GPR152 (G protein-coupled receptor 152) is a 511 amino acid multi-pass membrane protein belonging to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family. It is encoded by a gene located on human chromosome 11q13.2 and mouse chromosome 19A . With a molecular weight of approximately 51 kDa, GPR152 functions as an orphan receptor . The protein mediates its activity through G proteins, resulting in adenylyl cyclase activation and elevated intracellular cAMP levels . GPR152 has been associated with diffuse-type gastric cancer, with rs1790761 in GPR152 showing significant allelic associations with disease susceptibility .
Commercial GPR152 antibodies have been validated for multiple applications:
When selecting an antibody for your research, verify the validation data for your specific application, as performance can vary significantly between products and applications .
For long-term storage, GPR152 antibodies should be stored at -20°C for up to one year . To avoid degradation, aliquot the antibody to minimize freeze-thaw cycles . For frequent use over short periods (up to one month), storage at 4°C is acceptable . Most commercial GPR152 antibodies are supplied in a buffer containing PBS, sodium azide, and glycerol, which helps maintain stability during storage .
When designing experiments with GPR152 antibodies, include the following controls:
Positive control: Use tissue or cell lysates known to express GPR152 (based on validation data provided by manufacturers)
Negative control: Include samples from GPR152 knockout models or cell lines with confirmed low/no expression
Peptide blocking control: Pre-incubate the antibody with immunizing peptide to confirm specificity
Isotype control: Use non-specific rabbit IgG at the same concentration as the primary antibody
Secondary antibody-only control: Omit primary antibody to assess non-specific binding of secondary antibody
Optimizing Western blot protocols for GPR152 detection requires careful consideration of several factors:
Sample preparation:
Use RIPA or NP-40 buffer with protease inhibitors for membrane protein extraction
Heat samples at 37°C instead of boiling to prevent aggregation of the multi-pass membrane protein
Include 1-2% SDS in loading buffer to ensure complete denaturation
Gel selection and transfer:
Use 10-12% polyacrylamide gels for optimal separation around the 51 kDa range
Transfer to PVDF membranes (rather than nitrocellulose) for better retention of hydrophobic proteins
Consider semi-dry transfer at lower voltage for longer duration to improve transfer efficiency
Antibody incubation:
Detection optimization:
Consider using enhanced chemiluminescence systems with high sensitivity
Optimize exposure times based on signal intensity
For weak signals, consider using HRP-conjugated polymer detection systems
For optimal immunohistochemical detection of GPR152:
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Test both heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) methods using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) and Tris-EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
For formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, extend HIER time to 20-30 minutes
Antibody selection and dilution:
Signal amplification:
For low-abundance expression, employ tyramide signal amplification (TSA) systems
Use polymer-based detection systems rather than standard ABC methods for increased sensitivity
Background reduction:
Include an avidin-biotin blocking step if using biotin-based detection systems
Pre-absorb antibodies with tissue lysates from non-expressing tissues
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in antibody diluent to improve penetration
Validation approaches:
Compare staining patterns with RNA expression data from databases
Use tissue microarrays to systematically evaluate staining across multiple tissue types
When designing co-localization experiments with GPR152 antibodies:
Antibody compatibility:
Select primary antibodies raised in different host species to avoid cross-reactivity
If using multiple rabbit antibodies, consider sequential immunostaining with thorough blocking between rounds
Fluorophore selection:
Choose fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap
For multi-color imaging, select fluorophores with appropriate brightness to compensate for different expression levels
Sample preparation:
For membrane proteins like GPR152, mild permeabilization protocols are preferred (0.1% saponin rather than stronger detergents)
Consider using non-aldehyde fixatives like methanol for better preservation of membrane protein epitopes
Imaging parameters:
Use confocal microscopy with appropriate controls for bleed-through
Employ spectral unmixing for closely overlapping fluorophores
Consider super-resolution techniques for detailed membrane localization studies
Quantification approaches:
Use Pearson's or Mander's coefficients for quantitative co-localization analysis
Include appropriate positive and negative co-localization controls
Thorough validation of GPR152 antibodies should include:
Genetic approaches:
Test antibody in GPR152 knockout or knockdown models
Compare staining/band patterns in cells with confirmed high versus low expression
Peptide competition assays:
Pre-incubate antibody with immunizing peptide to block specific binding
Use gradual concentrations of blocking peptide to demonstrate dose-dependent inhibition
Orthogonal techniques:
Compare protein detection with mRNA expression data
Confirm subcellular localization using GPR152-GFP fusion proteins
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Test reactivity against related GPCRs, particularly those with sequence homology
Perform immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry to identify all proteins bound by the antibody
Application-specific validation:
For each application (WB, ICC, IHC), perform separate validation experiments
Document optimal conditions for each application with appropriate positive and negative controls
To investigate GPR152 signaling pathways:
Phosphorylation studies:
Use phospho-specific antibodies against downstream effectors (e.g., PKA substrates, CREB) to monitor cAMP-dependent signaling
Perform time-course experiments after receptor stimulation or inhibition
Protein-protein interaction analysis:
