Overview
- Peptide (C)KGERMADGAPLAGVR, corresponding to amino acid residues 109 - 123 of mouse SV2A (Accession Q9JIS5). Intracellular, N-terminus.
SV2A Blocking Peptide (#BLP-NR095)
Western blot analysis of rat brain membranes (lanes 1 and 3) and mouse brain membranes (lanes 2 and 4):1-2. Anti-SV2A Antibody (#ANR-095), (1:500).
3-4. Anti-SV2A Antibody (#ANR-095), preincubated with SV2A Blocking Peptide (BLP-NR095).
Western blot analysis of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line lysate (lanes 1 and 3) and human ARPE-19 retinal pigmental epithelia cell line lysate (lanes 2 and 4):1-2. Anti-SV2A Antibody (#ANR-095), (1:200).
3-4. Anti-SV2A Antibody (#ANR-095), preincubated with SV2A Blocking Peptide (BLP-NR095).
SV2A, also known as Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A and Synaptic vesicle protein 2A, is an integral membrane glycoprotein located on synaptic vesicles, which are responsible for storing and releasing neurotransmitters in the brain.1,2
SV2A is a member of a protein family that also includes SV2B and SV2C. All three proteins exhibit a similar topology of 12 transmembrane domains, but have different expression patterns in the brain. SV2A is ubiquitously expressed and is found in virtually all types of neurons throughout the brain, while SV2B has a more restricted expression pattern, being present in certain areas of the brain such as the hippocampus and cortex. SV2C displays a more limited expression, and is primarily found in the basal ganglia and some brainstem nuclei.1,2
The exact physiological role of SV2A is not clear, but a role in the regulation of neurotransmitter release, maintenance of synaptic vesicle pool and modulation of synaptic plasticity, have been suggested. 1,3
Interestingly, the role of SV2A in pathological conditions, has received considerable attention. Animals homozygous for the SV2A gene appear normal at birth, however, they fail to grow, experience severe seizures, and die within 3 weeks. 4
In fact, SV2A was identified as the binding site for the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam, which is effective in reducing seizure frequency in epilepsy patients.1,3
In addition, changes in SV2A expression have been observed in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. 1,3
Changes in SV2A expression are increasingly recognized as a valuable biomarker for synaptic density, a parameter providing insights into the integrity and function of synapses in the brain. Synaptic density refers to the number of synapses in a given volume of brain tissue and is a critical indicator of neuronal health and connectivity. For this purpose, radioligands that specifically bind to SV2A and can be used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, have been developed to quantify synaptic density non-invasively. Thus, measuring SV2A expression is a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring neurological and psychiatric conditions, ultimately aiding in the development of more effective treatments.1,5,6
