NeuN Antibodies in Neuroscience Research

Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN) antibodies are one of the key tools commonly used in neuroscience research. As an essential component of modern neuroscience, NeuN antibodies play a crucial role in staining mature neurons and studying neuronal development and differentiation.

Creative Biolabs provides insight into what NeuN antibodies are, their use in neuroscience research, and key considerations for selecting the right NeuN antibody for various experimental applications.

What are NeuN Antibodies?

NeuN is a protein expressed predominantly in post-mitotic neurons, making it a valuable marker for neuronal identification. Discovered and characterized in 1992, NeuN has since become a cornerstone in neuroscience research, aiding in the study of neuronal populations, neuronal differentiation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

NeuN antibodies are immunoglobulins specifically designed to target and bind with the NeuN protein. These antibodies are instrumental in detecting and visualizing neurons within tissue samples, providing researchers with the means to explore the anatomical distribution, density, and morphology of neurons in diverse experimental settings.

Our NeuN antibodies offer many advantages for identifying mature neurons in cell cultures and tissue sections for applications ranging from immunofluorescence to flow cytometry. They can be used in combination with other cell type markers. Read the table below and click to learn more about our NeuN antibodies.

Cells that Express and Do Not Express NeuN

NeuN expression is not ubiquitous in all cell types of the nervous system.

NeuN-positive cells:

• Mature neurons
• Pyramidal neurons

NeuN-negative cells:

• Neurons in the dorsal cochlear nucleus
• Sympathetic chain ganglion neurons
• Cortical Cajal-Retzius neurons
• Neurons of the inferior olive and dentate nuclei

Uses of NeuN Antibodies in Neuroscience Research

• Neuronal Identification and Classification
  By selectively binding to NeuN protein, these antibodies enable researchers to distinguish neurons from other cell types in complex neural tissues. This capability is particularly valuable in studies aiming to understand the organization and diversity of neuronal populations within different brain regions.
• Neuronal Density Assessment
  NeuN antibodies aid researchers in quantifying the number of neurons in specific brain regions. This quantitative information is essential for understanding variations in neural density across different brain regions and in response to various experimental conditions, contributing to our understanding of neuroanatomy and function.
• Neuronal Development and Plasticity Studies
  The expression of NeuN is closely linked to the maturation and post-mitotic state of neurons. As such, NeuN antibodies are instrumental in studying neuronal development and neuronal plasticity assay.
• Neurodegenerative Disease Research
  Aberrations in NeuN expression patterns can serve as indicators of neuronal damage or loss, providing researchers with insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying these conditions. Additionally, NeuN antibodies contribute to the development of diagnostic tools for the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Functional Mapping of the Brain
  NeuN antibodies, by virtue of their specificity to neurons, assist researchers in mapping neuronal circuits, understanding connectivity patterns, and deciphering the neural basis of various cognitive functions and behaviors.

How to Select NeuN Antibodies

The selection of NeuN antibodies is a critical step in designing experiments that rely on the precise identification and characterization of neurons. Several key factors should be considered when choosing NeuN antibodies to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of experimental results.

• Antibody Specificity. Validation data provided by the antibody supplier, including Western blots, immunohistochemistry, or immunofluorescence images, can offer insights into the antibody's specificity.
• Sensitivity
• Application Compatibility
• Species Reactivity. Cross-reactivity across multiple species can be advantageous for studies involving animal models or comparative analyses.
• Tissue Compatibility
• Validation and Reproducibility

Our NeuN antibodies offer many advantages in neuronal staining, and advanced technology ensures specificity and reproducibility. To stay up-to-date with the latest products and research tools from Creative Biolabs, you can feel free to contact us.

Related Scientific Resources

Neuros Antibody Product Panel