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.

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GDNF is a glycosylated, disulfide-bonded homodimer molecule. It was first discovered as a potent survival factor for midbrain dopaminergic neurons and was then shown to rescue these neurons in animal models of Parkinson's disease. GDNF is about 100 times more efficient survival factor for spinal motor neurons than the neurotrophins. FUNCTION: Neurotrophic factor that enhances survival and morphological differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and increases their high-affinity dopamine uptake. SUBUNIT: Homodimer; disulfide-linked. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Secreted protein. ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS: 2 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing. DISEASE: Defects in GDNF may be a cause of Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). In association with mutations of RET gene, defects in GDNF may be involved in Hirschsprung disease. This genetic disorder of neural crest development is characterized by the absence of intramural ganglion cells in the hindgut, often resulting in intestinal obstruction. DISEASE: Defects in GDNF 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. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the TGF-beta family. GDNF subfamily.

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Alpha synuclein is an abundant 140 amino acid neuronal protein, expressed primarily at presynaptic terminals in the central nervous system. Alpha synuclein has been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. A point mutation in the gene coding for the alpha-synuclein protein was the first discovery linking this protein to a rare familial form of Parkinson's disease (PD). Subsequently, other mutations in the alpha-synuclein gene have been identified in familial PD. The aggregated proteinaceous inclusions called Lewy bodies found in PD and cortical Lewy body dementia (LBD) were discovered to be predominantly alpha-synuclein. Aberrant aggregation of alpha-synuclein has been detected in an increasing number of neurodegenerative diseases, collectively known as synucleopathies. Alpha-synuclein exists physiologically in both soluble and membrane-bound states, in unstructured and alpha-helical conformations, respectively. The physiological function of alpha-synuclein appears to require its translocation between these subcellular compartments and interconversion between the 2 conformations. Abnormal processing of alpha-synuclein is predicted to lead to pathological changes in its binding properties and function.

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The beta Amyloid peptide is derived from the cleavage of the Amyloid precursor protein and varies in length from 39 to 43 amino acids. Beta amyloid peptides are the major constituents of the plaques and tangles that occur in Alzheimer's disease.

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Leptin is secreted by white adipocytes and functions as part of a signaling pathway that can inhibit food intake and/or regulate energy expenditure to maintain constancy of the adipose mass. Leptin has a variety of other roles including endocrine functions, regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and wound healing (Ref Entrez Gene).

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14.3.3 protein eta or 14.3.3  binds to a large number of partners, usually by recognition of a phosphoserine or phosphothreonine motif. Binding generally results in the modulation of the activity of the binding partner (Ref SwissProt). 14.3.3 protein eta is widely expressed as both homodimers and heterodimers and are concentrated in the nervous system. High concentrations of 14.3.3 protein eta have been linked to Creutzfeld Jacob Disease, Parkinson's Disease and early-onset schizopherenia.

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Vimentins are class-III intermediate filaments specific to mesenchymal tissue. Vimentin is an important cytoskeletal component responsible for maintaining cell integrity and has a probable role in the intracellular transport of proteins such as lipoproteins between the nucleus and plasma membrane. Immunohistochemical staining for Vimentin is characteristic of sarcomas. 

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Neurofilaments are composed of three intermediate filament proteins: light (~68 kDa), medium (~160 kDa) and heavy (~200 kDa), which are involved in the maintenance of the neuronal caliber. Neurofilament light (NF68 or NF-L) is the most abundant of the three proteins.

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The Biosensis Neurotrophin 4/5 Rapid™ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit is a sandwich ELISA that allows the specific, fast and reliable quantification of NT4/5 in less than 4 hours in cell culture supernatants, human citrate-plasma and brain extracts only if used as directed.

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FUNCTION: Neuropeptides that play a significant role in the regulation of food intake and sleep-wakefulness, possibly by coordinating the complex behavioral and physiologic responses of these complementary homeostatic functions. A broader role in the homeostatic regulation of energy metabolism, autonomic function, hormonal balance and the regulation of body fluids, is also suggested. Orexin-A binds to both OX1R and OX2R with a high affinity, whereas orexin-B binds only to OX2R with a similar high affinity. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Endoplasmic reticulum; rough endoplasmic reticulum. Associated with perikaryal rough endoplasmic reticulum as well as cytoplasmic large granular vesicles at synapses. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the orexin family.

