The DLGAP4 antibody targets Discs Large Homolog-Associated Protein 4 (DLGAP4), a member of the SAPAP family of synaptic scaffolding proteins. DLGAP4. also known as SAPAP4. is predominantly expressed in the brain, particularly within the postsynaptic density (PSD) of neurons. It interacts with other PSD proteins, such as PSD-95. to organize synaptic signaling complexes and maintain synaptic structure and function. DLGAP4 contains conserved domains, including PDZ-binding motifs, enabling its role in anchoring receptors, ion channels, and signaling molecules at synapses.
DLGAP4 antibodies are widely used in neuroscience research to study synaptic protein networks, neuronal development, and plasticity. Altered DLGAP4 expression has been linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, highlighting its potential role in synaptic dysfunction. Recent studies also implicate DLGAP4 in cancer, where its dysregulation may influence cell adhesion and signaling pathways, such as MAPK/ERK, in tumors like prostate cancer.
As a research tool, DLGAP4 antibodies enable detection via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, aiding investigations into protein localization, expression levels, and interactions. However, antibody specificity remains a critical consideration, requiring validation through knockout controls. Ongoing research continues to explore DLGAP4's dual roles in neuronal health and disease, as well as its emerging connections to oncogenic processes.