The BRSK1 antibody is a tool used to detect BRSK1 (BR serine/threonine kinase 1), a protein encoded by the *BRSK1* gene in humans. BRSK1. also known as SAD-B or SAD1. belongs to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related kinase family and is predominantly expressed in the brain, particularly in neurons. It plays a critical role in regulating cell cycle progression, neuronal polarization, and synaptic vesicle trafficking. BRSK1 is activated by the tumor suppressor kinase LKB1 through phosphorylation, enabling its involvement in establishing neuronal polarity during development.
Antibodies against BRSK1 are widely used in neuroscience research to study its localization, expression levels, and interaction partners. They facilitate techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to explore BRSK1's role in neuronal differentiation, axon-dendrite specification, and potential links to neurological disorders. Studies suggest BRSK1 dysfunction may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases or brain tumors, though its precise mechanisms remain under investigation.
BRSK1 shares structural homology with its paralog BRSK2. but their tissue distribution and functional nuances differ. Commercially available BRSK1 antibodies are typically validated for specificity and sensitivity, often targeting conserved regions like the kinase domain. Researchers rely on these reagents to dissect BRSK1's signaling pathways, including its interplay with microtubule-associated proteins and involvement in autophagy or synaptic plasticity.