GAD2 (Glutamate Decarboxylase 2) is an enzyme responsible for synthesizing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Antibodies targeting GAD2 are critical tools for studying autoimmune neurological disorders, including type 1 diabetes and stiff-person syndrome .
GAD2 antibodies are utilized to:
Investigate GABAergic signaling disruptions in epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
Diagnose autoimmune disorders via detection of anti-GAD65 autoantibodies .
Study synaptic vesicle dynamics in neuronal models.
Western Blot: Detects ~65 kDa band corresponding to GAD2 in human brain lysates .
Immunofluorescence: Localizes GAD2 to cytoplasmic vesicles and presynaptic clusters in neurons .
While GAD2 antibodies are primarily research tools, broader antibody engineering advancements provide insights into their potential therapeutic applications:
The term "GAE2" may stem from typographical errors or ambiguous abbreviations. Cross-referencing antibody databases ( ) and genomic repositories confirms:
No match for "GAE2" in UniProt, ClinicalTrials.gov, or Therapeutic Antibody Society listings.
GAD2 (HGNC:4093) remains the closest validated target with commercial/reagent antibodies .
Emerging antibody engineering strategies (e.g., bispecific formats , Fc optimization ) could enhance GAD2 antibody utility for:
Here’s a structured collection of FAQs tailored to academic research scenarios involving antibody-related investigations, synthesized from interdisciplinary insights in the provided sources:
Analysis: Compare model-specific variables (e.g., epitope accessibility, blood-brain barrier penetration). Anti-GA antibodies improved behavior in C9orf72 450 mice but failed in AAV-G4C2 149 mice due to poly-GA accumulation differences .
Key Data:
| Model | Poly-GA Clearance | Behavioral Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| C9orf72 450 mice | Partial | Improved movement |
| AAV-G4C2 149 mice | None | No change |
Toolkit: Use deep learning models (e.g., AF2Complex) trained on evolutionary patterns of antigen-binding sequences. This approach achieved 90% accuracy in identifying SARS-CoV-2 spike-targeting antibodies .
Workflow:
Considerations: Screen for PTMs (e.g., phosphorylation at S623/S625 in Gab2) that alter epitope conformation. Use denaturing conditions in Western blots to avoid masking effects .
PTM Example:
| Site | Modification | Functional Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Y452 | Phosphorylation | Modulates Gab2 signaling |
| S623 | Phosphorylation | Affects MAPK binding |
For conflicting data: Replicate findings across independent models (e.g., cellular vs. animal systems) and quantify all centrifugation fractions to capture aggregate-prone antigens .
For structural studies: Combine AI-predicted interfaces with mutagenesis to isolate critical binding residues, as done for CT-P59 .