| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Clonality | |
| Host | |
| Immunogen | A synthetic peptide specific to human ACTA2 protein was used as the immunogen for the Alpha Actin antibody. |
| Isotype | |
| Product Type | |
| Purity | |
| Reactivity | |
| Storage | |
| Target | |
| UniProt # |
Overview
Alpha Actin Antibody / ACTA2 / Smooth Muscle Actin is a anti-ACTA2 Rabbit antibody Recombinant Rabbit Monoclonal clone CAD-1 supplied in Purified format. Recommended for workflows such as Western blot (WB), IHC-P, Immunofluorescence (IF) with listed reactivity in Human, Mouse, Rat. Reported localization: Cytoplasmic.
Key elements and design rationale
- Target: ACTA2
- Antibody details: Rabbit, Recombinant Rabbit Monoclonal, clone CAD-1, isotype Rabbit IgG
- Format: Purified
- Applications (as listed): WB, IHC-P, IF
Biological background
Alpha actin is highly expressed in the smooth muscle layers of blood vessels, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal system, and reproductive organs. It also serves as a well established marker for myofibroblasts, which emerge during wound healing and fibrotic disease. Upregulation of ACTA2 in fibroblasts indicates their transition into contractile myofibroblasts, a process central to tissue repair and pathologic fibrosis. Detection with Alpha Actin antibody allows researchers to track these changes in both normal physiology and disease progression.
In cardiovascular research, ACTA2 is examined as a marker of vascular smooth muscle cells and their response to injury or remodeling. Phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells, from a contractile to a synthetic state, is associated with vascular disease such as atherosclerosis. In liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, ACTA2 positive myofibroblasts accumulate and contribute to excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Because of this, the Alpha Actin antibody is routinely applied in histological studies of fibrotic disorders.
At the molecular level, ACTA2 shares high sequence similarity with other actin isoforms but contains unique features that confer smooth muscle specific function. It interacts with actin binding proteins to regulate filament turnover, contractility, and cell migration. The strong conservation of actin family proteins ensures that Alpha Actin antibody provides reliable detection across species in research models.
The Alpha Actin antibody is widely used in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and flow cytometry. These applications enable localization and quantification of ACTA2 in tissue samples and cultured cells. For researchers focused on vascular biology, tissue fibrosis, or cytoskeletal organization, the Alpha Actin antibody is a specific and dependable detection tool.
Research relevance and current trends
- Connecting protein-level changes to phenotype using orthogonal readouts (genetic perturbation, transcriptomics, imaging).
- Considering isoforms and post-translational regulation when interpreting protein-level changes.
- Comparing results across species and model systems with matched controls.
Common research applications
- Western blotting: compare relative abundance and activation-state changes across conditions.
- Immunofluorescence: visualize subcellular distribution and cell-to-cell heterogeneity.
- Immunohistochemistry: map target signal in tissue context and compare regions/phenotypes.
Interpret changes in signal alongside appropriate controls and, when relevant, in parallel with total-protein or pathway readouts.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Signal can reflect expression level, isoform composition, and post-translational state; interpret results in the context of your model system and stimuli.
- Species differences and sample matrices can influence epitope recognition; prioritize matched controls and orthogonal confirmation when feasible.
Antibody notes: Monoclonal antibodies provide a defined epitope recognition profile that can support consistent comparisons across experiments.
Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.
