The ADGRG3 antibody, biotin conjugated, is a biochemical tool designed to detect and quantify the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G3 (ADGRG3/GPR97) in experimental settings. Biotin conjugation enables high-sensitivity detection through streptavidin-based amplification systems, commonly used in techniques like ELISA, Western blot (WB), and flow cytometry . ADGRG3 is a member of the adhesion GPCR family, involved in immune cell regulation, antimicrobial activity, and signaling pathways such as cAMP modulation and Gα protein coupling .
ADGRG3 is highly expressed in granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) and regulates antimicrobial responses. Biotin-conjugated antibodies have been used to study:
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production: Antibody ligation enhances ROS and proteolytic enzyme activity in neutrophils, critical for pathogen clearance .
Signaling Pathways: Activation reduces cAMP levels via Gαi and increases Gβγ effectors (e.g., NF-κB), suggesting a dual signaling mechanism .
Glioblastoma (GBM): Antibodies targeting ADGRG3’s extracellular domain modulate cAMP signaling, a pathway implicated in GBM growth .
Obesity-Related Inflammation: ADGRG3 deficiency in mice exacerbates macrophage-driven inflammation in high-fat diets .
Commercial sources for ADGRG3 biotin-conjugated antibodies include:
| Supplier | Product Code | Applications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUSABIO | CSB-PA769807LD01HU | ELISA | $275–$529 |
| BosterBio | A13362 | WB, ELISA | $380 |
| RayBiotech | Not specified | WB | $351 |
Western Blot: Detects ADGRG3 at ~60 kDa in human cell lysates (e.g., THP-1 monocytes) .
Flow Cytometry: Surface expression confirmed in live THP-1 cells using extracellular domain-targeting antibodies .
Blocking Controls: Pre-absorption with immunogenic peptides abolishes signal, confirming specificity .
ADGRG3 (GPR97) is a member of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (aGPCR) family, which comprises 33 members in humans. RNA sequencing and mass-spectrometry studies have revealed abundant expression of ADGRG3/GPR97 in granulocyte precursors and terminally differentiated neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and basophilic granulocytes . The receptor is particularly prominent in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and is detected in tissue-infiltrating PMNs, with expression levels increasing during systemic inflammation . Unlike some other aGPCRs that are widely distributed, ADGRG3 shows a more restricted expression pattern primarily in granulocytes, making it a potential specific marker and functional regulator for these immune cells.
ADGRG3 is a proteolytically processed, dichotomous, N-glycosylated receptor characterized by its unique domain architecture common to adhesion GPCRs . The receptor consists of:
An extracellular region (ECR) containing a GAIN (GPCR Autoproteolysis-Inducing) domain
A seven-transmembrane (7TM) domain that traverses the cell membrane
An intracellular C-terminal domain involved in signaling
The GAIN domain undergoes autoproteolysis, resulting in a non-covalently associated N-terminal fragment and a C-terminal fragment that includes the 7TM domain . This structural organization is critical for receptor function and can be specifically targeted by antibodies for research and potentially therapeutic applications.
Biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibodies are typically produced through the following methodology:
Generation of the primary antibody: The extracellular domain (ECD) of ADGRG3 is expressed as a fusion protein (e.g., with an Fc fragment) in expression systems like HEK-293T cells
Immunization: The purified fusion protein is used to immunize mice (typically BALB/c) following a standard immunization protocol with appropriate adjuvants
Hybridoma generation: Splenocytes from immunized mice are fused with myeloma cells to create hybridoma cell lines
Selection: ELISA screening identifies clones producing ADGRG3-specific antibodies
Biotinylation: Purified antibodies are conjugated with biotin using NHS-ester chemistry or similar approaches
Validation: The biotinylated antibodies are tested for specificity and binding efficiency
The resulting biotin-conjugated antibodies can be used with streptavidin-coupled detection systems for enhanced sensitivity in various applications.
Biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibodies are valuable tools for multiple research applications:
Flow cytometry: For detecting ADGRG3 expression on granulocytes and other cell populations
Immunohistochemistry: To visualize ADGRG3 in tissue samples, particularly in inflammatory conditions
Western blotting: For detecting ADGRG3 protein in cell or tissue lysates, allowing assessment of processing and glycosylation states
Immunoprecipitation: To isolate ADGRG3 and associated proteins from complex mixtures
ELISA: For quantitative measurement of ADGRG3 in biological samples
The biotin-streptavidin interaction provides a high-affinity, non-covalent binding that enhances detection sensitivity and allows flexible experimental design with various secondary detection systems.
ADGRG3 antibodies can serve as valuable tools for investigating activation mechanisms through several sophisticated approaches:
Conformational state analysis: Similar to studies on related aGPCRs, antibodies targeting specific epitopes can be used in single-molecule FRET experiments to monitor conformational changes between the extracellular region and transmembrane domain during receptor activation . This approach allows visualization of discrete conformational states and their transition dynamics.
Receptor crosslinking studies: As demonstrated in previous research, ADGRG3 antibodies (such as G97-A mAb) can be used at 10 μg/ml, followed by crosslinking with goat anti-mouse IgG F(ab')₂ (10 μg/ml) to induce receptor activation . This methodological approach enables time-course analysis of downstream signaling events.
Activation-specific epitope mapping: By generating a panel of antibodies targeting different domains of ADGRG3, researchers can identify epitopes that are accessible only in specific conformational states, providing insights into the structural rearrangements during receptor activation.
For optimal results in activation studies, researchers should conduct time course experiments (5-15 minutes) after antibody crosslinking at 37°C, followed by rapid cooling to halt activation processes before biochemical analysis .
ADGRG3 engages multiple signaling pathways that can be investigated using antibody-based approaches:
| Signaling Pathway | Associated Effectors | Detection Methods |
|---|---|---|
| G protein coupling | Gαs/cAMP (basal) → Gαi (activated) | cAMP accumulation assays |
| MAPK signaling | ERK, p38, JNK phosphorylation | Phospho-specific western blotting |
| NF-κB pathway | IκBα phosphorylation | Western blotting, reporter assays |
| SRE pathway | Likely Gα₁₂/₁₃ mediated | Luciferase reporter assays |
Anti-ADGRG3 antibodies can be used to trigger these pathways through receptor ligation and crosslinking. To effectively study these pathways, researchers should:
Pre-treat cells with specific signaling inhibitors prior to antibody ligation to identify pathway dependencies
Include appropriate controls (mouse IgG1 as negative control, LPS as positive control for inflammatory pathway activation)
Examine the temporal dynamics of signaling by collecting lysates at multiple timepoints after antibody stimulation
Biotin-conjugated antibodies offer the additional advantage of allowing simultaneous pathway activation and visualization of receptor internalization or trafficking.
ADGRG3 activation in granulocytes triggers several antimicrobial effector functions that can be experimentally measured:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production:
Proteolytic enzyme activity:
Bacterial uptake and killing:
Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation:
Method: Fluorescence microscopy with DNA and neutrophil granule protein staining
Expected outcome: Potential enhancement of NET formation after ADGRG3 engagement
For all functional assays, it is critical to include proper controls and to verify antibody specificity to ensure that observed effects are specifically due to ADGRG3 activation rather than non-specific Fc receptor engagement.
When using biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibodies for flow cytometry, researchers should consider several technical aspects:
Titration of antibody concentration: Establish optimal antibody concentration (typically 1-10 μg/ml) through titration experiments to ensure maximum specific signal with minimal background.
Multiplexing considerations: When combining with other antibodies, be aware that:
Streptavidin conjugates are available with multiple fluorophores (PE, APC, BV421, etc.)
Potential spectral overlap must be accounted for in compensation controls
Sequential staining may be necessary (biotin-antibody first, followed by fluorophore-conjugated streptavidin)
Blocking strategy: To reduce non-specific binding:
Pre-block cells with 2% normal serum from the same species as secondary reagents
Include 1% BSA in staining buffer
Consider adding 10% human AB serum when using human samples to block Fc receptors
Fixation compatibility: If intracellular staining is required, confirm that fixation and permeabilization do not affect the epitope recognition or biotin-streptavidin interaction.
