SH3 And Multiple Ankyrin Repeat Domains 2 (SHANK2) Antibody

Background

SHANK2 is a postsynaptic scaffold protein that organizes signaling complexes at excitatory synapses by interacting with receptors, signaling proteins, and the cytoskeleton. It contains SH3, ankyrin repeats, and PDZ domains, allowing it to connect NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors, and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) to actin-regulatory proteins, coordinating synaptic structure and signaling. SHANK2 is widely expressed in the brain, especially in the hippocampus and cerebellum, where it regulates synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability. Mutations in SHANK2 are linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability, and schizophrenia, with disruptions in synaptic signaling leading to impaired cognition and behavior. Functional studies reveal synaptic deficits, altered glutamatergic transmission, and abnormal neuronal morphology in SHANK2-deficient models, emphasizing its importance in synapse formation, plasticity, and neural development.