Gephyrin (GPHN) is a multifunctional scaffolding protein critical for inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. It anchors glycine receptors (GlyRs) and γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) at postsynaptic sites by linking these receptors to the underlying microtubule cytoskeleton. GPHN also plays a role in molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis, essential for enzyme activity across species. Structurally, it consists of an N-terminal domain involved in receptor clustering and a C-terminal domain responsible for oligomerization and microtubule binding.
GPHN antibodies are essential tools in neuroscience research to study synaptic organization, receptor trafficking, and inhibitory network plasticity. They enable visualization of gephyrin distribution via techniques like immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, or immunohistochemistry, aiding investigations into synaptic dysfunction in disorders such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia. Some antibodies target specific epitopes (e.g., N-terminal for GlyR interaction sites or C-terminal for microtubule-binding regions), allowing domain-specific functional studies. Validated GPHN antibodies are species-specific (human, mouse, rat) and often tested in knockout models to confirm selectivity. Aberrant gephyrin expression or mutations have been linked to neurological diseases, making these antibodies valuable for diagnostic research and therapeutic target validation. Recent studies also explore gephyrin's role in extrasynaptic receptors and cross-talk with excitatory synapses, expanding its therapeutic relevance.