Synphilin-1 is a cytoplasmic protein that is enriched in the
neurophil of normal human brain. Although
the exact function of synphilin-1 is unknown, it may possibly have a role
as a cytoskeletal protein based on the presence of ankyrin-like repeats
and an ATP, GTP-binding domain. It has been shown to be novel is its
ability to associate in vivo
with a-synuclein to form cytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions.
Additionally, it has been observed to be present in Lewy bodies of
Parkinson disease, which are composed of
a-synuclein. Because synphilin-1 is not found in protein aggregates of
Alzheimer’s disease, it appears to be specific for
a-synuclein-containing
lesions. Synphilin-1 may
facilitate the aggregation of
a-synuclein into Lewy bodies.
A goat antiserum to a synthetic peptide that
corresponds to amino acids 829-847 of the C-terminus of the human
synphilin-1 is currently available. This antiserum has been shown to be
immunoreactive with the unconjugated immunizing peptide by ELISA. It also
labels Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s disease using formalin-fixed,
paraffin-embedded sections and it labels a 90 kD in western blots.
This antibody should be a valuable tool for scientists working to
understand the role of synphilin-1 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. HSP021C) which can be used to neutralize immunoreactivity.
Manufacturing
Reference:
Southwest Immunology,
Inc., unpublished results.