BAIAP2 (Brain-specific Angiogenesis Inhibitor 1-Associated Protein 2), also known as IRSp53 or insulin receptor substrate protein 53 kDa, is a multifunctional adaptor protein encoded by the BAIAP2 gene. It is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in regions involved in synaptic plasticity, such as the hippocampus and cortex. BAIAP2 plays a critical role in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics, membrane curvature, and dendritic spine morphogenesis, processes essential for neuronal development, synaptic transmission, and cognitive function. Structurally, it contains an I-BAR domain (involved in membrane bending) and an SH3 domain (mediating protein-protein interactions), enabling its participation in signaling pathways linked to receptors like EGFR and insulin receptors.
Research links BAIAP2 to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Genetic variations in BAIAP2 have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and intellectual disability, suggesting its role in neural circuit formation and synaptic connectivity. Antibodies targeting BAIAP2 are vital tools for studying its expression, localization, and interactions in both healthy and diseased states. They are used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic relevance. Dysregulation of BAIAP2 may contribute to synaptic dysfunction, making it a focus in neuroscience research aimed at understanding brain disorders.