GAT1 Antibody

GAT1 Antibody Overview

GAT1 antibodies target the solute carrier family 6 member 1 (SLC6A1), a Na+/Cl−-dependent transporter responsible for GABA uptake at synaptic and extrasynaptic sites . Key features include:

• Molecular Weight: 67 kDa (canonical) , though some antibodies detect truncated forms (e.g., 42 kDa) .

• Epitopes: Most antibodies recognize extracellular domains (e.g., Alomone Labs’ AGT-001) or C-terminal regions (e.g., Proteintech’s 20298-1-AP) .

• Species Reactivity: Human, mouse, rat .

Applications of GAT1 Antibodies

GAT1 antibodies are widely used in neuroscience research:

Cellular Localization

• Neurons: Predominantly in GABAergic interneurons and some pyramidal neurons .

• Astrocytes: 43% of cortical GAT1+ profiles are astrocytic processes, often near synapses .

• Oligodendrocytes and Microglia: Functional GAT1 expression confirmed via tiagabine-sensitive GABA uptake .

Functional Insights

• GABA Regulation: GAT1 deficiency in mice increases extracellular GABA, enhancing tonic inhibition in CA1 pyramidal cells .

• Disease Links: Implicated in epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease via dysregulated GABA signaling .

Technical Considerations

• Antigen Retrieval: Citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or TE buffer (pH 9.0) recommended for IHC .

• Validation: Knockout models (e.g., GAT1-KO mice) and preadsorption controls critical for specificity .

Emerging Perspectives

Recent studies challenge the neuron-centric view of GAT1, highlighting its roles in glial cells:

• Oligodendrocytes: Contribute to white matter GABA signaling .

• Microglia: Modulate neuroinflammation via syntaxin1A-dependent GAT1 trafficking .