MAPT Antibodies

MAPT antibodies are designed to target the Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau (MAPT), a critical protein in stabilizing microtubules in neurons. MAPT plays a key role in the proper functioning of the nervous system. However, abnormal phosphorylation and aggregation of MAPT are associated with neurodegenerative disorders, particularly tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. 

Content

MAPT, commonly known as Tau, is crucial for microtubule assembly and stabilization in neurons, facilitating axonal transport and maintaining cellular structure. The protein exists in multiple isoforms, resulting from alternative splicing, which can differ in their functional properties. In healthy neurons, MAPT binds to microtubules, supporting their stability. However, in pathological conditions, hyperphosphorylated MAPT detaches from microtubules, leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Application

MAPT antibodies are applied in several research techniques, including:

• Western Blotting (WB): Used to detect and analyze Tau protein expression and phosphorylation levels in brain tissue and cell lysates. This helps in studying the different isoforms and post-translational modifications of Tau.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Essential for visualizing the localization and distribution of Tau in brain tissue sections. IHC with MAPT antibodies is used extensively to identify neurofibrillary tangles and other Tau pathologies in brain samples from patients and model organisms.
• Immunofluorescence (IF): Allows for the detection of Tau in cultured neurons or tissue sections, providing spatial information on Tau distribution and its changes under different experimental conditions.
• Immunoprecipitation (IP): Applied to isolate Tau proteins from complex mixtures, enabling further analysis of Tau’s interaction with other proteins and studying its aggregation behavior.

MAPT antibodies are vital for advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. They facilitate the study of Tau protein dynamics, its role in disease progression, and the development of potential therapeutic interventions for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies.