SH3 And Multiple Ankyrin Repeat Domains Protein 3 (SHANK3) Antibody (APC)

Background

SHANK3 is a critical postsynaptic scaffold protein that assembles and stabilizes signaling complexes at excitatory synapses by connecting neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, and actin cytoskeleton regulators. It contains SH3, ankyrin repeats, SAM, and PDZ domains, allowing it to interact with NMDA receptors, AMPA receptors, and mGluRs, facilitating synaptic signaling and plasticity. SHANK3 is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in the striatum, cortex, and hippocampus, where it regulates synaptic development, transmission, and plasticity. Mutations or deletions of SHANK3 are strongly associated with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and intellectual disability, characterized by impaired synaptic function, neural connectivity, and behavior. SHANK3-deficient models show severe synaptic defects, altered dendritic spine morphology, and abnormal behavior, underscoring its fundamental role in excitatory synapse maintenance, neuronal communication, and cognitive processes.