ASGR2
ASGR2 (asialoglycoprotein receptor 2, also known as CLEC4H2) is the minor subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor. It mediates endocytosis of plasma glycoproteins that have lost their terminal sialic acid, exposing galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine. Browse Assay Genie's current range of ASGR2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
ASGR2 mediates the endocytosis of plasma glycoproteins whose complex carbohydrate chains have had the terminal sialic acid removed. The receptor recognises the exposed terminal galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine units. After ligand binding, the receptor-ligand complex is internalised and transported to a sorting organelle, where receptor and ligand dissociate. The receptor then returns to the cell membrane surface. Through this cycle, and the subsequent lysosomal degradation of its cargo, the asialoglycoprotein receptor plays a critical role in serum glycoprotein homeostasis.
The ASGR2 gene encodes one subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor, a transmembrane protein. The receptor is a hetero-oligomer built from major and minor subunits encoded by different genes. The ASGR2 protein is the less abundant minor subunit; the major subunit is encoded by ASGR1. The gene belongs to the C-type lectin domain containing group, and alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed. Mouse and rat both carry an Asgr2 ortholog.
The asialoglycoprotein receptor is of interest beyond glycoprotein clearance. It may facilitate hepatic infection by several viruses, including hepatitis B, and it is a target for liver-specific drug delivery. CLEC4H2 is a previous symbol for the gene, which may help when searching older literature.
ASGR2 contributes to the receptor that clears desialylated plasma glycoproteins, supporting studies of serum glycoprotein turnover.
Ligand binding, internalisation, sorting and return of the receptor to the cell surface make it a model for endocytic recycling.
The asialoglycoprotein receptor may facilitate hepatic infection by several viruses, including hepatitis B.
The receptor is a target for liver-specific drug delivery, relevant to ligand design and uptake studies.
ASGR2 is a subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor, which mediates endocytosis of plasma glycoproteins with exposed terminal galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine. The complex is internalised and sorted, ligand and receptor separate, and the receptor returns to the cell surface. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
CLEC4H2 is an alias and previous symbol for the ASGR2 gene, whose approved name is asialoglycoprotein receptor 2. The receptor is a hetero-oligomer of major and minor subunits from different genes. ASGR2 encodes the less abundant minor subunit, and multiple isoforms arise from alternative splicing.
Mouse and rat both have an Asgr2 ortholog. The asialoglycoprotein receptor it forms part of may facilitate hepatic infection by viruses including hepatitis B, and it is a target for liver-specific drug delivery. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
The major subunit partner of ASGR2 in the asialoglycoprotein receptor, with related targets from the same pathway.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P07307; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.