The QA25721 antibody is a polyclonal IgG raised against recombinant human HTR7 protein (1-83AA) and conjugated with biotin for enhanced detection in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) . Key specifications include:
Immunogen: Human HTR7 (1-83 amino acids)
Host Species: Rabbit
Reactivity: Human (validated for ELISA)
Conjugate: Biotin
Purification Method: Protein G affinity chromatography
The biotin conjugation enables the antibody to bind streptavidin-HRP complexes, amplifying signal detection in ELISA assays. This method is described in detail in the Krishgen ELISA protocol (KBH4643), which outlines a sandwich ELISA workflow for HTR7 quantification . The conjugate enhances assay sensitivity by reducing background noise, as demonstrated in studies using similar biotin-avidin systems .
The antibody is optimized for ELISA but has potential utility in other immunoassays. Cross-reactivity with human HTR7 supports its use in:
Serum/plasma analysis: For studying HTR7 levels in neurological disorders.
Cell culture supernatant: To monitor receptor expression in vitro .
A comparison of HTR7 antibody products is provided below:
| Product | Conjugate | Reactivity | Applications | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QA25721 (Qtonics) | Biotin | Human | ELISA | |
| ABIN617922 | Unconjugated | Human, Rat | IHC, IF, ICC | |
| 13830-1-AP (Proteintech) | Unconjugated | Human, Mouse | WB, IHC, IF |
The Krishgen ELISA kit (KBH4643) employs a similar antibody pair and reports:
Sensitivity: Detects HTR7 concentrations as low as 10 pg/mL.
Dynamic Range: 10–1000 pg/mL.
While the QA25721 antibody is not explicitly tested in this kit, its biotin conjugation aligns with the protocol’s streptavidin-HRP detection system .
HTR7 antibodies are critical for studying serotonin signaling in conditions like depression and bipolar disorder. Genetic studies (e.g., rs7905446 variant) highlight HTR7’s role in SSRI response, suggesting biomarker potential . The biotin-conjugated format enhances assay throughput and reproducibility, making it suitable for large-scale pharmacogenomic studies .
HTR7 (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that functions as one of the serotonin receptor subtypes in the central nervous system (CNS). It plays important roles in neuromodulation and neurotransmission processes. HTR7 has a calculated molecular weight of approximately 49 kDa, though it is typically observed at 50-55 kDa in Western blot applications .
Significant research interest surrounds HTR7 due to its involvement in:
Serotonergic signaling pathways in the brain
Potential associations with mood disorders
Response mechanisms to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Recent findings have identified functional variants in the HTR7 gene, such as rs7905446, which are associated with favorable responses to SSRIs in both bipolar and unipolar depression, suggesting HTR7's importance in antidepressant action mechanisms .
The biotin-conjugated HTR7 antibody is primarily utilized in the following applications:
The biotin conjugation specifically enhances detection sensitivity through biotin-streptavidin interaction systems. In ELISA applications, the biotin-conjugated antibody typically functions as a detection antibody in sandwich ELISA formats where it binds to the target HTR7 protein that has been captured by another antibody coated on the microwell surface .
Proper storage and handling are crucial for maintaining antibody performance:
Buffer composition: Typically preserved in 0.03% Proclin 300, 50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as this can degrade antibody performance
Shelf life: Stable for one year after shipment when stored properly
For optimal results, aliquot the antibody upon receipt to minimize freeze-thaw cycles. When handling, keep the antibody on ice during experimental setup and return to storage promptly after use.
Validation of HTR7 antibody specificity involves multiple approaches:
Immunogen verification: The antibody is typically raised against recombinant Human 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 protein (amino acids 1-83) , which represents a specific epitope region.
Species reactivity: Most commercially available HTR7 antibodies demonstrate reactivity with human samples, while some show cross-reactivity with mouse and rat samples .
Application-specific validation:
Purification quality: Typically protein G purified to >95% purity
When selecting an HTR7 antibody for your research, review the validation data provided by the manufacturer, including Western blot images and ELISA standard curves if available.
