"Biosensis"

Supplier: Biosensis

The amyloid beta peptide is derived from the cleavage of the Amyloid precursor protein (APP) and varies in length from 39 to 43 amino acids. However, the form(s) of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) associated with the pathology characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unclear. In particular, the neurotoxicity of intraneuronal Aβ accumulation is an area of considerable research and controversy principally because antibodies thought to be specific for Aβ have been shown to actually detect intraneuronal APP and not Aβ exclusively. MOAB-2 (mouse IgG2b) is a pan-specific, high-titer antibody to Aβ residues 1-4 as demonstrated by biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses (IHC), and is highly specific just to amyloid beta peptide. MOAB-2 did not detect APP or APP-CTFs in cell culture media/lysates (HEK-APPSwe or HEK APPSwe/BACE1) or in brain homogenates from transgenic mice expressing 5 familial AD (FAD) mutation (5xFAD mice). Using IHC on 5xFAD brain tissue, MOAB-2 immunoreactivity co-localized with C-terminal antibodies specific for Aβ40 and Aβ42. MOAB-2 did not co-localize with either N- or C-terminal antibodies to APP. In addition, no MOAB-2-immunreactivity was observed in the brains of 5xFAD/BACE-/- mice, although significant amounts of APP were detected by N- and C-terminal antibodies to APP, as well as by 6E10. In both 5xFAD and 3xTg mouse brain tissue, MOAB-2 co-localized with cathepsin-D, a marker for acidic organelles, further evidence for intraneuronal Aβ, distinct from Aβ associated with the cell membrane. MOAB-2 demonstrated strong intraneuronal and extra-cellular immunoreactivity in 5xFAD and 3xTg mouse brain tissues.

Supplier: Biosensis

Tyrosine hydroxylase is an excellent marker for dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons. Tyrosine hydroxylase (a.k.a. tyrosine 3-monooxygenase) is the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of the amino acid L-tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). L-DOPA is a precursor for dopamine, which, in turn, is a precursor for the important neurotransmitters norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline). Tyrosine hydroxylase catalyzes the rate limiting step in this synthesis of catecholamines. In humans, tyrosine hydroxylase is encoded by the TH gene, and the enzyme is present in the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral symphatic neurons and the adrenal medulla. The enzymatic activity of TH requires ferrous ions as cofactors and is believed to be regulated by phosphorylation. At least four isoforms of human TH have been identified which result from alternative splicing. Tyrosine hydroxylase, phenylalanine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase together make up the family of aromatic amino acid hydroxylases (AAAHs). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrosine_hydroxylase

Supplier: Biosensis

Microtubules are 25nm diameter protein rods found in most kinds of eukaryotic cells. They are polymerized from a dimeric subunit made of one 'a' subunit and one 'b' tubulin subunit. Microtubules are associated with a family of proteins called microtubule associated proteins (MAPs), which includes the protein t (tau) and a group of proteins referred to as MAP1, MAP2, MAP3, MAP4 and MAP5. MAP2 is made up of two ~280kDa apparent molecular weight bands referred to as MAP2 a and MAP2 b. A third lower molecular weight form, usually called MAP2c, corresponds to a pair of protein bands running at ~70kDa on SDS-PAGE gels. All these MAP2 forms are derived from a single gene by alternate transcription, and all share a C-terminal sequence which includes either three or four microtubule binding peptide sequences, which are very similar to those found in the related microtubule binding protein t (tau). MAP2 isoforms are expressed only in neuronal cells and specifically in the perikarya and dendrites of these cells. Antibodies to MAP2 are therefore excellent markers on neuronal cells, their perikarya and neuronal dendrites.

