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Mature neuron markers

Your quick reference guide to mature neuron markers.
Last edited Mon 14 Nov 2022

We've pulled together the most common markers for mature neurons from the literature, so you can easily select the right one for your experiment.

What are mature neurons?

Mature neurons are terminally differentiated neurons that can no longer divide. They aim to receive, process, and transfer information in the central and peripheral nervous systems. 

NeuN

NeuN is an RNA-binding protein that is highly specific for post-mitotic neurons. However, the following cell types do not express NeuN:

  • ​Golgi cells​
  • Purkinje cells
  • Olfactory bulb mitral cells
  • Retinal photoreceptor cells
  • Inferior olivary and dentate nucleus neurons
  • Sympathetic ganglion cells

Mouse cerebrum sections stained with anti-NeuN (green) (ab177487).

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References

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MAP2

Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) is a neuron-specific protein that promotes the assembly and stability of the microtubule network.

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References

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160kDa Neurofilament medium

A major intermediate filament found in neurons.

Human brain tissue stained using ​anti-160 kDa neurofilament medium (ab68142).

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References

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​​Neurofilament heavy

A major intermediate filament found in neurons.

Mouse hippocampus tissue stained using anti-neurofilament heavy (green) (ab207176).

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References

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Synaptophysin

Alternative names:

SYP

SYP is a synaptic vesicle protein that regulates vesicle endocytosis in neurons. Alternative names include major synaptic vesicle protein p38 and MRX96. 

Human iPS cell-derived neurons stained with anti-synaptophysin (green) (ab32127).

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References

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PSD95

Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) is a synaptic protein that associates with receptors and the cytoskeleton. This protein has many alternative names, including synapse-associated protein 90 (SAP90) and discs large homolog 4 (DLG4). 

Mouse retina tissue stained with anti-PSD95 (green) (ab238135).

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References

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References