Hippocalcin is a calcium-binding protein belonging to the neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) family, predominantly expressed in the brain, particularly within hippocampal neurons. It plays critical roles in regulating calcium-dependent signaling pathways, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal excitability. Structurally, it contains three EF-hand motifs that bind Ca2?, enabling its interaction with target proteins like kinases, phosphatases, or ion channels to modulate intracellular processes. Hippocalcin is implicated in neuroprotection, neurotransmitter release, and long-term depression (LTD), making it a focus in studies of neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and cognitive disorders.
Hippocalcin antibodies are essential tools for investigating its expression, localization, and function in neural tissues. These antibodies, often raised in rabbits or mice using recombinant or peptide antigens, enable techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF). Specificity validation via knockout controls ensures reliable detection of the ~22 kDa protein. Researchers use these antibodies to explore hippocalcin's role in calcium signaling dynamics, its interaction with downstream effectors (e.g., AP-1 transcription factors), and its dysregulation in pathological conditions like Alzheimer's disease or ischemia. Such studies enhance understanding of calcium-mediated neuronal adaptation and potential therapeutic targets.