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BDNF belongs to the neurotrophin family and promotes the survival of neuronal populations that are all located either in the central nervous system or directly connected to it. It is a 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. 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. 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.

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FUNCTION: Functions within a multiprotein E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, catalyzing the covalent attachment of ubiquitin moieties onto substrate proteins. These substrates include SYT11, CCNE1, GPR37, STUB1, a 22 kDa O-linked glycosylated isoform of SNCAIP and SEPT5. May play a more general role in the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway by participating in the removal and/or detoxification of abnormally folded or damaged protein. Loss of this ubiquitin ligase activity appears to be the mechanism underlying pathogenesis of PARK2. May protect neurons against alpha synuclein toxicity, proteasomal dysfunction, GPR37 accumulation, and kainate-induced excitotoxicity. May play a role in controlling neurotransmitter trafficking at the presynaptic terminal and in calcium-dependent exocytosis. Regulates cyclin E during neuronal apoptosis. May represent a tumor suppressor gene. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cytoplasm. Co-localizes with STY11 in neutrites. Co-localizes with SNCAIP in brainstem Lewy bodies. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Highly expressed in the brain including the substantia nigra. Expressed in heart, testis and skeletal muscle. Expression is down-regulated or absent in tumor biopsies, and absent in the brain of PARK2 patients. Overexpression protects dopamine neurons from kainate-mediated apoptosis.

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FUNCTION: Required for autophagy. Conjugates to ATG12 and associates with isolation membrane to form cup-shaped isolation membrane and autophagosome. The conjugate detaches from the membrane immediately before or after autophagosome formation is completed. FUNCTION: May play an important role in the apoptotic process, possibly within the modified cytoskeleton. Its expression is a relatively late event in the apoptotic process, occurring downstream of caspase activity. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cytoplasm. Colocalizes with nonmuscle actin. ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS: 2 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Ubiquitous. The mRNA is present at similar levels in viable and apoptotic cells, whereas the protein is dramatically highly expressed in apoptotic cells. INDUCTION: By apoptotic stimuli. PTM: Conjugated to ATG12; which is essential for autophagy, but is not required for association with isolation membrane. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the ATG5 family.

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FUNCTION: Nociceptin is the ligand of the opioid receptor-like receptor (OPRL1). It may act as a transmitter in the brain by modulating nociceptive and locomotor behavior. May be involved in neuronal differentiation and development. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Secreted protein. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Expressed predominantly in the spinal cord and brain, being more abundant in the hypothalamus and striatum. Also found in small amounts in ovary. PTM: Specific enzymatic cleavages at paired basic residues probably yield other active peptides besides nociceptin. PTM: The N-terminal domain contains 6 conserved cysteines thought to be involved in disulfide bonding and/or processing. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the opioid neuropeptide precursor family.

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The 6X His tag is a short peptide sequence of 6 histidine residues. Epitopes such as the 6X His tag are often included with the target DNA at the time of cloning to produce fusion proteins containing the tag sequence. This allows anti-epitope tag antibodies such as this one to serve as a universal detection reagent for any recombinant protein containing this tag. Anti-epitope antibodies are a useful alternative to generating antibodies to identify a specific recombinant protein. The 6X His motif is often used as a tag on recombinant proteins to facilitate purification with immobilized metal-affinity chromatography.

Supplier: Biosensis

The Bcl-2 family of proteins which regulate apoptosis share identical sequences called Bcl-2 Homology domains (BH1-4). The BH3 proteins, including BID, NOXA, PUMA, BIK, BIM and BAD are all pro-apoptotic and share sequence identity within the amphipathic alpha-helical BH3 region, which is essential for their apoptotic function. NOXA is highly expressed in adult T-cell leukemia cell line.

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Arc (also termed activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein or Arg3.1), is an effector immediate early gene whose upregulation has been demonstrated during events of synaptic plasticity. Arg3.1 expression is detectable in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites in the brain regions including striatum and cortex hippocampus, hypothalamus, amygdala.

