Parvalbumin (PVALB) is a calcium-binding protein belonging to the EF-hand family, primarily expressed in fast-twitching muscle fibers and a subset of GABAergic neurons in the central nervous system. With a molecular weight of approximately 12 kDa, PVALB regulates intracellular calcium dynamics by buffering and transporting Ca²⁺ ions, influencing muscle contraction-relaxation cycles and neuronal excitability. In the brain, PVALB is a marker for fast-spiking interneurons critical for maintaining network oscillations and synaptic plasticity, particularly in regions like the hippocampus, cortex, and cerebellum.
PVALB antibodies are essential tools for identifying and studying these specialized cells in neurological research. They enable visualization of PVALB⁺ neurons via immunohistochemistry, aiding investigations into disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism, where PVALB expression is often altered. In muscular studies, these antibodies help characterize skeletal muscle fiber subtypes and assess pathologies like muscular dystrophy. Additionally, PVALB antibodies are used in Western blotting and flow cytometry to quantify protein levels, providing insights into calcium signaling mechanisms. Their specificity and reliability make them invaluable for understanding both neural circuitry and muscle physiology, bridging molecular biology with functional studies in health and disease.