Neuronal Cell Markers for Microscopy

Neurons are the primary information-processing units of the nervous system, responsible for all brain functions from basic reflexes to complex cognition. Neurons are highly specialized cells with distinct structural compartments—cell bodies, dendrites, and axons—each expressing unique molecular signatures that enable precise identification and functional analysis. The architecture of neurons creates distinct microenvironments where protein localization is often indicative of function, like cytoskeletal marker tau in axons. Highly specific and reliable antibodies targeting neuronal markers enable researchers to visualize cellular morphology, map subcellular localization, distinguish cellular subtypes, and investigate structural changes within the CNS. These antibodies should also allow reproducibility while providing the spatial resolution and specificity needed to advance neuroscience research and therapeutic development. BioLegend’s antibodies, which detect canonical markers of neurons, undergo rigorous development and quality testing to assure excellent performance in advanced imaging techniques, such as flow cytometry and other applications.

Featured Product

Clone 1B7 binds FOX3 (NeuN), an RNA-binding protein involved in alternative splicing that is highly specific to mature neurons in the CNS. This antibody (clone 1B7) produces strong nuclear staining for FOX3 in neurons, making it a gold-standard reagent for neuron-specific detection. As a tool for microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting, this clone reliably targets FOX3/NeuN, which serves as a canonical marker for mature neuronal cells.

Sections:

β III Tubulin

Enolase 2

Neurofilaments

NeuN

MAP2

BioLegend offers a great number of antibodies validated for IHC and/or ICC. Many of our antibodies are offered in multiple formats and sizes, including small 25 µg vials. Our stringent antibody validation guarantees high product quality and specificity, and the availability of small product sizes allows for hassle-free detection and analysis of neurons.

β III Tubulin

β III Tubulin is a cytoskeletal protein expressed in neurons. Clone TUJ1 is highly reactive to class III β-tubulin, but does not react with β-tubulin found in glial cells. Immunostaining with TUJ1 allows visualization of cell bodies, dendrites, and axons. 

Enolase 2

Enolase 2, also known as NSE, is a soluble protein used for identification of neurons and cells of neuronal origin. Staining NSE with clone NSP-P1 can be used to visualize the soma and neuronal processes.

Neurofilaments

Neurofilaments belong to the intermediate filament family of proteins, and are primarily composed of three subunits; neurofilament light (NF-L), medium (NF-M), and heavy (NF-H). NFs are essential for providing structural support and maintenance of axon caliber. BioLegend has several clones against neurofilaments. Clone SMI 31 detects phosphorylated NF-H and primarily reacts with axons. Clone SMI 32 detects a non-phosphorylated epitope in NF-H and visualizes neuronal cell bodies, axons, and dendrites. Clone SMI 35 reacts with axons and detects phosphorylated forms of NF-M and NF-H.

MAP2

Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) is a structural protein that is expressed in neuronal cell bodies and dendrites in tissue sections and cell cultures. MAP2 can be detected with clone SMI 52.