Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE): A Key Biomarker in Neuroscience

In eukaryotes, the enolase isozymes consist of enolase 1 (α), enolase 2 (γ), and

enolase 3 (β), encoded by the Eno1, Eno2, and Eno3 genes, respectively [Tracy MR,

Hedges SB. (2000), Gene: 259(1-2):129-38]. The active form of enolase is dimeric.

Isoforms generate five distinct homodimers or heterodimers within cells (αα, αβ, αγ, ββ, γγ) [Dai J et al., (2018). Nat Commun. Sep 21;9(1):3850]. Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE), also called Enolase 2, Neural enolase, or γ-enolase, is a dimeric enzyme consisting of two γ-enolase subunits or heterodimers of αγ subunits together in some instances [Babkina AS et al., (2024) Int J Mol Sci. May 6;25(9):5040]. The enzyme plays a role in cell energy production. γ-enolase demonstrates considerable resistance to chloride ions, which can accumulate in neurons during repetitive depolarization. This resistance to chloride ions may have developed to adapt to the intracellular milieu of neurons and avert the inactivation of chloride-sensitive enolase during critical metabolic energy demands. [Babkina AS et al. (2024) Int J Mol Sci. May 6;25(9):5040]. Thus, the γγ-enolase is found mainly in neurons in the brain, making it a useful marker for studying brain cells, brain damage, and certain types of cancer.

Recent Research on NSE in Neuroscience

Brain Function & Memory: Studies have shown that NSE levels in the blood may be linked to memory problems and cognitive decline. This suggests that NSE levels could help in diagnosing brain disorders.

Delirium Detection: Researchers are exploring how NSE levels could help detect and predict delirium, a condition that causes confusion and disorientation.

Parkinson’s Disease: NSE is being studied as a potential marker for brain cell damage and inflammation in Parkinson’s disease, helping scientists understand its progression.

Newborn Brain Injuries: High NSE levels in premature babies have been linked to brain injuries, helping doctors predict and monitor brain health in newborns.

Biosensis' NSE Antibody: The Reliable Neuronal Marker for Research

Our NSE antibody is produced against full-length recombinant human γ-enolase

(Eno2) expressed and purified from E. coli. This high-quality antibody effectively detects NSE, making it a valuable tool for:

Neuronal Cell Identification – Suitable for tracing NSE expression in cultured cells and tissue sections.

Versatile Applications – Validated for multiple applications including (WB: 1:5,000.

IF/ICC: 1:500. IHC: 1:1,000, and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections.

Note: because of the high level of homology between the enolase genes, this antibody cannot distinguish between any of the possible enolase dimer combinations.

NSE, Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody (R-1396-50)

Left: Immunofluorescent analysis of mixed cortical neuron-glial cell culture from E20 rat by Immunocytochemistry. Cells were stained with rabbit antibody to NSE (R-1396-50, red), and co-stained with chicken antibody to GFAP (C-1373-50, green). Blue: Hoechst nuclear dye. The NSE antibody labels protein expressed in neuronal cells, while the GFAP antibody stains intermediate filaments in astrocytes.

Right: Western blot analysis of tissue and cell lysates using rabbit antibody to NSE (green). [1] protein standard, [2] rat brain, [3] rat spinal cord, [4] mouse brain, [5] mouse spinal cord, [6] NIH-3T3, [7] HEK293, [8] HeLa, [9] SH-SY5Y, and [10] C6. A single band at about 47 kDa corresponds to the NSE protein, seen only in extracts containing neurons or neuronal lineage cells.

The image shows HEK293 (which naturally expresses enolase and many other neuronal

proteins), stained in red with Biosensis’ Rabbit polyclonal antibody to Neuron-specific-

enolase R-1396-50. All of the HEK293 cells appear stained. Biosensis Mouse monoclonal

antibody to ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1), M-1407-100 is co-staining these

same HEK293 cells in green. This neuronal gene is apparently activated in a cell density-

dependent fashion, and at this stage, only a few cells express the UCHL1 protein. However,

all cells that express NSE also express UCHL1. Where the staining overlaps, the color is

yellow.

Biosensis is a company that is passionate about Science