A typical protocol involves incubating cells with biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibody (10 μg/ml) for 30 minutes at 4°C, washing, then adding streptavidin-fluorophore conjugate for 30 minutes at 4°C before final washing and analysis .
Confirming that an ADGRG3 antibody recognizes the native receptor conformation is crucial for functional studies and requires multiple validation approaches:
Flow cytometry on viable cells: Positive staining of unfixed, non-permeabilized cells expressing ADGRG3 naturally (e.g., granulocytes) or through transfection suggests recognition of native, surface-expressed receptor .
Immunoprecipitation: The ability to pull down full-length, glycosylated ADGRG3 from cell lysates prepared with mild detergents indicates recognition of properly folded protein.
Functional assays: If antibody ligation triggers signaling responses (e.g., increased ROS production, MAPK phosphorylation), this strongly suggests binding to functionally relevant epitopes in the native conformation .
Comparative analysis with known ligands: Competition or cooperation between the antibody and any known natural ligands for binding or functional effects would further validate conformational recognition.
Cell-based binding assays: Using cells expressing wild-type versus mutant ADGRG3 with alterations in specific domains can help map the conformational epitope recognized by the antibody.
For most rigorous validation, researchers should employ at least three of these approaches to confirm binding to the native receptor conformation.
Thorough validation of ADGRG3 antibody specificity is essential for reliable research outcomes and should include:
Genetic approaches:
Testing on ADGRG3 knockout cells/tissues (negative control)
Using CRISPR-Cas9 edited cell lines with deleted ADGRG3
Comparing wild-type versus ADGRG3-overexpressing cells (positive control)
Biochemical methods:
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Mass spectrometry validation:
Immunoprecipitated material can be analyzed by mass spectrometry to confirm identity of the captured protein
Ideally, antibody validation should be performed in the same experimental context and cell types as the planned experiments, since receptor processing and expression can vary between tissues and experimental conditions.
Optimizing immunoprecipitation (IP) with biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibodies requires careful consideration of several parameters:
Cell lysis conditions:
Capture strategy optimization:
Direct approach: Incubate biotin-conjugated antibody with lysate, then capture with streptavidin beads
Indirect approach: Pre-coat streptavidin beads with biotin-antibody, then incubate with lysate
Compare both methods to determine which gives better yield and lower background
Technical parameters:
Antibody concentration: Typically 2-10 μg per IP reaction
Incubation time: 2-4 hours at 4°C or overnight for weaker interactions
Washing stringency: Adjust salt and detergent concentration in wash buffers to balance between specificity and yield
Controls:
Include isotype control antibody (biotin-conjugated)
Pre-clear lysates with streptavidin beads alone to reduce non-specific binding
Include a condition with competing non-biotinylated ADGRG3 antibody
For co-immunoprecipitation studies of receptor-interacting proteins, gentler lysis and washing conditions may be necessary to preserve protein-protein interactions.
Developing antibodies that can functionally modulate ADGRG3 activity presents several technical challenges:
Epitope selection considerations:
Screening for functional effects:
Mechanistic complexity:
Antibody format optimization:
Testing different formats: whole IgG, F(ab')₂, Fab, single-domain antibodies
Determining if crosslinking is required for functional effects
Evaluating if biotin conjugation affects functional properties
A methodical approach involves generating a diverse panel of antibodies against different regions, comprehensive epitope mapping, and systematic functional characterization in multiple assay systems to identify antibodies with desired modulatory properties.
