MAP2 Antibodies

Structure of MAP2

MAP2 is a high-molecular-weight protein, and its molecular weight varies significantly among different subtypes, mainly ranging from 200 to 280 kDa. The differences in molecular weight mainly result from the varying degrees of subtype-specific splicing and phosphorylation modification.

The MAP2 protein is composed of multiple domains. Its primary structure includes an N-terminal microtubule binding domain and a long C-terminal projection domain, which gives it a typical fibrous morphology under an electron microscope. The microtubule-binding domain of this protein interacts with tubulin through positively charged repeat sequences, thereby stabilizing the cytoskeleton and regulating the microtubule spacing. Its projection domain contains multiple phosphorylation sites that can be modified by calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinases, etc., thereby dynamically regulating its interaction with the cytoskeleton and the plasticity of dendrites. This structural feature enables MAP2 to play a core role in maintaining the morphology of neurons and synaptic function.

Fig. 1 Schematic structures of MAP2, MAP4, and tau superfamily proteins. ¹

Key structural properties of MAP2:

• Contains multiple microtubule-binding repeat domains
• Has a long tail C domain projection structure
• Rich in phosphorylation sites to regulate its interaction with the cytoskeleton

Functions of MAP2

The main function of microtubule-associated protein 2 encoded by the MAP2 gene is to maintain the stability of the neuronal cytoskeleton and regulate dendrite morphogenesis. In addition, it is also involved in a variety of neural development and signal transduction processes, including synaptic plasticity and intracellular transport regulation.

The binding of MAP2 to microtubules has high affinity and calcium ion dependence, and its activity is regulated by the phosphorylation of multiple kinases (such as CaMKII and CDK5). This characteristic indicates that it plays a key regulatory role in dynamic response neural activities, especially in cognitive function and related diseases.

Applications of Applications of MAP2 and MAP2 Antibody in Literature

1. Nishida, Kohei, et al. "Effects of three microtubule-associated proteins (MAP2, MAP4, and Tau) on microtubules' physical properties and neurite morphology." Scientific Reports 13.1 (2023): 8870. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36073-9

The article indicates that MAP2, MAP4 and tau affect the mechanical properties of microtubules by regulating their aggregation and stability. Studies have shown that compared with tau, the microtubules bound to MAP2 have a higher curvature and lower rigidity. In cell experiments, there were many cell process branches expressing MAP2, suggesting that MAP2 is involved in neurite morphogenesis by regulating the physical properties of microtubules.

2. Lyu, Jiali, et al. "MAP2 phosphorylation: mechanisms, functional consequences, and emerging insights." Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 19 (2025): 1610371. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2025.1610371

The article indicates that MAP2 is a key protein regulating the stability of neuronal microtubules and dendrite morphogenesis. Its function is dynamically regulated by the phosphorylation of multiple kinases (such as PKA, MARK, etc.), affecting cytoskeleton assembly and synaptic plasticity. Abnormal phosphorylation is closely related to neuropathy such as Alzheimer's disease.

3. Ye, Liang, and **aoqiu Huang. "MAP2: multiple alignment of syntenic genomic sequences." Nucleic acids research 33.1 (2005): 162-170. https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gki159

The article indicates that MAP2 is a multi-sequence alignment program specifically designed for precisely locating similar functional regions in genomic sequences. This tool can accurately identify and compare the homologous regions of long fragments, precisely define the boundaries between conservative and non-conservative, and demonstrate high precision and reliability in both simulated and real data. The program source code can be obtained for free.

4. DeGiosio, Rebecca A., et al. "More than a marker: potential pathogenic functions of MAP2." Frontiers in molecular neuroscience 15 (2022): 974890. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2022.974890

The article indicates that MAP2 is a key microtubule-binding protein in neuronal dendrites, regulating the cytoskeleton, neurite growth and synaptic plasticity. Abnormal expression, splicing or phosphorylation of it is associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Huntington's disease, autism and schizophrenia. The term "MAP2opathy" was proposed to emphasize its pathological mechanism.

5. Westphal, Dominik S., et al. "MAP2–a candidate gene for epilepsy, developmental delay and behavioral abnormalities in a patient with microdeletion 2q34." Frontiers in genetics 9 (2018): 99. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2018.00099

This article reports a child with epilepsy and intellectual disability, in which a 1.5 Mb de novo microdeletion containing only the MAP2, UNC80 and LANCL1 genes was found in the 2q34 region. As a key factor of microtubule aggregation, the MAP2 gene may be the core pathogenic gene leading to abnormal neurodevelopment, and its functional mechanism needs further study.

Creative Biolabs: MAP2 Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality MAP2 antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

• Custom MAP2 Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
• Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
• Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
• Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our MAP2 antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.