Secretagogin (SCGN) is a calcium-binding protein first identified in pancreatic endocrine cells and neuroendocrine tissues. Discovered in 2000. it belongs to the EF-hand calcium sensor family, sharing structural similarities with calbindin and calretinin. SCGN is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in regions like the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex, as well as in pancreatic islets and endocrine cells of the gut. It plays roles in calcium-mediated signaling, neuroprotection, and regulation of hormone secretion.
SCGN antibodies are tools used to detect and study this protein's distribution, function, and interactions. Research links SCGN to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s) and metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), as altered expression correlates with cellular stress and apoptosis. In neuroscience, SCGN antibodies help map neuronal subtypes and track disease progression. In diabetes research, they aid in studying insulin secretion mechanisms.
The antibody's specificity enables applications in immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA, supporting both basic research and clinical diagnostics. Recent studies also explore SCGN as a biomarker for neuroendocrine tumors and autoimmune disorders. However, variability in antibody performance across species and tissues requires careful validation. Overall, SCGN antibodies remain critical for unraveling the protein's multifaceted roles in health and disease.