When designing experiments with HTR7 Antibody, Biotin conjugated, include these essential controls:
Positive control:
Negative controls:
Secondary antibody-only control (omit primary antibody)
Isotype control (rabbit IgG at equivalent concentration)
Tissues known to lack HTR7 expression
Biotin-specific controls:
Absorption control: Pre-incubation of the antibody with the immunizing peptide to confirm binding specificity
Biotin interference is a significant consideration when using biotin-conjugated antibodies, as high biotin levels in samples can compete with the biotin-streptavidin detection system:
Sample pretreatment:
Implement a sample dilution strategy to reduce biotin concentration
Consider using streptavidin microbeads to pre-absorb excess biotin from samples
Assay modification:
Quantification and adjustment:
Documentation:
Optimizing HTR7 detection in ELISA requires systematic protocol refinement:
Antibody concentration optimization:
Perform checkerboard titration to determine optimal primary and detection antibody concentrations
For biotin-conjugated HTR7 antibody, typical starting dilutions vary by manufacturer
Sandwich ELISA considerations:
Signal development:
Standard curve preparation:
Sample preparation:
For serum/plasma samples, consider dilution to minimize matrix effects
For tissue samples, optimize protein extraction buffer composition
For sophisticated neuroscience research applications, HTR7 antibody can be leveraged in multiple experimental paradigms:
Co-localization studies:
Use biotin-conjugated HTR7 antibody in combination with other fluorescently-labeled antibodies against signaling molecules
Employ streptavidin conjugated with fluorophores for visualization
This approach allows investigation of HTR7's spatial relationship with other proteins in neuronal circuits
Functional studies:
Combine HTR7 antibody detection with calcium imaging to correlate receptor expression with functional responses
Integrate antibody-based protein detection with electrophysiological recordings
Genetic variation studies:
Developmental neurobiology:
Track HTR7 expression across developmental stages using the antibody
Correlate expression patterns with the formation of serotonergic circuits
Determining the degree of biotinylation is critical for optimizing experimental protocols:
HABA/Avidin-based methods:
The HABA (4′-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid)/Avidin assay measures biotin displacement
When biotin displaces HABA from avidin, absorbance at 500nm decreases proportionally
This change in absorbance can be used to calculate biotin concentration using the extinction coefficient of the HABA-avidin complex
Mass spectrometry analysis:
Provides precise determination of biotin:protein ratio
Can identify specific biotinylation sites on the antibody molecule
Useful for advanced research requiring detailed characterization
Functional assessment:
Ensuring specificity among the closely related serotonin receptor family requires rigorous validation:
Epitope analysis:
Experimental verification:
Test the antibody against cell lines expressing different serotonin receptor subtypes
Perform Western blot analysis on tissues with known differential expression of serotonin receptors
Use knockout/knockdown models where available to confirm specificity
Absorption testing:
Pre-incubate the antibody with recombinant proteins of related serotonin receptors
If signal is reduced after pre-incubation with non-target proteins, cross-reactivity is likely
Isoform considerations:
When investigating the relationship between HTR7 and antidepressant response:
Genetic-protein correlation:
Recent research has identified HTR7 gene variants associated with SSRI response
The variant rs7905446 (T/G) located in the promoter region shows significant association with response to paroxetine and other SSRIs
Use HTR7 antibody to measure protein expression levels in samples with different genotypes
Pharmacological validation:
Combine antibody-based detection with pharmacological manipulation using HTR7 agonists/antagonists
Measure receptor expression changes in response to SSRI treatment
Temporal considerations:
Design time-course experiments to capture dynamic changes in HTR7 expression
Use the antibody to track receptor internalization or trafficking following serotonergic stimulation
Regional specificity:
| Issue | Possible Causes | Resolution Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| High background | 1. Insufficient blocking 2. Endogenous biotin 3. Non-specific binding | 1. Optimize blocking conditions 2. Include biotin blocking step 3. Titrate antibody concentration |
| Weak or no signal | 1. Insufficient antigen 2. Antibody degradation 3. Improper storage | 1. Increase sample concentration 2. Use fresh antibody aliquot 3. Verify storage conditions |
| Inconsistent results | 1. Lot-to-lot variation 2. Protocol inconsistencies 3. Sample heterogeneity | 1. Use single lot for entire study 2. Standardize protocols 3. Increase biological replicates |
| Multiple bands in Western blot | 1. Protein degradation 2. Post-translational modifications 3. Isoform detection | 1. Use fresh samples with protease inhibitors 2. Verify with phosphatase treatment 3. Check expected HTR7 isoforms |
To ensure antibody performance over time:
Activity testing:
Run a standard ELISA using a consistent positive control sample
Compare results to initial testing data to identify any sensitivity loss
Biotin functionality check:
Storage validation:
Test antibody performance after different storage durations
Create a validation schedule based on usage frequency
Document performance metrics for each lot over time
Quality control measures:
Store small reference aliquots from each new lot
Use these as benchmarks when testing antibody performance over time
Implement a minimum signal-to-noise ratio threshold for acceptable performance