Invitrogen™ IBA1 Polyclonal Antibody, Biotin

Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1), also known by its gene name AIF1, is a protein expressed predominantly by microglia in the brain and spinal cord. This protein belongs to the EF-hand calcium-binding protein family and plays a crucial role in microglial activation and migration in response to brain injury or neuroinflammation. IBA1's function is integral to microglial motility and phagocytic activity, facilitating the cellular response to pathogenic stimuli and promoting tissue homeostasis and repair in the central nervous system. IBA1 serves as a reliable marker for activated microglia in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, where increased expression correlates with disease progression and severity. The protein's structural features enable it to bind calcium ions, inducing conformational changes that activate signaling pathways essential for microglial function. Its expression is highly regulated by inflammatory cytokines, underpinning its role in neuroimmune responses. Due to its specific expression in microglia during pathological conditions, IBA1 is widely used in research as a marker to study microglial status and activity, and it remains a focal point for understanding microglial involvement in neurodegenerative diseases.