Neuronal Cell Markers for Microscopy

Neurons have highly compartmentalized structures that allow their distinction from other cell types in the nervous system. These unique compartments are distinguishable using specific markers, and are generally classified into soma (cell body), axon, dendrite, and synapse. The use of antibodies for these markers in conjunction with microscopy serves as a powerful method for:

Immunolabeling of cells (immunocytochemistry or ICC) or tissues (immunohistochemistry or IHC) with antibodies to study neurons is a highly utilized application in Neuroscience mainly due to the availability of a wide range of markers and the relatively low cost for performing and imaging the immunolabeled material. Generally, target detection can be accomplished using chromogenic or fluorescent staining.

Sections:

β III Tubulin

Enolase 2

Neurofilaments

NeuN

MAP2

BioLegend offers a great number of antibodies validated for IHC and/or ICC. Many of our antibodies are offered in multiple formats and sizes, including small 25 µg vials. Our stringent antibody validation guarantees high product quality and specificity, and the availability of small product sizes allows for hassle-free detection and analysis of neurons.

β III Tubulin

β III Tubulin is a cytoskeletal protein expressed in neurons. Clone TUJ1 is highly reactive to class III β-tubulin, but does not react with β-tubulin found in glial cells. Immunostaining with TUJ1 allows visualization of cell bodies, dendrites, and axons. 

Enolase 2

Enolase 2, also known as NSE, is a soluble protein used for identification of neurons and cells of neuronal origin. Staining NSE with clone NSP-P1 can be used to visualize the soma and neuronal processes.

Neurofilaments

Neurofilaments belong to the intermediate filament family of proteins, and are primarily composed of three subunits; neurofilament light (NF-L), medium (NF-M), and heavy (NF-H). NFs are essential for providing structural support and maintenance of axon caliber. BioLegend has several clones against neurofilaments. Clone SMI 31 detects phosphorylated NF-H and primarily reacts with axons. Clone SMI 32 detects a non-phosphorylated epitope in NF-H and visualizes neuronal cell bodies, axons, and dendrites. Clone SMI 35 reacts with axons and detects phosphorylated forms of NF-M and NF-H.

MAP2

Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) is a structural protein that is expressed in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites in tissue sections and cell cultures. MAP2 can be detected with clone SMI 52.