TrkA (14G6) Rabbit mAb detects endogenous levels of total TrkA protein. This antibody does not cross-react with TrkB.
Source / Purification
Monoclonal antibody is produced by immunizing animals with a synthetic peptide surrounding Arg220 of human TrkA.
Background
The family of Trk receptor tyrosine kinases consists of TrkA, TrkB and TrkC. While the sequence of these family members is highly conserved, they are activated by different neurotrophins: TrkA by NGF, TrkB by BDNF or NT4, and TrkC by NT3. TrkA regulates proliferation and is important for development and maturation of the nervous system (1). Phosphorylation at Tyr490 is required for Shc association and activation of the Ras-MAP kinase cascade. Residues Tyr674/675 lie within the catalytic domain, and phosphorylation at this site reflects TrkA kinase activity (2-6). Point mutations, deletions and chromosomal rearrangements (chimeras) cause ligand-independent receptor dimerization and activation of TrkA. Many malignancies including breast, colon, prostate and thyroid carcinomas and acute myeloid leukemia have activated TrkA. Expression of TrkA in neuroblastomas is a good prognostic marker because it signals growth arrest and differentiation of cells originating from the neural crest (1).