OR13C8 (Olfactory Receptor, Family 13, Subfamily C, Member 8) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in odorant detection. The OR13C8 antibody is a research tool used to study its expression, localization, and function. Biotin conjugation enhances signal amplification in immunoassays by leveraging the high-affinity biotin-streptavidin system, enabling versatile applications such as ELISA, Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Biotin (vitamin B7) binds irreversibly to streptavidin or avidin with a dissociation constant (K<sub>D</sub>) of 10<sup>−14</sup>–10<sup>−15</sup>, making it superior to traditional antibody-antigen interactions (Table 1) . This system allows indirect detection via streptavidin-linked enzymes or fluorophores, amplifying sensitivity in assays.
Catalog Number ABIN7383376 (Source: ) is the primary biotin-conjugated OR13C8 antibody. Below are its specifications:
Parameter | Details |
---|---|
Reactivity | Human |
Host | Rabbit |
Clonality | Polyclonal |
Conjugate | Biotin |
Application | ELISA |
Immunogen | Recombinant Human OR13C8 (260–274aa) |
Molecular Weight | 35 kDa (target); observed weights may vary due to post-translational modifications |
Purification | >95% Protein G purified |
Concentration | 1 mg/mL |
Buffer | PBS with 0.02% sodium azide and 50% glycerol |
The biotin-conjugated OR13C8 antibody (ABIN7383376) is optimized for ELISA, enabling precise quantification of OR13C8 in human samples. It detects endogenous OR13C8 with high specificity, validated through peptide-blocking experiments .
Species Specificity: ABIN7383376 reacts exclusively with human OR13C8, while unconjugated variants (e.g., ABIN6263807, A16723) show broader reactivity (human, mouse, rat) .
Unvalidated Applications: Biotin-conjugated OR13C8 antibodies are not validated for WB, IF, or IHC. For these applications, unconjugated antibodies (e.g., ABIN6263807) are recommended .
OR13C8 Antibody targets the OR13C8 protein, which functions as an olfactory receptor involved in G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways. Researchers select biotin-conjugated versions of this antibody because biotin provides exceptional binding affinity with streptavidin or avidin (Ka = 10^15 M^-1), creating an extremely stable interaction for detection purposes. The biotin conjugation offers several significant research advantages, including signal amplification capabilities for detecting low-abundance targets, versatility in downstream detection methods (fluorescent, enzymatic), and compatibility with various immunological techniques. This makes biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody particularly valuable when investigating low-expression targets or when conducting complex multi-step detection protocols in research environments. Biotin-labeled secondary antibodies are commonly employed in western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry applications .
The biotin-streptavidin system significantly enhances detection sensitivity through a multi-step amplification process that leverages the unique properties of this interaction. Each biotin-conjugated OR13C8 antibody can carry multiple biotin molecules, while each streptavidin molecule possesses four biotin-binding sites with extremely high affinity. This molecular architecture creates a powerful detection network where signal amplification occurs naturally through the binding dynamics. When streptavidin is introduced (conjugated to a reporter such as a fluorophore or enzyme), it creates binding interactions that remain exceptionally stable under various experimental washing conditions, preserving signal integrity while reducing background noise. The system particularly excels when detecting proteins expressed at low levels, as "secondary antibodies labeled with multiple biotin molecules, when combined with streptavidin- or avidin-based conjugates, allow for signal amplification of lowly expressed proteins" . This makes the biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody an ideal choice for detecting proteins with limited expression or in samples where target abundance poses detection challenges.
Selecting the optimal detection system for biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody requires systematic evaluation of several experimental factors to ensure maximum sensitivity and specificity for your research application. Begin by determining your experimental goals and detection requirements: different applications demand different detection modalities. For Western blotting applications, HRP-conjugated streptavidin with chemiluminescent substrates typically provides optimal sensitivity and quantitative capacity. For immunohistochemistry, researchers might select alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidin, which offers low background signals and long-lasting chromogenic detection ideal for morphological analysis. Immunofluorescence applications benefit from fluorophore-conjugated streptavidin systems (such as Alexa Fluor dyes) that provide precise subcellular localization capabilities. The abundance of your target protein should significantly influence your detection strategy – for low-abundance targets, consider implementing signal amplification systems such as the "Tyramide SuperBoost Kit for use with biotin labeled secondary antibodies" . The imaging modality available in your research setting will further constrain your detection options – bright-field microscopy requires enzymatic detection systems (HRP, AP) with chromogenic substrates, while fluorescence microscopy necessitates appropriately matched fluorophore-conjugated streptavidins with compatible excitation/emission profiles for your instrument specifications.
