The SLC12A5 antibody targets the solute carrier family 12 member 5 (SLC12A5), a gene encoding the neuron-specific potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2). KCC2 plays a critical role in maintaining chloride ion homeostasis in neurons by mediating the electroneutral transport of K⁺ and Cl⁻ across cell membranes. This transporter is essential for establishing the low intracellular chloride concentration required for hyperpolarizing GABAergic neurotransmission, a process vital for inhibitory synaptic signaling in mature neurons. Dysregulation of KCC2 has been implicated in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and autism spectrum disorders.
SLC12A5 antibodies are widely used in neuroscience research to study KCC2 expression, localization, and function in neuronal tissues. These antibodies enable detection via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence, helping to elucidate KCC2's role in synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and disease mechanisms. KCC2's activity is regulated by phosphorylation and interaction with scaffolding proteins, and its expression increases during neuronal maturation, distinguishing it from the immature neuron-specific transporter NKCC1.
Research using SLC12A5 antibodies has advanced understanding of chloride dysregulation in pathological conditions, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Validated antibodies are crucial for specificity, as KCC2 shares structural homology with other SLC12 family members. Studies often pair antibody-based assays with functional analyses to explore KCC2 modulation in disease models or drug discovery.