Ltbp2-flox Mouse

Ltbp2, known as latent transforming growth factor-β-binding protein 2, is a fibrillin 1 binding component of the microfibril. It is involved in various biological processes. Although it doesn't bind any isoforms of TGFβ, it may interfere with other LTBPs' function or interact with other signaling pathways. Ltbp2 has complex effects on development through impacts on the extracellular matrix (ECM) or signaling pathways regulating the ECM [4].

In disease-related studies, high Ltbp2 expression is associated with poor survival in malignant tumors, being an independent prognostic factor [1]. In gastric cancer, silencing Ltbp2 can enhance cisplatin sensitivity, inhibit cell proliferation, and mitigate cisplatin resistance via the NF-κB2/Bcl-3/cyclin D1 pathway. It also promotes ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells through the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 pathway [2,5]. In prostate cancer, Ltbp2 is downregulated and inhibits cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [3]. In dilated cardiomyopathy rats, knocking down Ltbp2 can attenuate myocardial oxidative stress injury, fibrosis, and remodelling by down-regulating the NF-κB signalling pathway [6]. Moreover, mutations in the Ltbp2 gene are linked to microspherophakia [7], and plasma Ltbp2 levels may help in the differential diagnosis of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [8].

In conclusion, Ltbp2 plays crucial roles in development and is significantly associated with multiple diseases. Studies, especially those using gene-knockout models in mice, have revealed its functions in disease-related biological processes such as cell proliferation, drug resistance, and ferroptosis, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.