A comprehensive control strategy is essential when working with biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody to ensure experimental validity and interpretable results. Implement multiple negative controls to establish background signal parameters and identify potential sources of non-specific binding: omit the primary antibody while maintaining all other detection reagents; utilize a biotin-conjugated antibody of the same isotype but irrelevant specificity; and incorporate endogenous biotin blocking controls to assess potential interference from naturally occurring biotin. Complement these with appropriate positive controls: include samples with confirmed expression of the OR13C8 target protein and consider incorporating purified recombinant OR13C8 protein as a reference standard. Specificity controls are equally critical – pre-absorb the OR13C8 antibody with purified antigen before application to verify binding specificity, and when possible, validate with knockout/knockdown samples to confirm antibody selectivity. Technical controls must address the unique challenges of biotin-based detection systems, particularly endogenous biotin interference, which can be managed using specialized blocking kits as mentioned in the literature: "Endogenous Biotin-Blocking Kit" . High-quality antibodies undergo rigorous validation, including "immunoelectrophoresis resulting in a single precipitin arc against anti-biotin, anti-Goat Serum and Fluorescein conjugated IgG" , highlighting the importance of comprehensive controls for experimental reliability.
Optimizing signal amplification with biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody involves implementing strategic methodological approaches that maximize detection sensitivity while maintaining signal specificity. Consider employing multi-layer detection systems where primary detection involves biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody binding to the target, followed by a secondary layer using streptavidin-conjugated reporter molecules (enzymes/fluorophores), and potentially a tertiary amplification layer using additional biotinylated reagents. For particularly challenging detection scenarios, implement Tyramide Signal Amplification (TSA), which provides substantial signal enhancement: "Amplify the signal of your biotin labeled antibody using the Biotin XX Tyramide SuperBoost Kit, Streptavidin (Cat. No. B40931). This specific kit contains biotin XX tyramide with HRP-conjugated streptavidin, which is used prior to detection and signal amplification with an Alexa Fluor-conjugated streptavidin molecule" . This approach generates significant signal amplification through enzymatic deposition of additional biotin molecules at the detection site. Carefully optimize incubation parameters including temperature, duration, reagent concentration, and blocking conditions – each variable influences signal-to-noise ratio and must be empirically determined for your specific experimental system. When available, implement Biotin-SP conjugates, as the 6-atom spacer significantly enhances detection sensitivity "particularly when Biotin-SP-conjugated antibodies are used with alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidin" by optimizing the spatial arrangement of biotin molecules relative to the detection complex.
Biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody demonstrates distinct performance characteristics across various immunoassay platforms, providing researchers with application-specific advantages and considerations. In Western blotting applications, this conjugate delivers exceptional sensitivity due to its signal amplification capabilities, particularly when paired with HRP-streptavidin detection systems, though it may require additional blocking steps to minimize non-specific binding in complex protein mixtures. For ELISA applications, biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody offers remarkable sensitivity and quantitative capacity, especially when implemented with Biotin-SP conjugation, providing broader dynamic range than direct enzyme conjugates for precise protein quantification. In tissue-based applications such as immunohistochemistry, the conjugate provides excellent spatial resolution for localizing OR13C8 in histological sections with minimal background when properly blocked for endogenous biotin, while in immunocytochemistry, it enables precise subcellular localization with enhanced detection of low-abundance targets and compatibility with multiplex experimental designs. Flow cytometry applications benefit from the high signal amplification properties for detecting low-expression targets, though researchers should account for the additional incubation steps in protocol planning. Technical evidence supports this versatility, as "Anti-Fluorescein Antibody Biotin Conjugated has been tested by ELISA, dot blot and western blot and is suitable for immunoblotting, ELISA, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, immunomicroscopy as well as other antibody based assays using streptavidin or avidin conjugates" , demonstrating the broad applicability of biotin-conjugated antibodies across immunological research methods.
Successful implementation of biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody in immunohistochemistry requires careful methodological planning that addresses tissue-specific challenges and optimizes detection parameters. Tissue preparation significantly impacts epitope accessibility and antibody performance – consider how fixation chemistry affects the OR13C8 epitope structure, select appropriate antigen retrieval techniques (heat-induced vs. enzymatic), optimize section thickness for antibody penetration (typically 5-7 μm), and adapt protocols based on tissue processing method (fresh-frozen vs. paraffin-embedded). Manage endogenous biotin interference, particularly critical in tissues naturally rich in biotin (liver, kidney, brain), by implementing a sequential blocking approach: first addressing endogenous peroxidase activity followed by comprehensive biotin blocking. Select your detection system based on experimental requirements – chromogenic detection using DAB (brown), AEC (red), or AP substrates for brightfield applications; fluorescent detection using streptavidin conjugated to appropriate fluorophores; or TSA amplification systems for low-abundance targets. Protocol optimization requires systematic evaluation of antibody dilution through titration experiments, careful determination of optimal incubation parameters (time, temperature), thorough washing procedures to minimize background, and appropriate counterstaining selection based on detection modality. For enhanced detection sensitivity in challenging samples, consider implementing specialized signal enhancement technologies as noted in the literature: "Tyramide SuperBoost technology for use with biotin labeled secondary antibodies" can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio in IHC applications involving biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody by providing enzymatic signal amplification.
