Description
The 8C11 monoclonal antibody recognizes the extracellular domain of human N-Cadherin (CD325). Cadherins are a family of Ca2+ -dependent intercellular adhesion molecules that play a central role in controlling morphogenetic movements during development. Their function is regulated by association with the actin cytoskeleton by a complex of cytoplasmic proteins called the catenins (α, β, γ). Members of the cadherin family include P-cadherin , E-cadherin (uvomorulin), N-cadherin (neural cadherin), R-cadherin, cadherin 5, L-CAM, and EP-cadherin. N-cadherin mRNA is found at elevated levels in brain and heart and at a much lower level in liver. Mechanisms such as mRNA expression, cytokine modulation, and protease-mediated turnover modulate N-cadherin protein levels during development. In addition, N-cadherin function is indirectly regulated by endogenous kinases and phosphatases. Tyrosine phosphorylation of β-catenin complexed with N-cadherin results in dissociation of N-cadherin from actin. However, N-cadherin also interacts with a PTP1B-like phosphatase that dephosphorylates β-catenin and promotes N-cadherin/actin association. Thus, N-cadherin is an integral adhesion molecule whose function is regulated by protein-protein interactions and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events.
Because the extracellular domain of N-Cadherin is trypsin-sensitive, it is important to avoid using trypsin to dissociate the cells to be studied.
The monoclonal antibody was purified from tissue culture supernatant or ascites by affinity chromatography. Store undiluted at 4°C.
1. Since applications vary, each investigator should titrate the reagent to obtain optimal results.
2. An isotype control should be used at the same concentration as the antibody of interest.
3. Please refer to www.bdbiosciences.com/us/s/resources for technical protocols.
4. Sodium azide is a reversible inhibitor of oxidative metabolism; therefore, antibody preparations containing this preservative agent must not be used in cell cultures nor injected into animals. Sodium azide may be removed by washing stained cells or plate-bound antibody or dialyzing soluble antibody in sodium azide-free buffer. Since endotoxin may also affect the results of functional studies, we recommend the NA/LE (No Azide/Low Endotoxin) antibody format, if available, for in vitro and in vivo use.
5. Caution: Sodium azide yields highly toxic hydrazoic acid under acidic conditions. Dilute azide compounds in running water before discarding to avoid accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing.
