The Parkin gene was discovered on chromosome 6 and is responsible for an early onset form of autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinson disease. It shows moderate similarity to ubiquitin at the N-terminus and the gene is expressed in various regions of the brain, including the substantia nigra. Additionally, it is also expressed in other tissues, such as the heart, testes and skeletal muscle.  The function of this gene product is currently unknown, but it is speculated that this protein may function in the control of cell growth, differentiation and development.

A goat antiserum to a synthetic peptide that corresponds to amino acids 83-97 of the N-terminus of the human parkin protein is currently available. This antiserum has been shown to be immunoreactive with the unconjugated immunizing peptide by ELISA.  This antibody has been shown to label neurons, Lewy bodies and speroids in Parkinson disease brains using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections and it labels the 65 kD Parkin protein in Western blots.  This antibody should be a valuable tool for scientists working to understand the role of Parkin in Parkinson’s disease.

This antiserum was produced using proprietary methodology whereby the peptide is attached to a carrier that elicits minimal immunoreactivity so that the antiserum has a higher degree of specificity for the peptide.  Since there is no overwhelming production of interfering antibodies to the carrier, this antiserum can routinely be used without further purification.  Pseud-Immune™ control immune serum (Cat no. GPA018E) from a mock immunized animal is available to be used in conjunction with this antibody as well as the immunizing peptide (Cat no. HSP012N), which can be used to neutralize immunoreactivity.

Manufacturing Reference:

Southwest Immunology, Inc., unpublished results.