Synaptophysin is a protein found in all humans and encoded by the SYP gene. It is also called a major synaptic vesicle protein (p38). It is located in the short part of the X chromosome and is approximately 12,406 bases in length. It lies on the minus (Crick) strand and has 313 amino acids. This antibody has an approximate molecular weight of 33.845 kDa.
Molecular Biology
The Synaptophysin antibody is a synaptic vesicle glycoprotein using four trans member domains. It is primarily found in the neuroendocrine cells and all neurons of the spinal cord and brain that participate in synaptic transmissions. It tends to act as a marker for neuroendocrine tumors and is almost everywhere in the synapse, which has led to the use of immunostaining for synapsis quantification.
While the exact function of this protein isn’t known, it does interact with synaptobrevin. However, in animals, when the synaptophysin antibody is inactivated, the animal can still function and develop normally. Research has shown that when you eliminate this antibody in mice, behavioral changes can occur, including increased exploration behavior, impaired object recognition, and reduced learning.
Why It Is Important
This gene is implicated in X-linked mental retardation. By using IHC (immunohistochemistry), this antibody can be demonstrated in a wide variety of neuroendocrine and neural tissues, including pancreatic islets and adrenal medulla cells. When used as a specific marker, it can help to identify tumors arising from the tissues, including retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, carcinoid, pheochromocytoma, medulloblastoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and others.
How To Store And Use
The Synaptophysin antibody can be used in a wide variety of areas, but the positive control is usually the pheochromocytoma or pancreas. It can also be used to label normal neuroendocrine cells of the skin, thyroid, lung, pituitary gland, gastrointestinal mucosa and more. It should not be frozen and should remain chilled at all times. Visit us at for more details.
