Cytosine-knot AMPAR modulating protein 44 (CKAMP44) is a novel protein that was recently identified as a brain-specific type 1 transmembrane protein that associates with AMPA receptors in synaptic spines (1). AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate fast synaptic transmissions in the vertebrate central nervous system (2). AMPARs are composed of four types of subunits, named as GluR1, GluR2, Glur3, and GluR4, which combine to form tetramers (3, 4). Several AMPAR-interacting proteins have been identified that affect the receptors’ subcellular localization, synaptic stabilization, and kinetics, these include transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs), Sol-1 and cornichons (5-7). CKAMP44, located on human and mouse chromosome 16, was recently identified as another AMPAR-interacting protein (1). CKAMP44 was shown to modulate short-term plasticity at some excitatory synapses. In Xenopus Oocytes, expression of CKAMP44 reduced GluR1 and GluR2 mediated steady-state currents, but it did not affect kainite or NMDA receptor-mediated currents (1).

CKAMP44 contains an extracellular N-terminal cysteine-rich motif with eight cysteines that are highly conserved across vertebrate species. Six of these eight cysteine residues might function as stabilizers for the Cys-knot structure of the CKAMP44 (1). RT-PCR analysis from various mouse tissues RNA revealed two splice variants, CKAMP44a and CKAMP44b, which differ by only 48 bases (1). This CKAMP44-specific antibody recognizes CKAMP44a. Its expression is restricted to the brain; its mRNA is present in most brain structures during embryonic and postnatal development. CKAMP44a is approximately a 52kDa protein (432 amino acids).

The CKAMP44a-selective antibodies were generated against using peptide corresponding to mouse Cytosine-knot AMPAR modulating 44a protein. CKAMP44a-antibodies are affinity purified over immobilized antigen based chromatography, and the purified immunoglobulins are stabilized in antibody stabilization buffer. FabGennix Int. Inc., will also provide limited quantities of antigenic blocking protein for CKAMP44a-101AP antibody. Antibodies to CKAMP44a (CKAMP44a-101AP) will label ~52kDa protein in Western blot positive control samples for CKAMP44a and several other tissues.  FabGennix Inc. will conjugate this and other antibodies from its catalog to either secondary enzymes (alk-Pase or HRP) or fluorescent probes at a nominal cost upon request.  FabGennix also provides custom antibody production services for researchers that are looking for high affinity mono and polylconal antibodies in various species. We specialize in making application specific antibodies that are useful in IHC, confocal and other applications where native antigen is detected. For a complete listing of all FabGennix antibodies please visit www.Fabgennix.com.  

For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.