Supplier: Biosensis

High-mobility group proteins were named originally since they are abundand relatively low molecular weight proteins which run quickly on SDS-PAGE gels. High-mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1, Amphoterin) is one of these. The "bx" in the name refers to the so-called high mobility group (HMG) box, a compact domain involved in DNA binding and protein-protein interactions. the HMGB1 molecule has two of these HMG domains. The protein is alslo called amphoterin, this name being derived from the presence of two highly charged regions in the molecule, a relatively neutrally charged N-terminus and a very negatively charged C-terminus. In fact the molecule is very unusually charged throughout, the human sequence consisting of 16.7% Glutamic acid, 9.3% Aspartic acid, 20% lysine and 9.3% Arginine. HMGB1 can bind Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products (RAGE). TLRs are components of the innate immune system, first recognized as a family of receptors which recognize "Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern molecules (PAMPs). PAMPs are common components of bacteria and when TLRs bind these a strong inflammatory response is activated. More recently it has been recognized that TLRs can also be activated by Damage Associated Molecular Pattern molecules (DAMPs), which are endogenous substances released from damaged and diseased cells which also bind to TLR family receptors and also activate inflammation. HMGB1 is such a DAMP, binding to TLR4, and much evidence suggests that HMGB1 is a strong activator of inflammation. Interestingly, HMGB1 is released by necrotic cells but not by apoptotic cells (1).

Supplier: Biosensis

FUNCTION: Promotes microtubule assembly and stability, and might be involved in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal polarity. The C-terminus binds axonal microtubules while the N-terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, suggesting that tau functions as a linker protein between both. Axonal polarity is predetermined by tau localization (in the neuronal cell) in the domain of the cell body defined by the centrosome. The short isoforms allow plasticity of the cytoskeleton whereas the longer isoforms may preferentially play a role in its stabilization. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cytoplasm; cytosol. Cell membrane. Mostly found in the axons of neurons, in the cytosol and in association with plasma membrane components. ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS: 8 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing. Additional isoforms seem to exist. Isoforms differ from each other by the presence or absence of up to 5 of the 15 exons. One of these optional exons contains the additional tau/MAP repeat. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Expressed in neurons. Isoform PNS-tau is expressed in the peripheral nervous system while the others are expressed in the central nervous system. DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE: Four-repeat (type II) tau is expressed in an adult-specific manner and is not found in fetal brain, whereas three-repeat (type I) tau is found in both adult and fetal brain. DOMAIN: The tau/MAP repeat binds to tubulin. In Alzheimer disease, the neuronal cytoskeleton in the brain is progressively disrupted and replaced by tangles of paired helical filaments and straight filaments, mainly composed of hyperphosphorylated forms of Microtubule-associated protein Tau. Defects in Microtubule-associated protein Tau are a cause of frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17, as well as a number of other neurodegenerative diseases.

Supplier: Biosensis

Fox3 is one of a family of mammalian homologues of Fox-1. The Fox proteins are about 46kDa in size, and each includes a central highly conserved RRM type RNA recognition motif. Much interest has focused on Fox3 as a result of the recent finding that this protein corresponds to NeuN, a neuronal nuclear antigen. NeuN/Fox-3 has a function in RNA splicing and is expressed heavily and specifically in neuronal nuclei and cytoplasm. Our antibody was raised against the N-terminal 100 amino acids of human Fox3 as expressed in and purified from E. coli. We did not use full length Fox3 as immunogen since the three mammalian Fox homologues, namely Fox1, Fox2 and Fox3, include virtually identical RRM motifs. The N-terminal region of the three molecules are much more variable in the three molecules so antibodies specific for each of the three molecules can therefore be generated.

Supplier: Biosensis

BDNF belongs to the neurotrophin family and regulates the survival and differentiation of neurons during development. The alterations in BDNF expression induced by various kinds of brain insult including stress, ischemia, seizure activity and hypoglycemia, may contribute to some pathologies such as depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Microglia release BDNF that may contribute to neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain. FUNCTION: Promotes the survival of neuronal populations that are all located either in the central nervous system or directly connected to it. Major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity at adult synapses in many regions of the CNS. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability. SUBUNIT: Monomers and homodimers. Binds to NTRK2/TRKB. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Secreted protein. Post Translation Modification (PTM): The propeptide is N-glycosylated and glycosulfated. PTM: Converted into mature BDNF by plasmin (PLG) (By similarity). DISEASE: Defects in BDNF are a cause of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS); also known as congenital failure of autonomic control or Ondine curse. CCHS is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal control of respiration in the absence of neuromuscular or lung disease, or an identifiable brain stem lesion. A deficiency in autonomic control of respiration results in inadequate or negligible ventilatory and arousal responses to hypercapnia and hypoxemia. CCHS is frequently complicated with neurocristopathies such as Hirschsprung disease that occurs in about 16% of CCHS cases. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the NGF-beta family.

