Adherens junctions (AJ) (also referred to as zonula adherens) are required for both the establishment and maintenance of epithelial layers (2). In addition, these junctions have been identified in several other cell types including cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts (2). AJ subserve several important functions including: mediating intercellular adhesion, sensing the presence of neighboring cells, and anchoring the actin cytoskeleton (2,3). AJ are multiprotein complexes that are assembled around cell adhesion molecules called cadherins. Cadherins are a multifunctional family of Ca2+-dependent, transmembrane, glycoproteins which promote cell-cell adhesion (4). The cadherin extracellular domain mediates homophilic interactions between like cadherin molecules on neighboring cells, while the intracellular domain interacts with several cytoplasmic proteins which include: a-catenin, b-catenin, g-catenin (plakoglobin), and the tyrosine kinase substrate p120 cas (1,5,6,7,8,9). Cadherin-catenin interactions are required for complete cadherin activity and regulate the interaction between cadherins and the actin-based cytoskeleton (1,4,6,8,9,10). In fact, deletion of the cadherin cytoplasmic domain produces an adhesion-defective molecule that is unable to interact with the cytoskeleton (4,11).

Suitable for use in FLISA, Western Blot and Immunoprecipitation. Other applications not tested.

FLISA: 0.1-1ug/ml Western Blot: 1-3ug/ml Immunoprecipitation: 5-15ug Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Store product at 4°C in the dark. DO NOT FREEZE! Stable at 4°C for 12 months after receipt as an undiluted liquid. Dilute required amount only prior to immediate use. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. Caution: MaxLight™650 conjugates are sensitive to light. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap.

Note: Applications are based on unconjugated antibody.