Anti-Growth Associated Protein 43 (Growth-associated Protein 43, GAP43, Axonal Membrane Protein GAP-

GAP43 is very abundant nervous system protein which is found concentrated in neurons. One group discovered it as one of three proteins which becomes unregulated during the regeneration of the toad optic nerve (1). Three GAPs (Growth associated proteins) were discovered, and the number 43 comes from the apparent SDS-PAGE molecular weight of the one named GAP43. The HGNC name for this protein is, not surprisingly, GAP43. Later work showed that GAP43 does not run on SDS-PAGE in a fashion which accurately reflects its molecular weight, and that GAP43 proteins from different species may run at different apparent molecular weights. Partly due to these features GAP43 was independently discovered by several different groups and therefore has several alternate names, such as protein F1, pp46, neuromodulin, neural phosphoprotein B-50 and calmodulin-binding protein P-57. In each case the number reflects the apparent SDS-PAGE molecular weight, and underlines the unusual SDS-PAGE mobility properties of this molecule. Mammalian GAP43 proteins contains only 226-243 amino acids, and so the real molecular weight is 23.61-25.14kD (to perform such calculations yourself see this link). GAP43 is one of many highly negatively charged extended molecules which lack well defined tertiary structure and contain few hydrophobic residues and which run anomolously on SDS-PAGE. Other examples are CAP23, MARCKS, microtubule associated proteins MAP2 and tau and the Neurofilament subunits. GAP43 has been extensively studied and is known to be a major protein kinase C substrate and to bind calmodulin avidly. GAP43 is anchored to the plasma membrane by palmitoylation modifications. The HGNC name for this protein is GAP43. Applications: Suitable for use in Immunofluorescence and Western Blot. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Immunofluorescence: 1:1000, Western Blot: 1:10,000, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.