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Myelin is a membrane characteristic of the nervous tissue and functions as an insulator to increase the velocity of the stimuli being transmitted between a nerve cell body and its target. Myelin isolated from human and bovine nervous tissue is composed of approximately 80% lipid and 20% protein, and 30% of the protein fraction constitutes myelin basic protein (MBP). MBP is an 'intrinsically unstructured' protein with a high proportion (approximately 75%) of random coil, but postulated to have core elements of beta-sheet and alpha-helix. MBP is a major protein in CNS myelin and is expressed specifically in the nervous system. A detailed immunochemical examination of monoclonal and polyclonal antibody responses to MBP and its peptides has revealed the existence of as many as 27 antigenic determinants, many of them conformational. Topological mapping of the potential antigenic determinants onto a model of MBP secondary structure places these determinants within 11 separate regions of the molecule, including those portions that have been found to be encephalitogenic. The message for myelin basic protein is selectively translocated to the ends of the cell processes. Immunization with myelin-associated antigens including MBP significantly promotes recovery after spinal cord contusion injury in the rat model. FUNCTION: Is, with PLP, the most abundant protein component of the myelin membrane in the CNS. Has a role in both the formation and stabilization of this compact multilayer arrangement of bilayers. Each splice variant and charge isomer may have a specialized function in the assembly of an optimized, biochemically functional myelin membrane (By similarity). SUBUNIT: Homodimer (By similarity). SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Myelin membrane; peripheral membrane protein; cytoplasmic side. Cytoplasmic side of myelin. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Found in both the central and the peripheral nervous system.

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FUNCTION: Required for autophagy. SUBUNIT: Conjugated to ATG5. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cytoplasm. ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS: 2 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Ubiquitous. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the ATG12 family.

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Maltose binding protein (MBP) is encoded by the malE gene of E.coli. MBP is often used in protein expression studies because it creates a stable fusion product that does not appear to interfere with the bioactivity of the protein of interest. It also allows for its easy purification from bacterial extracts under mild conditions.

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TrkA is a member of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor family. It is a membrane-bound receptor that upon neurotrophin binding, phosphorylates itself and members of the MAPK pathway. TrkA is required for high-affinity binding to nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 and neurotrophin-4/5 but not brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). TrkA leads to cell differentiations and may play a role in specifying sensory neuron subtypes. It has a crucial role in the development and function of the nociceptive reception system as well as establishment of thermal regulation via sweating. SUBUNIT: Exists in a dynamic equilibrium between monomeric (low affinity) and dimeric (high affinity) structures. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cell membrane; single-pass type I membrane protein. Endocytosed to the endosomes upon treatment of cells with NGF. ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS: 2 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing. Both isoforms have similar biological properties. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Isoform TrkA-II is primarily expressed in neuronal cells. Isoform TrkA-I is found in non-neuronal tissues. Mutations in TrkA have been associated with congenital insensitivity to pain, anhidrosis, self-mutalating behaviour, mental retardation and cancer (Reference: www.uniprot.com).

Supplier: Biosensis

BDNF belongs to the neurotrophin family and promotes the survival of neuronal populations that are all located either in the central nervous system or directly connected to it. It is a 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. 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. 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

BDNF belongs to the neurotrophin family and promotes the survival of neuronal populations that are all located either in the central nervous system or directly connected to it. It is a 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. 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. 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

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of the catecholamines dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Therefore the regulation of the TH enzyme represents the central means for controlling the synthesis of these important catecholamines. FUNCTION: Plays an important role in the physiology of adrenergic neurons. CATALYTIC ACTIVITY: L-tyrosine + tetrahydrobiopterin + O2 = 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine + 4a-hydroxytetrahydrobiopterin. COFACTOR: Fe(2+) ion. ENZYME REGULATION: Phosphorylation leads to an increase in the catalytic activity. PATHWAY: Catecholamine biosynthesis; first step. SUBUNIT: Homotetramer. PTM: In vitro, phosphorylation of Ser-19 increases the rate of Ser-40 phosphorylation, which results in enzyme opening and activation. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the biopterin-dependent aromatic amino acid hydroxylase family. The presence of different DNA sequences at the TH locus confers susceptibility to various disorders of the brain including manic-depression and schizophrenia. Parkinson's disease is also considered a TH deficiency as low dopamine levels are a consistent neurochemical abnormality.

