The GRIN2B antibody is a crucial tool in neuroscience research, targeting the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel central to synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. The GRIN2B gene encodes the GluN2B protein, which combines with GluN1 subunits to form functional NMDA receptors. These receptors mediate excitatory neurotransmission and calcium influx, playing pivotal roles in brain development and cognitive functions.
GRIN2B antibodies are widely used to detect and quantify GluN2B expression in various experimental models, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Their applications span studies on neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, intellectual disability), neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s), and psychiatric conditions linked to NMDA receptor dysfunction. Mutations in GRIN2B are associated with altered receptor activity, making these antibodies valuable for characterizing disease mechanisms or evaluating therapeutic interventions.
Research using GRIN2B antibodies has revealed the subunit’s unique features, such as its high calcium permeability, sensitivity to ifenprodil (a selective antagonist), and role in synaptic maturation. The antibody also aids in mapping GluN2B distribution in brain regions like the hippocampus and cortex, highlighting its regional and developmental expression patterns. As NMDA receptors are therapeutic targets, GRIN2B antibodies contribute to drug discovery and preclinical validation, bridging molecular insights with clinical applications.