Studying ADGRG3 conformational dynamics requires sophisticated techniques using antibodies as analytical tools:
Single-molecule FRET analysis:
Design: Site-specific labeling of ADGRG3 with fluorophores at the GAIN domain and 7TM region
Application: Antibodies binding specific epitopes can be used to stabilize or induce conformational changes
Expected outcome: Identification of discrete FRET states representing different conformational states, similar to what has been observed with related aGPCRs
Analysis: Dwell-time analysis to determine transition rates between conformational states
Conformation-specific antibody development:
Approach: Generate antibodies under conditions that favor specific receptor states
Validation: Test binding preferentially to active or inactive receptor conformations
Application: Use as tools to stabilize and study specific conformational states
Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS):
Methodology: Compare deuterium incorporation patterns with and without antibody binding
Insight: Identifies regions protected from exchange upon antibody binding, revealing conformational changes
Advantage: Provides peptide-level resolution of structural changes
Cryo-EM studies with antibody fragments:
These complementary approaches can provide comprehensive insights into the conformational changes associated with ADGRG3 activation and regulation.
Investigating ADGRG3 trafficking dynamics using antibody-based approaches involves several specialized techniques:
Pulse-chase antibody labeling:
Method: Label surface receptors with biotin-conjugated antibodies at 4°C, warm to 37°C to allow internalization, then detect remaining surface antibody with streptavidin-fluorophore
Quantification: Flow cytometry or plate-based fluorescence readouts
Controls: Include endocytosis inhibitors to confirm specificity
Live-cell imaging of receptor trafficking:
Approach: Use streptavidin-fluorophore conjugates with biotin-antibodies to visualize receptor movement in real-time
Analysis: Track colocalization with endosomal markers (early endosomes, recycling endosomes, lysosomes)
Advanced application: pH-sensitive fluorophores can distinguish surface from internalized receptors
Biochemical trafficking analysis:
Surface biotinylation: Compare total receptor (western blot) with surface receptor (streptavidin pulldown)
Protease protection assays: Surface receptors are susceptible to extracellular proteases while internalized receptors are protected
Antibody-induced trafficking effects:
Comparison: Different antibody clones may induce varying degrees of internalization
Mechanism investigation: Determine if antibody-induced internalization is dependent on β-arrestins or clathrin
Physiological relevance: Compare antibody-induced trafficking with that triggered by natural ligands or cellular activation
These methods allow comprehensive characterization of ADGRG3 dynamics at the cell surface and intracellular compartments in both basal and stimulated conditions.
When designing in vivo experiments with ADGRG3 antibodies to study inflammation, researchers should consider several critical factors:
Antibody format selection:
Whole IgG provides longer half-life but may trigger Fc-mediated effects
F(ab')₂ fragments eliminate Fc effects but have shorter half-life
Species matching: Use antibodies with appropriate species cross-reactivity for your model
Dosing and administration:
Establish pharmacokinetics of the antibody in the model organism
Consider local (e.g., intranasal for lung inflammation) versus systemic administration
Timing: Prophylactic (before inflammatory challenge) versus therapeutic (after inflammation onset)
Validation controls:
Include isotype control antibodies at equivalent doses
Consider ADGRG3 knockout models as negative controls
Validate antibody target engagement in tissues of interest
Readout selection:
Granulocyte recruitment and activation (flow cytometry)
Tissue damage and inflammatory markers (histology, cytokine measurement)
Functional outcomes (bacterial clearance, resolution of inflammation)
Consider differences between acute and chronic models
Potential confounding factors:
Expression of ADGRG3 on cells other than granulocytes may contribute to phenotypes
Antibody immunogenicity can limit repeated dosing
Compensation by related receptors (other aGPCRs) in response to ADGRG3 targeting
Given ADGRG3's upregulation during systemic inflammation , these antibodies may have particular value in models of sepsis, pneumonia, or sterile inflammation where granulocyte function is central to pathophysiology.
