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Using Antibodies and Surface Markers to Identify Neurons in Research
Precise neuronal identification is a foundational principle in neuroscience, enabling researchers to target individual neurons systematically. Recent advancements in spike sorting, antibodies, and other technologies have made neuronal identification more efficient and accurate. These innovations accelerate research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the study of the brain and nervous system.
Table 1 provides a comparison between intracellular and surface marker antibodies, highlighting their target locations, typical applications, and representative markers.
Table 1 Comparison of intracellular and surface marker antibodies
| Type | Target location | Application scenario | Representative markers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intracellular marker antibodies | Cell nucleus/cytoplasm | Fixed tissue analysis, neuron counting | NeuN, MAP2, βIII-Tubulin |
| Surface marker antibodies | Cell membrane | Live cell sorting, real-time function monitoring | NCAM, L1CAM, Thy-1 |
Creative Biolabs offers tools and services that support precise neuronal identification and analysis. Their state-of-the-art technologies allow for accurate labeling and sorting of various neuron types. This enables researchers to explore neural circuits and disease mechanisms with greater precision.
What Are Neuron Marker Antibodies?
Neuronal marker antibodies are antibodies that can specifically recognize neurons or related cell types (such as neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, etc.) and are used in experiments such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting to study the morphology, function, differentiation, and expression characteristics of neurons. These antibodies typically target specific proteins or molecular markers, such as NeuN, MAP2, β-III tubulin (TUBB3), GFAP, OLIG2, etc.
The Mechanism of Neuronal Marker Antibodies
Neuronal marker antibodies can specifically bind to specific antigens expressed on the surface of neuronal cells, and are also key markers for identifying neurons from other cell types (such as glial cells).
Neuronal marker antibodies can also be used for immunohistochemical staining to assist researchers in identifying specific types of neurons in tissue sections. For example, antibodies such as anti-NeuN and anti-TuJ1 can be used to specifically label neurons, while anti-GFAP can be used to label astrocytes. This approach not only helps to classify neurons, but can also reveal the distribution and functions of neurons in different tissues.
Common Neuronal Antibody Markers
NeuN, βIII-Tubulin (Tubulin βIII), and MAP2 are all intracellular markers for neurons. In neuroscience research, they are often used to label and study the structure, function, and differentiation of neurons. Table 2 provides the description and applications of these there common neuronal antibody markers.
Table 2 Common neuronal antibody markers
| Marker | Description | Expression/ Location | Main Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NeuN | Neuron-specific nuclear protein used to label neuronal nuclei | Neuronal cell nuclei | Neuronal marker; studies on neuronal development, maturation, aging; biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases and stem cell differentiation | Highly expressed in post-mitotic neurons |
| βIII-Tubulin (Tubulin βIII) | A tubulin subtype commonly used as a general neuronal marker | Dendrites and axons of neurons | Detection of neuronal differentiation and functional state | Also expressed in some undifferentiated stem cells; use with caution in stem cell research |
| MAP2 | Microtubule-associated protein 2, important for neuronal cytoskeleton | Dendrites and axons of neurons | Morphological studies of neurons; observation of neuronal structure and function changes | Often colocalized with βIII-Tubulin |
What are Neuron Surface Markers?
A single surface marker is often not sufficient to accurately distinguish neurons from other cell types, so it is often necessary to use combinations of multiple markers to improve the accuracy of identification. For example, CD49f+/CD200+ cells have been found to have high neuronal specificity during neural differentiation, and this combination marking strategy has important applications in stem cell differentiation and neural cell separation. Table 4 shows 4 typical neuron surface markers' function, applications and their advantages.
Figure 1 Surface markers (such as the CD200/CD49f combination) can be directly sorted from the iPSC differentiation system to obtain neurons.1,2
Table 3 Typical neuron surface markers
| Marker | Function | Sorting Application | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAM | Neural cell adhesion molecule | Neuron-glial interaction research | Highly conserved across species |
| L1CAM | Axonal guidance and myelination | Tumor neuroinvasion models (e.g., neuroblastoma) | High specificity, potential as a therapeutic target |
| PSA-NCAM | Poly-sialylated NCAM | Marker for neural stem cells/neuroblasts | Dynamically reflects neuronal plasticity |
| Thy-1 | T cell co-stimulatory molecule | Neuronal subpopulation sorting (e.g., CD90+) | Flow cytometry sorting efficiency >90% |
Advantages of Neuron Surface Markers
- High expression and specificity
- Flow cytometry compatibility
- Functional diversity
- Biomarker potential
- Cell sorting and immunotherapy
Applications of Neuronal Antibody Markers
Double Immunofluorescence Labeling Technique
The double immunofluorescence labeling technique has been commonly applied in disease model research. For example, in the study of neurodegenerative diseases, it can be used to detect the colocalization of synaptic proteins and neuronal damage markers, which helps in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease.
Sparse Labeling Technology
Single-neuron labeling methods based on adeno-associated virus (AAV), such as CSSP-YFP-8E3/CSSP-YFP-2E4, can achieve high-brightness and stable labeling of specific neurons, and can be used for long-term tracking.
NeuN Marker
As a classic neuronal marker, NeuN is important for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, especially for the differential diagnosis of central nervous system tumors and gliomas.
Selecting a trusted supplier with robust technical support is key to neuron markers and surface markers. Creative Biolabs is a leading global biotechnology company that offers a wide range of neuron-specific antibodies, surface markers, and customized services to help you overcome technical bottlenecks.
Contact us today for accurate neuronal marking tools and to streamline your experimental workflow.
References
- Turaç, Gizem, et al. "Combined Flow Cytometric Analysis of Surface and Intracellular Antigens Reveals Surface Molecule Markers of Human Neuropoiesis." PLoS ONE, edited by Eva Mezey, vol. 8, no. 6, June 2013, p. e68519. DOI.org, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0068519.
- Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
Created June 2025
For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.