The Neuritin 1 (NRN1) antibody is a tool used to detect and study the Neuritin 1 protein, a small, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored neuronal factor implicated in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and neuroprotection. NRN1. also known as cpg15. is encoded by the *NRN1* gene and is highly expressed in the brain, particularly during critical periods of neurodevelopment. It promotes neurite outgrowth, dendritic arborization, and synaptic maturation by modulating intracellular signaling pathways, including the BDNF-TrkB and mTOR pathways. Dysregulation of NRN1 has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism), neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's), and psychiatric conditions, making it a research focus in neuroscience.
NRN1 antibodies, typically raised in rabbits or mice, are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA to quantify protein expression, map tissue distribution, or assess post-translational modifications. Commercial NRN1 antibodies are often validated for specificity using knockout controls or siRNA-mediated knockdown. Recent studies also explore NRN1's role outside the nervous system, such as in cancer progression (e.g., glioblastoma, lung cancer), where it may influence cell survival and metastasis. Despite its utility, researchers must account for potential cross-reactivity with homologous proteins (e.g., NRN2) and variability in GPI-anchor retention during experimental workflows. Ongoing work aims to refine antibody performance and expand applications in diagnostic or therapeutic contexts.