The SCN1B antibody targets the β1 subunit encoded by the SCN1B gene, a critical regulatory component of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). These channels are essential for initiating and propagating action potentials in excitable cells, including neurons and cardiomyocytes. The β1 subunit, a type I transmembrane protein, modulates channel gating, cell surface expression, and interacts with cell adhesion molecules to influence electrical signaling. SCN1B mutations are linked to neurological disorders such as Dravet syndrome, epilepsy, and developmental delays, as well as cardiac conditions like Brugada syndrome.
SCN1B antibodies are widely used in research to study protein expression, localization, and functional roles in health and disease. They enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess β1 subunit distribution in tissues or cultured cells. Additionally, these antibodies help investigate disease mechanisms, such as how pathogenic variants alter sodium channel kinetics or disrupt protein-protein interactions. Commercial SCN1B antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, with validation across specific applications. Researchers also utilize them to explore therapeutic strategies targeting sodium channel dysfunction. Understanding SCN1B's role through antibody-based assays contributes to insights into channelopathies and potential treatment avenues.