Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) is a member of the SNARE complex, which also includes syntaxin and VAMP, that is responsible for fusing synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane to facilitate neurotransmitter release.1 Two SNAP-25 isoforms, SNAP-25a and SNAP-25b, are generated through alternative splicing, with SNAP-25b expressed only during the postnatal period and as the predominant isoform in the brain.2 SNAP-25 contains two α helices, as well as one large and several smaller intrinsically disordered domains.1 It also contains a cluster of closely spaced cysteine residues that are subject to palmitoylation, a modification that regulates the intracellular distribution of SNAP-25, as well as residues subject to phosphorylation, modifications that modulate the rate of vesicle recruitment and its interactions with syntaxin.1,3,4 SNAP-25 is located primarily on the intracellular side of the presynaptic plasma membrane in neurons and interacts with a variety of proteins to orchestrate vesicle fusion in a calcium-triggered manner and to mediate spine development.1 It is also found in the pancreas, enteroendocrine cells, and the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla where it is involved in hormone secretion.2 Decreased expression of SNAP-25 in a heterozygous mouse model leads to moderate hyperactivity, impaired learning and memory, and increased susceptibility to seizures induced by kainate. SNPs in SNAP-25 are associated with attention deficient/hyperactivity disorder, as well as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder.5 Protein levels of SNAP-25 are decreased in postmortem brain from patients with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease and in postmortem hippocampus from patients with schizophrenia.6,7 Cayman’s SNAP-25 Polyclonal Antibody (Clone D005) can be used for Western blot (WB) applications. The antibody recognizes SNAP-25 at 25 kDa from rat samples.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
