The GRIA4 antibody targets the glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 4 (GRIA4), a key component of AMPA receptors that mediate fast synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. These receptors, composed of subunits GRIA1-4. form ligand-gated ion channels activated by glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter. GRIA4 is particularly important for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Its expression is enriched in hippocampal and cortical neurons, where it contributes to postsynaptic depolarization and calcium signaling. Dysregulation of GRIA4 has been implicated in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia.
The GRIA4 antibody is a critical tool for studying the localization, expression, and function of this subunit in both normal and pathological contexts. It is commonly used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to visualize protein distribution in brain tissues or cultured neurons. Researchers also employ GRIA4 antibodies to investigate receptor trafficking, post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation), and interactions with scaffolding proteins like PSD-95.
Structurally, GRIA4 contains extracellular ligand-binding domains, transmembrane regions, and intracellular C-terminal domains critical for receptor assembly and signaling. Antibodies targeting specific epitopes (e.g., N-terminal or C-terminal regions) help distinguish GRIA4 from other AMPA subunits. Validating such antibodies with knockout controls ensures specificity, aiding precise mechanistic studies. Overall, GRIA4 antibodies advance our understanding of excitatory neurotransmission and its role in brain health and disease.