The GPM6A antibody targets the glycoprotein M6A (GPM6A), a member of the proteolipid protein family (PLP/PLP/DM20) predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. GPM6A is a transmembrane protein involved in neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and regulation of neurotransmitter release. It shares structural homology with myelin proteolipid proteins and is thought to participate in membrane organization, neurite outgrowth, and cholesterol homeostasis. Dysregulation of GPM6A has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, highlighting its potential role in neural circuit development and function.
Antibodies against GPM6A are widely used in neuroscience research to study its expression patterns, subcellular localization, and interactions. They enable detection via techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Commercially available GPM6A antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, using immunogenic peptides derived from conserved regions of the human or rodent protein. Validation often includes knockout cell lines or tissue controls to confirm specificity. Recent studies have leveraged these antibodies to explore GPM6A's involvement in stress response, axonal guidance, and its interaction with synaptic proteins like neuroligins. However, variability in antibody performance across species or experimental conditions necessitates careful optimization.