Neuroglobin (NGB), a member of the globin family, is a small heme-binding protein predominantly expressed in vertebrate nervous systems. Discovered in 2000. NGB shares structural similarities with hemoglobin and myoglobin but exhibits distinct oxygen-binding properties and tissue-specific roles. It is implicated in neuroprotection under hypoxic or oxidative stress conditions, potentially through mechanisms like oxygen storage/scavenging, reactive oxygen species (ROS) neutralization, and modulation of mitochondrial function.
NGB antibodies have become essential tools for exploring its expression patterns, cellular localization, and pathophysiological functions. Studies using these antibodies revealed elevated NGB levels in brain regions vulnerable to ischemic injury, suggesting its adaptive response to hypoxia. In disease models (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke), NGB antibodies help quantify protein fluctuations, correlating with neuronal survival or damage.
Commercial and custom-generated NGB antibodies enable techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. Species cross-reactivity (e.g., human, rodent, avian) observed in many antibodies highlights NGB's evolutionary conservation. Recent research focuses on NGB's interactions with signaling molecules and its potential as a therapeutic biomarker. Despite unresolved questions about its precise mechanisms, NGB antibodies remain crucial for unraveling its role in neural homeostasis and pathology.