic implications for diabetes or neural repair. Quality control often includes verification of purity, structural integrity, and functional assays to ensure biological relevance.