CAT antibodies, short for Choline Acetyltransferase antibodies, are immunological tools targeting the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). ChAT is critical for synthesizing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) by catalyzing the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to choline. This enzyme is predominantly expressed in cholinergic neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, playing essential roles in motor control, memory, and cognitive functions. CAT antibodies are widely used in neuroscience research to identify and study cholinergic neurons, track their projections, and investigate pathologies linked to ACh dysfunction, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and myasthenic syndromes.
These antibodies are typically produced in hosts like rabbits or mice using purified ChAT protein or peptide fragments as immunogens. They are validated for applications including immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, enabling visualization of ChAT distribution in tissues or cultured cells. Specificity is confirmed through knockout controls or siRNA-mediated ChAT suppression. CAT antibodies have also facilitated the discovery of non-neuronal ChAT expression, such as in immune cells or epithelial tissues, broadening understanding of ACh's roles beyond neurotransmission. Despite their utility, variability in antibody performance across species or fixation methods necessitates careful validation for experimental consistency. Overall, CAT antibodies remain indispensable for dissecting cholinergic system biology and its implications in health and disease.