Supplier: Biosensis

Saporin is a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) of type I. This monomeric RNA N-glycosidase purified from seeds of the plant Saponaria officinalis also known as Soapwort, is capable of specific depurination of eukaryotic ribosomes thus arresting protein synthesis. No ligand has been identified in saporin hence its inability to transverse the cell membrane. Due to its toxicity and stability of the structure, saporin has proven extremely useful for construction of immunotoxins. The expected molecular weight of the purified saporin is 29.5 kDa.

Supplier: Biosensis

This gene encodes an enzyme which catalyzes the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This gene product is a characteristic feature of cholinergic neurons, and changes in these neurons may explain some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Polymorphisms in this gene have been associated with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Mutations in this gene are associated with congenital myasthenic syndrome associated with episodic apnea. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene, and some of these variants have been shown to encode more than one isoform. [provided by RefSeq, May 2010]

Supplier: Biosensis

TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Predominantly expressed in trigeminal and dorsal root sensory ganglia. Isoform 1 and isoform 3 are also expressed in brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Supplier: Biosensis

Beta-synuclein is a non-amyloid component of senile plaques found in Alzheimer disease. It could act as a regulator of SNCA aggregation. It protects nerurons from staurosporine and 6 hydroxy dopamine -stimulated capspase activation in a p53-dependent manner. It localises to the cytoplasm and it is predominantly expressed in the brain where it is most concentrated in presynaptic nerve terminals. This protein is phosphorylated. This protein is also associated with the disease Brain iron accumulation type 1 (NBIA1).

Supplier: Biosensis

FUNCTION: Plays a role in neurofilament network integrity. May be involved in modulating axonal architecture during development and in the adult. In vitro, increases the susceptibility of neurofilament-H to calcium-dependent proteases. May also function in modulating the keratin network in skin. Activates the MAPK and Elk-1 signal transduction pathway. SUBUNIT: May be a centrosome-associated protein. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cytoplasm; perinuclear region. Centrosome. Spindle. Associated with centrosomes in several interphase cells. In mitotic cells, localized to the poles of the spindle. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Highly expressed in brain, particularly in the substantia nigra. Also expressed in the corpus callosum, heart, skeletal muscle, ovary, testis, colon and spleen. Weak expression in pancreas, kidney and lung. PTM: Phosphorylated. Phosphorylation by GRK5 appears to occur on residues distinct from the residue phosphorylated by other kinases. DISEASE: Brain iron accumulation type 1 (NBIA1, also called Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome), a rare neuroaxonal dystrophy, is histologically characterized by axonal spheroids, iron deposition, Lewy body (LB)-like intraneuronal inclusions, glial inclusions and neurofibrillary tangles. SNCG is found in spheroids but not in inclusions. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the synuclein family.

Supplier: Biosensis

NULL

Supplier: Biosensis

BDNF belongs to the neurotrophin family and regulates the survival and differentiation of neurons during development. The alterations in BDNF expression induced by various kinds of brain insult including stress, ischemia, seizure activity and hypoglycemia, may contribute to some pathologies such as depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Microglia release BDNF that may contribute to neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain.FUNCTION: Promotes the survival of neuronal populations that are all located either in the central nervous system or directly connected to it. Major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity at adult synapses in many regions of the CNS. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability. SUBUNIT: Monomers and homodimers. Binds to NTRK2/TRKB. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Secreted protein. POst translation modification: Converted into mature BDNF by plasmin (PLG). SIMILARITY: Belongs to the NGF-beta family.

Supplier: Biosensis

FUNCTION: Receptor for neurturin. Mediates the NRTN-induced autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor. Also able to mediate GDNF signaling through the RET tyrosine kinase receptor. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cell membrane; lipid-anchor; GPI-anchor (By similarity). ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS: 2 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing.

Supplier: Biosensis

FUNCTION: Receptor for the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, artemin. Mediates the artemin-induced autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor tyrosine kinase (By similarity). SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cell membrane; lipid-anchor; GPI-anchor (By similarity). SIMILARITY: Belongs to the GDNFR family.