Spectrin, an actin binding protein that is a major component of the cytoskeletal superstructure of the erythrocyte plasma membrane, is essential in determining the properties of the membrane including its shape and deformability. Spectrins function as membrane organizers and stabilizers, composed of nonhomologous and chains, which aggregate side-to-side in an antiparallel fashion to form dimers, tetramers, and higher polymers. Spectrin I and spectrin I are present in erythrocytes, whereas spectrin II (also designated fodrin ) and spectrin II (also designated fodrin ) are present in other somatic cells. The spectrin tetramers in erythrocytes act as barriers to lateral diffusion, but spectrin dimers seem to lack this function. Activation of calpain results in the breakdown of spectrin II, a neuronal cytoskeleton protein. Primary antibodies are available purified, or with a selection of fluorescent CF Dyes and other labels. CF Dyes offer exceptional brightness and photostability. Note: Conjugates of blue fluorescent dyes like CF405S and CF405M are not recommended for detecting low abundance targets, because blue dyes have lower fluorescence and can give higher non-specific background than other dye colors.
