Cell junctions regulate small-molecule trafficking between cells, the organization of cells into tissues, and the adherence of cells to each other and the extracellular matrix. Dysfunctional junctions are implicated in several diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular dysfunction. Understanding cell junctions is fundamental to understanding disease pathology.

There are many types of cell junctions:

  • Gap junctions—clusters of tightly packed channels that allow small molecules to travel between adjoining cells.
  • Tight junctions—barriers that regulate the paracellular movement of solutes down their electro-osmotic gradients.
  • Adherens junctions—main components include cadherins and catenins that form cell-cell junctions and facilitate signaling pathways.

Cell junction antibodies can aid in the study of cell junction structure and function. Cell junction antibodies can also help elucidate the role or roles a protein may play in a number of tasks that are centered in or are influenced by cell junctions. Invitrogen cell junction antibodies are designed to dependably detect the key cell junction targets. Each antibody is validated for use in various applications. Key cell junction targets include:

Applications

Immunofluorescent analysis of Afadin

Immunofluorescent analysis of Afadin in U-2 OS cells using a Afadin polyclonal antibody (Cat. No. PA5-83131). The analysis shows localization to nuclear speckles, plasma membrane and cell junctions.

Immunohistochemistry analysis of Beta-Catenin showing membrane and weak cytoplasm staining of paraffin-embedded mouse colon tissue (right) compared to a negative control without primary antibody (left). To expose target proteins, antigen retrieval was performed using 10mM sodium citrate (pH 6.0), microwaved for 8-15 min. Following antigen retrieval, tissues were blocked in 3% H2O2-methanol for 15 min at room temperature, washed with ddH2O and PBS, and then probed with a Beta-Catenin Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody (Cat. No. 71-2700) diluted in 3% BSA-PBS at a dilution of 1:20 overnight at 4°C in a humidified chamber. Tissues were washed extensively in PBST and detection was performed using an HRP-conjugated secondary antibody followed by colorimetric detection using a DAB kit. Tissues were counterstained with hematoxylin and dehydrated with ethanol and xylene to prep for mounting.

Resources

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.