The GABAB receptor is a metabotropic GABA receptor that mediates slow inhibitory signaling in the central nervous system. It functions as a heterodimer composed of GABAB1 and GABAB2 subunits. The GABAB2 subunit plays a critical role in trafficking the receptor to the cell surface and facilitating G-protein coupling for downstream signaling. Antibodies targeting GABAB receptor 2 (GABABR2) are essential tools for studying the expression, localization, and functional roles of this receptor in neurological processes.
These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to detect GABABR2 in tissues or cultured cells. They help researchers investigate receptor distribution in brain regions involved in synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release modulation, and conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain. Specificity validation (e.g., knockout controls) is crucial, as cross-reactivity with related proteins may occur.
Studies using GABABR2 antibodies have advanced understanding of its interactions with ligands, regulatory proteins, and therapeutic targets. Dysregulation of GABAB receptors is linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders, making these antibodies valuable for both basic research and drug development. Commercial variants are typically raised in rabbits or mice, with reactivity confirmed across human, mouse, and rat samples.