N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor, also known as NSF, is an enzyme which in humans is encoded by the NSF gene. NSF is a homohexameric AAA ATPase involved in membrane fusion. NSF is ubiquitously found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It is a central component of the cellular machinery in the transfer of membrane vesicles from one membrane compartment to another. During this process, SNARE proteins on two joining membranes (usually a vesicle and a target membrane such as the plasma membrane) form a tight complex. This aids fusion of the vesicle with the target membrane. It has been proposed that the role of NSF is to undo these SNARE complexes once membrane fusion has occurred, using the hydrolysis of ATP as an energy source, allowing the dissociated SNAREs to be recycled for reuse in further rounds of membrane fusion. This proposal remains controversial, however. Recent work indicates that the ATPase function of NSF does not function in recycling of vesicles but rather functions in the act of fusing vesicles with the plasma membrane.

Optimal dilution of the NSF antibody should be determined by the researcher.

A recombinant human partial protein corresponding to amino acids N620-D744 was used as the immunogen for the NSF antibody.

After reconstitution, the NSF antibody can be stored for up to one month at 4oC. For long-term, aliquot and store at -20oC. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.