GAPA2 Antibody
Description
Molecular Target and Structure
The GABA-A receptor is a pentameric structure typically composed of combinations of α, β, and γ subunits. The α2 subunit (GABRA2) is predominantly expressed during early neurodevelopment and remains functional in specific brain regions, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex . Antibodies like AGA-002 (Alomone Labs) and ab307359 (Abcam) bind to extracellular or intracellular epitopes of this subunit, enabling precise localization studies .
Research Applications
GABRA2 antibodies are widely used in:
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Western Blotting: Detects endogenous α2 subunits in brain lysates .
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Immunohistochemistry: Maps receptor distribution in brain tissues (e.g., rat hippocampus) .
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Functional Studies: Investigates GABA-A receptor trafficking and synaptic clustering .
Experimental Validation
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Alomone Labs AGA-002: Validated in immunoprecipitation assays, confirming specificity for α2 subunits in cerebral cortex samples .
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Abcam ab307359: Demonstrates cytoplasmic staining in hippocampal neurons via immunofluorescence .
Clinical and Pathological Insights
Autoantibodies against GABA-A receptor subunits, including α2, are implicated in neurological disorders:
Key Findings from Clinical Studies
Therapeutic Implications
While no direct therapies target α2 subunits, modulating GABAergic signaling remains a focus:
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Clazakizumab Trials: Anti-IL-6 therapies show potential in antibody-mediated disorders .
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GABAergic Drugs: Preclinical studies suggest α2-specific agonists/antagonists could treat neuropsychiatric conditions .
Unresolved Questions and Future Directions
Product Specs
Constituents: 50% Glycerol, 0.01M Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS), pH 7.4
Target Background
Q&A
Basic Research Questions
What validation strategies ensure antibody specificity for target epitopes in GAPA2 studies?
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Combine orthogonal methods:
How do researchers address batch-to-batch variability in antibody production?
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Implement quality control metrics:
Parameter Validation Method Acceptance Criteria Binding affinity SPR/BLI kinetics KD ≤ 10 nM Specificity Western blot vs. recombinant panel ≤5% cross-reactivity Functional activity Cell-based neutralization assay IC50 consistent within ±15%
Advanced Research Challenges
What computational tools resolve structural ambiguities in antibody-antigen interactions?
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Use molecular docking (HADDOCK, RosettaAntibody) guided by mutagenesis data (e.g., BEC2 paratope analysis [§0005])
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Validate predictions with hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry
How to reconcile contradictory results between in vitro and in vivo antibody efficacy?
Adopt a tiered validation system:
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Cellular models: Primary human cells > immortalized lines (e.g., T98G vs. neuronal models in poly-GA studies )
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Pharmacokinetics: Assess blood-brain barrier penetration (critical in neurological targets)
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Species-specific validation: Test in ≥2 transgenic models (BAC vs. AAV models in C9orf72 research [Fig 3])
