Calbindin-1 is a low molecular weight protein with a molecular weight of approximately 28 kDa. It contains six EF-hand motifs, each capable of binding a calcium ion. This protein acts as an intracellular calcium buffer, regulating the concentration of free calcium ions within the cytoplasm. By binding to calcium ions, Calbindin-1 helps to modulate various cellular processes, including neurotransmitter release, enzyme activity, and gene expression.
In the CNS, Calbindin-1 is expressed in discrete neuronal populations. It is highly abundant in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, where it plays a critical role in motor coordination and synaptic plasticity . Additionally, Calbindin-1 is found in other brain regions, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and certain cortical areas. Its expression is developmentally regulated, with higher levels observed during periods of neuronal differentiation and migration .
Calbindin-1 is essential for maintaining calcium homeostasis in neurons. It acts as a calcium buffer, preventing excessive calcium fluctuations that could lead to cellular damage. This protein also participates in calcium signaling pathways, influencing processes such as synaptic transmission and plasticity. In Purkinje cells, Calbindin-1 is involved in long-term depression (LTD), a form of synaptic plasticity critical for motor learning .
Recombinant Calbindin-1 (Rat) is produced using recombinant DNA technology, allowing for the expression and purification of the protein in a controlled laboratory setting. This recombinant form is used in various research applications, including studies on calcium signaling, neurobiology, and protein-protein interactions. The availability of recombinant Calbindin-1 enables researchers to investigate its biochemical properties and functional roles in greater detail.
Calbindin-1 is widely used as a marker for specific neuronal populations in immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies. Its expression pattern helps to identify and characterize different types of neurons within the CNS. Additionally, Calbindin-1 is utilized in studies exploring the mechanisms of calcium signaling and its impact on neuronal function and plasticity .