Developing quantitative assays for ADGRG3 receptor density measurement requires careful calibration and validation:
Flow cytometry-based quantification:
Method: Use biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibodies with streptavidin-fluorophore having known fluorophore:protein ratio
Calibration: Include beads with known quantities of fluorophore (QuantiBRITE or similar)
Analysis: Convert median fluorescence intensity to molecules of equivalent soluble fluorophore (MESF)
Calculation: Determine antibody binding capacity (ABC) accounting for fluorophore:streptavidin ratio
Saturation binding analysis:
Approach: Incubate cells with increasing concentrations of biotin-antibody, detect with excess streptavidin-fluorophore
Analysis: Generate saturation curve and Scatchard plot
Outcomes: Determine Bmax (receptor density) and Kd (binding affinity)
Control: Account for non-specific binding with excess unlabeled antibody
ELISA-based receptor quantification:
Method: Capture ADGRG3 from cell lysates, detect with biotin-antibody and streptavidin-HRP
Calibration: Include recombinant ADGRG3-ECD at known concentrations
Considerations: Account for receptor processing and potential epitope masking
Absolute quantification by mass spectrometry:
Approach: Immunoprecipitate with ADGRG3 antibody, perform proteomic analysis with isotope-labeled standards
Advantage: Provides absolute quantification independent of antibody binding efficiency
Challenge: Requires specialized equipment and expertise
For all methods, validation across different cell types with varying ADGRG3 expression levels is essential to establish assay robustness and dynamic range.
Inconsistent flow cytometry results with biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibodies can stem from several factors:
Receptor biology factors:
Variable expression levels: ADGRG3 expression increases during inflammation, so cell activation status matters
Proteolytic processing: The GAIN domain undergoes autoproteolysis, potentially affecting epitope availability
Receptor internalization: Antibody binding may trigger endocytosis, reducing surface staining over time
Technical factors:
Over-biotinylation: Excessive biotin conjugation can interfere with antibody binding to the epitope
Biotin-streptavidin stoichiometry: Ensure optimal ratios for detection
Buffer compatibility: Some buffers contain biotin or can affect biotin-streptavidin interaction
Procedural solutions:
Standardize cell preparation: Use consistent activation states and processing times
Optimize fixation: If fixing cells, determine if fixation affects epitope recognition
Titrate reagents: Both primary antibody and streptavidin-fluorophore should be titrated
Include blocking step: Use biotin-free BSA to reduce background
Validation approaches:
Compare multiple antibody clones targeting different ADGRG3 epitopes
Correlate protein detection with mRNA expression data
Include positive control cells with known ADGRG3 expression
For the most reliable results, perform staining at 4°C to minimize receptor internalization and include appropriate positive and negative control cell populations in each experiment.
Distinguishing specific from non-specific effects in functional studies requires rigorous controls and validation:
Essential controls:
Isotype-matched control antibodies (biotin-conjugated) at equivalent concentrations
F(ab')₂ fragments to eliminate Fc receptor-mediated effects
Pre-absorption with recombinant ADGRG3 antigen to block specific binding
ADGRG3 knockdown/knockout cells compared with wild-type cells
Dose-dependency assessment:
Perform full dose-response curves (typically 0.1-50 μg/ml)
Compare EC50 values from multiple functional readouts (e.g., ROS production, signaling activation)
Specific effects should show consistent dose-dependency across assays
Temporal dynamics evaluation:
Pharmacological validation:
Comparison with physiological stimuli:
Compare antibody-induced effects with those triggered by known physiological activators
Assess additive versus competitive effects between antibodies and natural ligands
These approaches collectively provide strong evidence for attributing observed effects specifically to ADGRG3 engagement rather than experimental artifacts.
Ensuring reproducibility in ADGRG3 antibody experiments requires attention to several critical factors:
Antibody characteristics and handling:
Lot-to-lot variation: Validate each new antibody lot against previous standards
Storage conditions: Follow manufacturer recommendations for temperature, avoid freeze-thaw cycles
Degradation: Confirm antibody integrity periodically by SDS-PAGE
Biotinylation stability: Biotin conjugates may have limited shelf-life
Cell preparation variables:
Experimental conditions:
Buffer composition: pH, calcium concentration, and serum factors affect receptor conformation
Temperature: Conduct binding steps at 4°C to minimize internalization, activation steps at 37°C
Timing: Standardize incubation times for consistent results
Sequential addition: Order of reagent addition can impact outcomes
Documentation and reporting:
Record complete antibody information (clone, supplier, lot, concentration)
Document all experimental conditions in sufficient detail for reproduction
Include all relevant controls in each experiment
Report negative and contradictory results alongside positive findings
Validation across systems:
Test critical findings in multiple cell types or models
Use complementary techniques to confirm key observations
Consider independent validation by different laboratory members
By systematically controlling and documenting these variables, researchers can significantly improve the reproducibility of ADGRG3 antibody-based experiments across different laboratories and experimental conditions.
