The GRIK2 antibody is a crucial tool in neuroscience research, targeting the glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate type subunit 2 (GluK2), encoded by the GRIK2 gene. As a member of the kainate receptor family, GluK2 forms ligand-gated ion channels activated by glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These receptors modulate synaptic transmission, plasticity, and neuronal excitability, particularly in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex. Dysregulation of GRIK2 has been implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, making its study vital for understanding disease mechanisms.
GRIK2 antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to detect protein expression, localization, and post-translational modifications. Their specificity is validated through knockout controls or siRNA knockdown to ensure accurate targeting of the ~100 kDa GluK2 protein. Researchers also employ these antibodies to explore receptor trafficking, synaptic clustering, and interactions with scaffolding proteins like PSD-95. Additionally, GRIK2 antibodies aid in investigating the receptor's role in calcium permeability and its dual function as both an ion channel and a metabotropic signaling modulator. These studies contribute to therapeutic development for conditions linked to glutamate signaling imbalances.