Use GPR152 antibodies for co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Perform proximity ligation assays (PLA) to detect interactions with suspected binding partners in situ
Trafficking and internalization studies:
Use surface biotinylation followed by GPR152 immunoprecipitation to monitor surface expression
Perform antibody feeding assays to track internalization in live cells
Dimerization and complex formation:
Use non-denaturing PAGE followed by Western blotting to detect receptor complexes
Perform crosslinking experiments prior to immunoprecipitation to stabilize transient interactions
Spatial organization analysis:
Use super-resolution microscopy with GPR152 antibodies to map receptor distribution in membrane microdomains
Combine with lipid raft markers to evaluate compartmentalization
| Problem | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| No signal | Low expression levels | Use enrichment techniques (membrane fraction isolation) |
| Inefficient transfer | Optimize transfer conditions for hydrophobic proteins | |
| Antibody incompatibility | Test multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes | |
| Multiple bands | Glycosylation variants | Treat samples with deglycosylation enzymes |
| Degradation products | Include additional protease inhibitors | |
| Non-specific binding | Increase blocking time/concentration | |
| High background | Insufficient blocking | Use 5% BSA instead of milk for blocking |
| Secondary antibody issues | Increase washing steps and duration | |
| Antibody concentration too high | Further dilute primary antibody |
For detecting low-abundance GPR152:
Sample enrichment strategies:
Signal amplification methods:
For IHC/ICC: Use tyramide signal amplification (TSA)
For Western blot: Use high-sensitivity ECL substrates or infrared detection systems
For flow cytometry: Consider using fluorescent-labeled tertiary antibodies
Improved detection systems:
Use highly sensitive digital imaging systems with extended exposure capabilities
For fluorescence applications, use high-numerical aperture objectives and sensitive cameras
Consider single-molecule detection techniques for extremely low abundance
Protocol modifications:
Extend primary antibody incubation times (overnight at 4°C)
Increase antibody concentration while balancing specificity
Reduce washing stringency slightly to preserve weak signals
When comparing data generated using different GPR152 antibodies:
Epitope mapping:
Identify the specific regions targeted by each antibody
Compare results from antibodies targeting different domains of GPR152
Cross-validation approaches:
Perform side-by-side comparisons using standardized protocols
Use identical positive and negative control samples with each antibody
Validate findings with orthogonal techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, RNA-seq)
Quantitative comparisons:
Use titration experiments to determine the linear range for each antibody
Normalize signals to appropriate loading controls
Consider statistical approaches for comparing results across antibodies
Documentation standards:
Maintain detailed records of antibody catalog numbers, lot numbers, and dilutions
Document specific protocol modifications required for each antibody
Report complete methodology in publications to facilitate reproduction
For adapting GPR152 antibody-based assays to high-throughput formats:
Assay miniaturization:
Adapt Western blot protocols to capillary-based systems
Develop ELISA or AlphaLISA formats for quantitative GPR152 detection
Optimize antibody concentrations for 384 or 1536-well plate formats
Automated immunocytochemistry:
Establish fixed-cell imaging protocols compatible with high-content screening platforms
Develop multiplexed staining protocols to evaluate GPR152 alongside pathway markers
Create analysis pipelines for quantitative evaluation of subcellular distribution
Flow cytometry applications:
Optimize staining protocols for suspension cells and dissociated tissues
Develop multiplexed panels with GPR152 and relevant pathway markers
Establish sorting protocols based on GPR152 expression levels
Validation considerations:
Include appropriate controls on each plate/run
Develop robust Z' factor calculations to ensure assay quality
Create standard curves with recombinant GPR152 or control cell lines
When investigating GPR152 expression heterogeneity in tissues:
Sample preparation:
Optimize fixation protocols to preserve both morphology and epitope integrity
Consider using tissue clearing techniques for thick section imaging
Use antigen retrieval methods optimized for GPR152 detection
Multiplexed detection approaches:
Develop sequential immunostaining protocols for multiple markers
Consider cyclic immunofluorescence methods for highly multiplexed imaging
Combine with RNA in situ hybridization for correlation with transcript levels
Spatial analysis methods:
Apply digital pathology approaches for quantitative spatial analysis
Develop algorithms for cell-type identification and neighborhood analysis
Use statistical methods to assess spatial correlation with other markers
Single-cell approaches:
Combine with single-cell isolation techniques for subsequent molecular analysis
Consider imaging mass cytometry for highly multiplexed protein detection
Correlate protein expression with single-cell transcriptomics data
For live-cell imaging applications with GPR152:
Antibody fragment generation:
Develop Fab fragments from GPR152 antibodies for improved penetration
Consider single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) for reduced size
Use non-perturbative labeling approaches to maintain receptor function
Labeling strategies:
Direct conjugation with small, bright fluorophores (Alexa Fluor, Atto dyes)
Use antibody binding fragments conjugated to quantum dots for prolonged imaging
Consider photoactivatable or photoswitchable fluorophores for pulse-chase experiments
Delivery methods:
Optimize antibody loading techniques (electroporation, microinjection)
Develop cell-penetrating peptide conjugates for non-disruptive delivery
Consider expression of intrabodies for intracellular targeting
Imaging considerations:
Minimize laser power and exposure to reduce phototoxicity
Use environmental chambers to maintain physiological conditions
Employ spinning disk or light sheet microscopy for reduced photodamage