CALCRL antibodies are designed to detect the calcitonin receptor-like receptor, a key player in regulating vascular tone, nociception, and cellular differentiation . These antibodies recognize specific epitopes:
Intracellular domains: C-terminal residues 522–536 (EQMQKVRGFR)
N-terminal sequences: Used in monoclonal antibody development
Pediatric AML: High CALCRL expression correlates with poor prognosis (HR=1.87 for relapse risk)
Neuroendocrine Tumors: 8H9L8 antibody detected CALCRL in 89% of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Immune Evasion: Positive correlation with TNFRSF18 expression in leukemia stem cells
Blood-Brain Barrier: Detected in cerebral capillary endothelium
Receptor Complexes: Colocalizes with RAMP1-3 proteins in neurons
Identifies bands at 66 kDa (monomer) and 130 kDa (dimer)
Validation Methods:
Immunohistochemical Staining :
Optimal working dilution: 5–8 µg/mL
Epitope stability: Compatible with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues
Diagnostic utility: Distinguishes neuroendocrine tumors from adenocarcinomas
What is CALCRL and what are its key functions relevant to research applications?
CALCRL (also known as CRLR or CGRPR) is a G protein-coupled receptor belonging to the G-protein coupled receptor 2 family. It is a 461 amino acid protein with a molecular mass of approximately 52.9 kilodaltons . CALCRL functions as a receptor for calcitonin gene-related peptide type 1, with its activity mediated by G proteins that activate adenylyl cyclase . The CGRP receptor exists as a heterodimer composed of CALCRL (a 7-transmembrane domain receptor) and receptor-activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), which serves as a transporter for CALCRL to the cell surface . When engaged with CGRP, CALCRL activates cAMP-dependent pkA and PI3 kinase pathways, leading to both inhibitory and facilitatory actions on Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors . This receptor is involved in calcium homeostasis, particularly related to bone formation and metabolism, making it crucial for diverse physiological processes .
Which detection methods are most effective for studying CALCRL expression in different tissue types?
Several detection methods have proven effective for studying CALCRL expression:
Western Blot: Optimal for protein quantification in lysates from various tissues including dorsal root ganglion, lung membranes, heart membranes, and brain tissues .
Immunohistochemistry: Both paraffin-embedded (IHC-P) and frozen sections yield reliable results. For paraffin sections, heat-induced epitope retrieval is recommended for optimal staining . Specific staining is typically observed in endothelial cells of lung tissue and in brain stem sections .
Flow Cytometry: Live cell flow cytometry effectively detects cell surface CALCRL. Both indirect methods using unconjugated primary antibodies and direct methods with PE-conjugated antibodies (using 2.5-5μg per assay) have been validated on leukemia and macrophage cell lines .
Immunofluorescence: Using a dilution of approximately 8 μg/mL with appropriate secondary antibodies (such as NorthernLights 557-conjugated Anti-Mouse IgG) provides clear cytoplasmic staining of CALCRL in fixed cells .
For all applications, positive and negative controls are essential for accurate interpretation of results .
What species cross-reactivity should researchers consider when selecting CALCRL antibodies?
CALCRL antibodies exhibit varying species cross-reactivity profiles that must be considered when designing experiments:
| Supplier | Human | Mouse | Rat | Other Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novus Biologicals | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
| Bioss Inc. | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
| Alomone Labs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Enzo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| Aviva Systems | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Rabbit, Bovine, Dog, Goat, Guinea Pig, Horse, Zebrafish |
Researchers should verify species reactivity for their specific model organism, particularly when working with less common research animals. Sequence homology between species may affect antibody performance, and validation in the target species is recommended before proceeding with extensive experiments .
What is the subcellular localization pattern of CALCRL and how does this affect antibody selection?
CALCRL demonstrates specific subcellular localization patterns that influence antibody selection:
In endothelial cells of human lung tissue, CALCRL localizes primarily to the cytoplasm .
In KG-1 human acute myelogenous leukemia cells, specific staining is localized to the cytoplasm .
As a G protein-coupled receptor, CALCRL is also found at the cell membrane, particularly when complexed with RAMP1 .
For membrane-bound CALCRL detection, antibodies targeting extracellular epitopes (such as the Alomone Labs antibody targeting amino acids 127-140 in the N-terminus) are optimal for live cell applications including flow cytometry . For detecting total CALCRL protein in fixed or permeabilized samples, antibodies targeting intracellular domains (such as the Thermo Fisher antibody against the 3rd cytoplasmic domain) may provide more comprehensive detection . This dual localization necessitates careful antibody selection based on experimental goals and sample preparation methods.