The KCNMB3 antibody, HRP conjugated, is a specialized immunological reagent designed to detect the KCNMB3 protein—a regulatory subunit of the calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel. This antibody is widely used in molecular biology research to study the role of KCNMB3 in cellular signaling, particularly in neurological and cardiovascular systems. Its conjugation with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enables enzymatic assays such as ELISA and Western blotting, enhancing sensitivity and specificity in protein detection.
2.1. Gene and Protein Overview
The KCNMB3 gene encodes a 32-kDa auxiliary subunit that modulates the activity of the KCNMA1 (BK channel) pore-forming α-subunit. It influences calcium sensitivity, gating kinetics, and inactivation properties of BK channels, which are critical for regulating neuronal excitability and smooth muscle tone .
2.2. Epitope and Immunogen
The HRP-conjugated antibody targets the AA 82-207 region of the KCNMB3 protein, ensuring specificity for human, mouse, and rat orthologs . This epitope overlaps with functional domains critical for channel modulation, making it a reliable marker for KCNMB3 expression .
3.1. ELISA and Western Blotting
The antibody is optimized for ELISA (1:1000–1:5000 dilution) and Western blotting (1:1000–1:2000 dilution), with applications in detecting KCNMB3 in cell lysates (e.g., HeLa, RAW 264.7, PC12) . Its HRP conjugation eliminates the need for secondary antibodies, streamlining workflows.
3.2. Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Some formulations (e.g., Cepham Life Sciences) are validated for IHC at dilutions of 1:50–1:200, enabling spatial localization of KCNMB3 in tissues .
3.3. Research in Neuropathic Pain
A landmark study using KCNMB3-specific siRNA (validated via this antibody) demonstrated its role in spinal microglial activation and chronic pain. Knockdown of KCNMB3 reduced microglial density and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) .
The KCNMB3 antibody has been instrumental in defining the protein’s role in:
The KCNMB3 Antibody, HRP conjugated (CSB-PA878838LB01HU) has been specifically tested and validated for ELISA applications . Other non-HRP conjugated KCNMB3 antibodies have broader application profiles including Western Blotting (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Flow Cytometry . When designing experiments, it's important to note that validated applications vary between conjugated and unconjugated versions of the antibody.
For optimal results in ELISA applications:
Use freshly prepared samples and reagents
Follow recommended dilution guidelines (specific to each antibody lot)
Include appropriate positive and negative controls
Consider using blocking buffers containing 1-5% BSA to minimize background
According to manufacturer specifications, KCNMB3 Antibody, HRP conjugated should be stored at -20°C or -80°C upon receipt . Researchers should:
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which can compromise antibody activity and epitope recognition
Store in small aliquots (typically 10-50 μL) to minimize freeze-thaw events
Keep the antibody in its storage buffer (50% Glycerol, 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4 with 0.03% Proclin 300 as preservative)
Monitor storage temperature consistency, as temperature fluctuations can reduce shelf life
For short-term use (within 1 week), storage at 4°C is acceptable
Validation experiments should include:
Positive and negative controls:
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Peptide competition assays:
Dilution optimization:
Create a dilution series to determine optimal working concentration
Start with manufacturer's recommended range and adjust based on signal-to-noise ratio
KCNMB3 undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in multiple isoforms with distinct functional properties . To distinguish between isoforms:
Epitope mapping:
Molecular weight analysis:
Functional correlation:
Common challenges include:
High background signal:
Weak or no signal:
Verify KCNMB3 expression in sample (membrane protein extraction may require specialized protocols)
Increase antibody concentration or incubation time
Use enhanced detection systems such as high-sensitivity ECL substrates
Confirm HRP activity has not been compromised during storage
Non-specific bands:
Increase stringency of washing steps (more washes, longer duration)
Pre-adsorb antibody with non-specific proteins
Use gradient gels to improve separation of similar molecular weight proteins
Researchers can employ this antibody to investigate:
Hypertension models:
While KCNMB3 itself hasn't been directly linked to hypertension, related potassium channel genes (KCNK3, KCNK9) have demonstrated associations with blood pressure regulation and aldosterone production
Investigate KCNMB3 expression in models of hyperaldosteronism
Correlate KCNMB3 activity with electrophysiological parameters in cardiovascular tissues
Neurological disorders:
Cancer research applications:
When investigating KCNMB3 in the context of multi-protein complexes:
Co-immunoprecipitation optimizations:
Select lysis buffers that preserve membrane protein interactions
Consider mild detergents (0.5-1% NP-40 or digitonin) rather than harsh detergents (SDS)
Adjust salt concentration to maintain complex integrity
Include phosphatase/protease inhibitors to preserve post-translational modifications
BK channel tetramer studies:
Functional correlations:
Combine antibody detection with electrophysiological measurements
Correlate KCNMB3 detection with calcium sensitivity measurements
Integrate findings with patch-clamp data to correlate protein expression with channel function
To investigate the regulatory interactions between KCNMB3 and KCNMA1:
Proximity ligation assays:
Detect direct protein-protein interactions in situ
Require separate antibodies against KCNMB3 and KCNMA1
Provide spatial information about interaction sites
Co-expression studies:
Biochemical characterization: