NeuN binds primarily to FOX3 which has two isoforms. Isoform 1 is described as the canonical sequence with 312 amino acids (33.8kDa) while isoform 2 has a 13 residue insert at position 312 leading to a total length of 325 amino acids (35.1kDa). NeuN antibodies also bind to synapsin-1 in western blot experiments (but not in IHC or ICC) which has two isoforms. Isoform 1 is 705aa long (74.1kDa) while isoform 2 is shorter at 669aa (70.0kDa).
Expression
NeuN is expressed only within neurones. While the vast majority of neurones express NeuN some cell types such as Purkinje cells, stellate and golgi cells do not show immunoreactivity.
Subcellular expression
Expression is primarily localised to the nucleus however some FOX3 isoforms can localise to the cytosol.
Processing
None
Post translational modifications
Phosphorylation has been reported (see Lind et al., 2004. J Neurosci Res. 79: 295-302) which is directly related to immunoreactivity whereby dephosphorylation abolished staining.
Homology (compared to human)
Mouse FOX3 shows 95.02% identity to human FOX3 wheras rat FOX3 shows no similarity due to a large 47 residue insertion at amino acid 252 in rats.
Similar proteins
RNA-binding protein fox-1 homolog 1 (40-44kDa) shows 67.3% identity while RNA-binding protein fox-1 homolog 2 (37-47kDa) shows 56.5% identity.
Storage & Handling
Storage instructions
-20°C
Important
This product is for RESEARCH USE ONLY and is not intended for therapeutic or diagnostic use. Not for human or veterinary use
NeuN is a widely used marker for identifying neurons in the central nervous system. It is a nuclear and sometimes perinuclear protein expressed in the majority of post-mitotic (mature) neurons, making it highly specific for neuronal identification.
What mounting media do you recommend to use with this antibody?
We recommend using one of our high performance mounting medias, supplied as either hardset or aqeous with a range of counterstains:
While the vast majority of neurones express NeuN some subtypes such as Purkinje cells, stellate and golgi cells do not show immunoreactivity. NeuN is also not expressed in immature neurones.
What guarantee do you have that my NeuN antibody will perform as expected?
We guarantee that your NeuN antibody will work for the applications and species we list on the datasheet. If the antibody fails to perform as expected then we are happy to offer a 100% refund guarantee. For more details please see our guarantee policy.
Will my NeuN antibody work against species that have not been listed on the datasheet?
A species not being listed doesn’t mean that the antibody won’t work, just that we haven’t tested it. If you test one of our antibodies in a new species please let us know (positive or negative)!
What protocols are available for use with this NeuN antibody
We have made a comprehensive collection of protocols that we have used in our experiments to validate this NeuN antibody.
What counterstains do you recommend for use in ICC and IHC with this NeuN antibody?
We recommend using either DAPI or Hoechst 33342 to label cell nuclei. In some experiments it is also helpful to label actin filaments in the cytoskeleton using a Phalloidin conjugate such as FITC Phalloidin or Rhodamine Phalloidin-TRITC.
Western Blot Protocol (1 MB) 