Biotin-conjugated ADGRG3 antibodies offer significant potential for integration with emerging single-cell technologies:
Single-cell proteomics approaches:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF): Biotin-antibodies can be detected with metal-tagged streptavidin
Advantages: Allows simultaneous detection of ADGRG3 alongside dozens of other markers
Applications: Identify novel ADGRG3+ cell subpopulations in complex tissues
Spatial transcriptomics integration:
Method: Combine antibody detection with in situ transcriptomics
Approach: Use biotin-antibodies with enzyme-linked streptavidin for signal amplification
Outcome: Correlate ADGRG3 protein expression with transcriptional programs at single-cell resolution
Single-cell functional assays:
Microfluidic droplet assays: Encapsulate individual cells with biotin-antibodies
Functional readouts: Combine with reporter systems for activation
Analysis: Link receptor expression to functional heterogeneity
Proximity labeling applications:
Method: Conjugate ADGRG3 antibodies with promiscuous biotin ligases (BioID, TurboID)
Application: Map the proximal proteome of ADGRG3 in single cells
Insight: Identify cell-type specific interaction partners
These approaches would be particularly valuable for understanding the heterogeneity of ADGRG3 expression and function across granulocyte subpopulations and activation states in complex inflammatory environments.
ADGRG3 antibodies could provide novel insights into inflammation resolution mechanisms:
Temporal expression dynamics:
Question: Does ADGRG3 expression change during the transition from inflammatory to resolution phases?
Method: Time-course analysis using biotin-conjugated antibodies in inflammation models
Hypothesis: ADGRG3 may play distinct roles in acute versus resolving inflammation
Neutrophil phenotype transition:
Context: Neutrophils shift from pro-inflammatory to pro-resolving phenotypes
Investigation: Correlation between ADGRG3 signaling and neutrophil phenotypic changes
Approach: Combine ADGRG3 antibody stimulation with assessment of resolution mediator production
Clearance of apoptotic neutrophils:
Question: Does ADGRG3 participate in efferocytosis signaling?
Method: Use antibodies to block or activate ADGRG3 during neutrophil apoptosis and clearance
Measurement: Quantify macrophage uptake of antibody-treated versus untreated apoptotic neutrophils
Development of pro-resolving ADGRG3 modulators:
Screening: Identify antibodies that promote resolution phenotypes
Characterization: Determine if distinct epitopes trigger pro-inflammatory versus pro-resolving effects
Therapeutic potential: Engineer antibodies that selectively promote resolution functions
Since ADGRG3 has been shown to regulate antimicrobial functions and is upregulated during inflammation , understanding its potential dual role in resolution could provide new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases.
Developing conformational-selective antibodies for ADGRG3 could transform our understanding of adhesion GPCR biology:
Mapping the conformational landscape:
Approach: Generate antibodies that selectively recognize distinct ADGRG3 conformational states
Application: Use as probes to quantify receptor state distribution under various conditions
Insight: Determine if ADGRG3 exhibits multiple active conformations like other GPCRs
Structure-function correlation:
Comparative adhesion GPCR mechanistic studies:
Allosteric modulation exploration:
Concept: Identify antibodies that bind to allosteric sites rather than orthosteric sites
Application: Use as tools to stabilize specific conformations without blocking the natural ligand binding site
Advantage: Potential for more selective functional modulation
This approach would build upon recent structural insights from related adhesion GPCRs showing conformational coupling between extracellular and transmembrane domains and could reveal unique aspects of ADGRG3 regulation.