Anti-Doublecortin (DCX) Antibody

Doublecortin (DCX, also known as Doublin, Lissencephalin-X, DBCN and Lis-X) was originally discovered since defects in the gene encoding it are causative of X-linked lissencephaly, a rare group of brain malformations resulting in a smooth cerebral cortex caused by aberrant neuronal migration during development (1,2) . The name Doublecortin comes from the unusual layering of the cortex in this form of lissencephaly, which appears to have a second deep cortical layer of neurons. This layer consists of neurons which did not migrate from the subventricular zone to the normal cortical layer. Patients with this defect suffer from seizures and mental retardation. Four proteins encoded by the DCX produce bands of about 35 kDa and 45 kDa on Western blots. The 45 kDa form is known as Lis-XA while the smaller forms are generated by alternate transcription, are all missing the first 81 amino acids of Lis-XA, and are referred to as Lis-XB, Lis-XC, Lis-XD. There are minor amino acid sequence differences between these three smaller isoforms. All of these proteins contain two so-called Doublecortin domains, each about 90 amino acids long, which are believed to function in binding to microtubules, a C-terminal serine and proline rich region which may become phosphorylated in vivo. DCX is expressed very early in neuronal development, as neuroblasts become post-mitotic, but is lost as neurons mature. Developing neurons start to lose DCX expression about the time that they begin to express NeuN. Antibodies to DCX can be used to see if neurogenesis is taking place.

Our Anti-Doublecortin (DCX) mouse monoclonal primary antibody detects bovine, human, mouse, and rat Doublecortin (DCX), and is IgG. It is validated for use in ICC, WB.

Spin vial briefly before opening. Reconstitute with 100 μL sterile-filtered, ultrapure water to achieve a 1 mg/mL concentration. Centrifuge to remove any insoluble material. After reconstitution of lyophilized antibody, aliquot and store at -20°C for a higher stability. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

The antibody reacts with two bands at ~45 kDa and ~35 kDa which shows that the mouse anti-DCX antibody binds to an epitope in the region of DCX shared by Lis-A, and Lis-B, Lis-C and Lis-D, the C terminal 360 amino acids of Lis-A. It has also been used successfully for immunocytochemistry and is an excellent marker for developing neurons.