Rabbit Polyclonal CHRNA4 Antibody

The CHRNA4 antibody targets the alpha-4 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), encoded by the CHRNA4 gene. nAChRs are ligand-gated ion channels critical for synaptic transmission, modulating neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The α4 subunit combines with β2 (most commonly) or other subunits to form functional receptors involved in cognitive processes, reward pathways, and motor control. CHRNA4 mutations are linked to autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE), a rare genetic disorder characterized by seizures during sleep. Research on CHRNA4 antibodies focuses on elucidating receptor localization, expression patterns, and functional alterations in neurological disorders. These antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study CHRNA4 distribution in brain tissues or transfected cell models. Dysregulation of α4-containing nAChRs has also been implicated in nicotine addiction, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia, making CHRNA4 antibodies valuable tools for exploring therapeutic targets. Commercial CHRNA4 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, validated for specificity via knockout controls or siRNA knockdown. Understanding CHRNA4's role through antibody-based assays contributes to advancing neuropharmacology and precision medicine for receptor-related pathologies.