Rabbit Polyclonal CACNA2D4 Antibody

The CACNA2D4 gene encodes the α2δ-4 subunit, a regulatory component of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) that facilitates membrane trafficking and modulates channel activity. This protein is part of the α2δ family (α2δ-1 to α2δ-4), which shares structural features like a Von Willebrand factor A domain but exhibits tissue-specific expression. CACNA2D4 is predominantly expressed in the retina and central nervous system, where it associates with Cav1.4 (L-type) calcium channels in photoreceptors and bipolar cells, playing a critical role in visual signal transduction. Mutations in CACNA2D4 are linked to inherited retinal disorders, such as congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), characterized by impaired synaptic transmission between photoreceptors and bipolar cells. Antibodies targeting CACNA2D4 are essential tools for investigating its expression, localization, and functional interactions in physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to study retinal development, channelopathies, and potential therapeutic targets. Due to high homology among α2δ subunits, CACNA2D4-specific antibodies require careful validation to ensure selectivity, often through knockout controls or epitope mapping. Research on CACNA2D4 also extends to exploring its roles beyond the retina, including possible contributions to neurodevelopmental or cardiovascular disorders, though these areas remain less characterized.