Invitrogen™ Neurocan Monoclonal Antibody (650.24)

Neurocan is a gene encoding a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. Located on chromosome 19 in humans, neurocan is part of the lectican family of proteoglycans, integral to the extracellular matrix where they modulate neuronal cell adhesion and migration. This proteoglycan is essential in the formation of the neural network during development and in maintaining the plasticity of the extracellular matrix in adult brains. Neurocan undergoes proteolytic processing, resulting in various fragments that influence neuronal growth and synapse stabilization. Altered neurocan expression has been linked to several neurological conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease, likely due to its role in synaptic function and integrity of the neural matrix. Understanding neurocan's exact roles in neurological health and disease could illuminate pathways for potential therapeutic interventions targeting matrix remodeling and neuronal connectivity.