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The neural adhesion molecule Contactin-6, also known as NB-3, is a contactin/F3 subgroup member of immunoglobulin superfamily. It is expressed exclusively in the nervous system and mainly upregulated at the early postnatal stage during mouse brain development. Employing Northern blot analysis Kamei et al found that amongst different regions of the adult human nervous system cerebellum expressed highest level of NB-3 mRNA. The expression of NB-3 in the cerebellum increases until adulthood. In contrast, the expression in the cerebrum declines to a low level after postnatal day 7. NB-3 like other neural recognition molecules plays a vitally important role in axonal guidance during development, plasticity, and maintenance of synaptic connections in the adult brain. Cui et al recently showed that NB-3 acts as a novel Notch ligand to participate in oligodendrocyte generation. Furthermore, NB-3 triggers nuclear translocation of the Notch intracellular domain and promotes oligodendrogliogenesis from progenitor cells and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells via Deltex1. In primary oligodendrocytes, NB-3 increases myelin-associated glycoprotein transcripts. Hence, the NB-3/Notch signaling pathway may be worthwhile a closer examination for its potential for the treatment of demyelinating diseases. Human NB-3 shares with rat NB-3 86% identity in nucleotide sequences and 90% identity in amino acid sequences. FUNCTION: Contactins mediate cell surface interactions during nervous system development. Participates in oligodendrocytes generation by acting as a ligand of NOTCH1. Its association with NOTCH1 promotes NOTCH1 activation through the released notch intracellular domain (NICD) and subsequent translocation to the nucleus. Involved in motor coordination. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cell membrane; lipid-anchor; GPI-anchor. ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS: 2 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Expressed in brain. In brain, it is preferentially expressed in the accessory olfactory bulb, layers II/III and V of the cerebral cortex, piriform cortex, anterior thalamic nuclei, locus coeruleus of the pons and mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus and in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum.

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Recognizes native and denatured forms of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and its variants: Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP), Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP), Enhanced Yellow Fluorescent Protein (EYFP) and Cyan Fluorescent Protein (CFP).

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Glutathione peroxidase 1 has a role in detoxification of hydrogen peroxide and is one of the most important antioxidant enzymes in humans. It exists as a homotetramer which localises to the cytoplasm. It belongs to the glutathione peroxidase family. Glutathione peroxidase 1 is one of few proteins in higher vertebrates to contain selenocysteine, which occurs at the active site of glutathione peroxidase and is coded by UGA, that normally functions as a translation termination codon. This protein has a polyalanine sequence polymorphism in the N-terminal region, which includes three alleles with five, six or seven alanine repeats. The allele with five alanine repeats is significantly associated with breast cancer risk. At least two alternatively spliced isoforms have been identified.

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ATG16 L1 plays an essential role in autophagy. It is a homooligomer ant interacts with ATG5. Part of either the minor and major complexes respectively composed of 4 sets of ATG12-ATG5 and ATG16L1 (400 kDa) or 8 sets of ATG12-ATG5 and ATG16L1 (800 kDa). APG16 L1 localises to the cytoplasm, in particularly to preautophagosomal structure (PAS) where it is involved in the membrane targeting of ATG5. There are 5 named isoforms produced by alternative splicing. Genetic variation within ATG16 L1 are associated with susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease type 1.

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Neurofilaments contain three intermediate filament proteins: light (68 kDa), medium (160 kDa) and heavy (200 kDa). Neurofilament heavy (NF200 or NF-H) is phosphorylated and it is thought that this results in the formation of interfilament cross bridges that are important in the maintenance of axonal caliber. This antibody binds primarily to the phosphorylated axonal forms of NF-H.

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CNTF is a survival promoting factor for different types of neurons in vitro and in vivo. The essential structural features for the biological function of human CNTF were investigated by Thier, M. et al. They showed that deletion of 14 N-terminal and 18 C-terminal amino acids significantly increased bioactivity compared to wild-type CNTF. FUNCTION: CNTF is a survival factor for various neuronal cell types. Seems to prevent the degeneration of motor axons after axotomy. SUBUNIT: Homodimer. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cytoplasm. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Nervous system. PHARMACEUTICAL: CNTF is being tested under the name Axokine by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for treatment of human motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As it induces substantial weight loss, preferentially of fat as opposed to lean body mass, it is being used for obesity treatment. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the CNTF family.