Implementing biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody in multiplex immunoassays requires strategic methodological planning to achieve specific, non-overlapping detection of multiple targets within a single experimental system. Consider sequential detection with membrane/slide stripping when working with Western blots or tissue sections – first detect OR13C8 using the biotin-conjugate with appropriate streptavidin reporter, thoroughly document results, then strip antibodies from the sample, and re-probe with subsequent primary antibodies using different detection systems. Alternatively, implement parallel detection strategies using spectral separation principles – apply biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody with one streptavidin-fluorophore conjugate alongside additional primary antibodies with direct fluorophore conjugates, carefully selecting fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap for clean signal discrimination. For low-abundance targets in multiplex systems, implement Biotin-Tyramide Signal Amplification by applying unlabeled OR13C8 primary antibody followed by HRP-conjugated secondary antibody, then develop with biotin-tyramide for target-specific amplification, and finally detect with fluorophore-conjugated streptavidin. Successful multiplexing requires careful consideration of primary antibody compatibility (host species, isotypes), elimination of cross-reactivity between detection systems, balanced signal intensity across all targets, and comprehensive controls for each detection channel. The availability of diverse fluorophore options for streptavidin conjugates supports this approach, as researchers can "Find all Alexa Fluor streptavidin and avidin conjugates for biotin binding" to design optimized multiplex detection strategies tailored to specific research questions and instrumentation capabilities.
High background signals represent a common technical challenge when working with biotin-conjugated antibodies, requiring systematic troubleshooting to optimize signal-to-noise ratio. Begin by evaluating endogenous biotin interference, particularly problematic in tissues naturally containing biotin (liver, kidney, brain), which necessitates implementing specialized blocking protocols: "apply avidin/biotin blocking kit before antibody incubation" using sequential application of unconjugated avidin followed by excess biotin to saturate endogenous biotin sites. Address non-specific binding of detection reagents by optimizing blocking buffer composition through empirical testing of different blocking agents (BSA, normal serum, casein, commercial blockers) and adjusting blocking parameters (time, concentration) to achieve optimal specificity. Evaluate antibody concentration effects, as excessive biotin-conjugated OR13C8 can significantly increase background – perform systematic antibody titration experiments to identify the optimal concentration that maximizes specific signal while minimizing background, noting that typical antibody concentrations are standardized at "1.0 mg/mL by UV absorbance at 280 nm" . Enhance washing efficiency by optimizing wash buffer composition (typically PBS with 0.05-0.1% Tween-20), increasing wash buffer volume, extending wash duration, and incorporating additional wash cycles to thoroughly remove unbound reagents. Address potential cross-reactivity by implementing pre-absorption procedures or selecting more specific antibody preparations, as quality antibodies undergo "solid phase adsorption(s) to remove any unwanted reactivities" . For persistent background issues, consider advanced optimization techniques including signal-to-noise enhancement through dual amplification systems, implementation of specialized blocking reagents for problematic samples, application of automated washing systems for procedural consistency, or lower-temperature incubations to increase binding specificity.
Working with biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody in fixed tissues presents specific technical challenges related to epitope accessibility and preservation that require targeted methodological interventions. Address epitope masking resulting from formalin-induced protein cross-linking by optimizing antigen retrieval protocols – evaluate both heat-induced epitope retrieval methods (using citrate buffer at pH 6.0 or Tris-EDTA at pH 9.0) and enzymatic retrieval approaches (using proteinase K, trypsin, or pepsin) to determine the optimal procedure for OR13C8 epitope exposure without compromising tissue morphology. Account for variable fixation effects across different tissue types by customizing protocols to the specific tissue being examined – adjust antibody concentration based on tissue density, modify incubation parameters for different tissue compositions, and implement tissue-specific permeabilization procedures to optimize antibody penetration. Manage autofluorescence issues in fixed tissues by implementing appropriate autofluorescence reduction techniques – consider sodium borohydride treatment, Sudan Black B application, photobleaching protocols before imaging, or switching to enzymatic rather than fluorescent detection systems. Address variability in biotin conjugate performance across different fixation protocols by validating the antibody with your specific fixation method – compare performance across different fixation approaches, adjust antibody dilution based on the fixative employed, and optimize your streptavidin detection system for compatibility with the fixation chemistry used. Formulation details such as "0.02 M Potassium Phosphate, 0.15 M Sodium Chloride, pH 7.2" highlight the importance of buffer conditions in optimizing the performance of biotin-conjugated antibodies in fixed tissue applications, where maintaining appropriate chemical environments can significantly impact detection outcomes.
