| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Clonality | |
| Host | |
| Immunogen | E.coli-derived human CACNA1A recombinant protein (Position: K251-D2157) was used as the immunogen for the CACNA1A antibody. |
| Isotype | |
| Product Type | |
| Purity | |
| Reactivity | |
| Storage | |
| Target | |
| UniProt # |
Overview
CACNA1A Antibody / Calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 A / Cav2.1 is a anti-CACNA1A Rabbit antibody Polyclonal (rabbit origin) supplied in Lyophilized format. Recommended for workflows such as Western blot (WB), ELISA with listed reactivity in Mouse, Rat.
Key elements and design rationale
- Target: CACNA1A
- Antibody details: Rabbit, Polyclonal (rabbit origin), isotype Rabbit IgG
- Format: Lyophilized
- Applications (as listed): WB, ELISA
Biological background
The CACNA1A gene, located on chromosome 19p13, encodes a large transmembrane protein that forms the channel's alpha1 subunit. This subunit contains four homologous domains, each with six membrane-spanning segments, creating a central pore through which calcium ions pass. The channel's function is modulated by auxiliary beta and alpha2delta subunits that influence its gating properties, trafficking, and kinetics. Through tightly controlled calcium entry, Cav2.1 channels couple electrical activity to intracellular signaling, shaping neuronal communication and network function.
Physiologically, CACNA1A is highly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells, brainstem nuclei, and cortical neurons. It is essential for proper motor coordination, synaptic transmission, and cerebellar function. In neurons, P/Q-type calcium channels trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, and GABA, regulating synaptic strength and timing. CACNA1A activity is also implicated in dendritic calcium signaling and gene expression, linking membrane excitability to long-term neuronal adaptations.
Mutations in CACNA1A are associated with several neurological disorders, including familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1), episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). These mutations alter channel gating or expression, leading to abnormal calcium signaling and disrupted neurotransmission. Research using CACNA1A antibody has contributed to understanding how Cav2.1 dysfunction leads to motor incoordination, seizure susceptibility, and neurodegeneration. The antibody is valuable for studying channel localization, expression regulation, and structure-function relationships in both normal and disease states.
CACNA1A antibody is useful in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and related applications to detect neuronal calcium channels in brain and cultured neuron samples. It enables visualization of P/Q-type channel distribution and contributes to studies of synaptic physiology and channelopathies.
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.
- ELISA: support antibody-based quantification in assay formats where applicable.
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: Polyclonal antibodies recognize multiple epitopes, which can broaden the epitope footprint and may increase sensitivity in some contexts.
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.
