Calpain1 antibody is a crucial tool for studying the calpain protease family, particularly the ubiquitous isoform Calpain1 (μ-calpain). Calpains are calcium-dependent cysteine proteases that regulate diverse cellular processes, including signal transduction, apoptosis, and cell migration. Calpain1. encoded by the *CAPN1* gene, forms a heterodimer with the regulatory subunit CAPNS1 and requires micromolar calcium concentrations for activation, distinguishing it from the closely related Calpain2 (m-calpain), which needs millimolar calcium levels. It is widely expressed in tissues such as the brain, liver, and kidneys, and plays roles in synaptic plasticity, muscle differentiation, and cell cycle regulation. Dysregulation of Calpain1 has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s), ischemic injury, and cancer metastasis, making it a therapeutic target.
The Calpain1 antibody is designed to detect the catalytic subunit of this protease, enabling researchers to investigate its expression, localization, and activity in various experimental models. It is commonly used in Western blotting (WB), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to study protein levels under physiological or pathological conditions. Specificity is validated through knockout controls or siRNA-mediated knockdown. Commercial Calpain1 antibodies are typically raised against unique epitopes, with monoclonal antibodies offering high specificity and polyclonal antibodies providing broader detection. Researchers must consider post-translational modifications (e.g., autolysis) that may affect antibody binding. Available from suppliers like Cell Signaling Technology, Abcam, and Sigma-Aldrich, these antibodies are essential for elucidating Calpain1's functional roles and therapeutic potential.