The spacer length incorporated in biotin conjugation significantly influences OR13C8 Antibody performance through multiple mechanistic pathways that affect detection sensitivity and specificity. The primary impact occurs through modulation of steric accessibility – while short spacers may result in biotin molecules being partially occluded by the antibody structure, longer spacers (such as the 6-atom spacer in Biotin-SP) extend the biotin moiety away from the antibody surface, enhancing its accessibility to streptavidin binding sites. Research evidence confirms that "the long spacer extends the biotin moiety away from the antibody surface, making it more accessible to binding sites on streptavidin" , providing a molecular explanation for enhanced detection efficiency. Spacer length additionally affects binding kinetics – shorter spacers may result in slower association rates due to steric constraints, while longer spacers facilitate faster interaction with streptavidin molecules, an effect particularly important for time-sensitive assays or weak binding interactions. Signal amplification potential increases with optimal spacer length, as longer spacers enable more efficient binding of multiple streptavidin molecules with reduced interference between adjacent biotin molecules, resulting in an "increase in sensitivity compared to biotin-conjugated antibodies without the spacer" that is "especially notable when Biotin-SP-conjugated antibodies are used with alkaline phosphatase-conjugated streptavidin" . Environmental sensitivity varies with spacer chemistry, as different spacer compositions demonstrate varied responses to experimental conditions including pH, ionic strength, and solvent composition – hydrophilic spacers generally perform better in aqueous environments, while hydrophobic spacers may interact unfavorably with antibody structure or cause aggregation. The 6-atom spacer in Biotin-SP represents an optimized configuration that balances flexibility, distance, stability, and solution properties for enhanced detection performance across multiple experimental platforms.
Rigorous quantification and interpretation of results from biotin-conjugated OR13C8 Antibody experiments require application of technique-specific analytical methodologies and comprehensive consideration of experimental controls. For Western blot analysis, implement densitometry measurements of band intensity using standardized software (ImageJ, Image Lab), normalize to appropriate loading controls (β-actin, GAPDH), generate standard curves using recombinant protein standards when available, and employ consistent image acquisition parameters across experimental comparisons. ELISA quantification requires appropriate standard curve fitting (linear or 4-parameter logistic regression), accurate interpolation of unknown samples, careful consideration of detection limits (LLOD and ULOQ), and statistical validation of replicate consistency to ensure reliable quantification. Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry data should be quantified using systematic approaches such as H-score calculation (intensity × percentage of positive cells), automated image analysis for unbiased quantification, threshold-based positive area measurement, or cell counting for discrete signal patterns, with consistent application of quantification parameters across experimental and control groups. Flow cytometry data requires analysis of mean/median fluorescence intensity (MFI), determination of percentage positive population relative to appropriate controls, implementation of fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls for accurate gating strategy, and statistical comparisons between experimental groups using appropriate tests. Interpretation must always occur in the context of appropriate controls, accounting for non-specific binding effects, technical variability between replicates, and appropriate statistical significance testing between experimental conditions. Remember that biotin-streptavidin detection systems may not demonstrate strictly linear response characteristics throughout their dynamic range – establish standard curves to define the quantifiable range, be aware of potential saturation effects at high target concentrations, and recognize that the relationship between signal intensity and target abundance may vary by technique and experimental conditions.
OR13C8 Antibody is available with numerous conjugation options beyond biotin, providing researchers with flexibility to select the optimal detection system for specific experimental applications. The following table presents a comprehensive overview of available conjugation options:
Conjugate Type | Available Options |
---|---|
AF | AF350, AF488, AF555, AF594, AF647, AF680, AF700, AF750 |
Proteins | HRP, Alkaline Phosphatase, Streptavidin |
Tandems | APC, APC/Cy7, APC/AF750, APC/iFluor™ 700, APC/iFluor™ 750, PE, PE/Cy5, PE/Cy7, PE/AF610, PE/AF700, PE/iFluor™ 594, PE/iFluor™ 647, PE/iFluor™ 700, PE/iFluor™ 750, PE/Texas Red®, PerCP, PerCP/Cy5.5 |
Small Molecules | Biotin |
Traditional Dyes | FITC (fluorescein), TRITC, PacBlue, PacOrange, Cy3, Cy5 |
iFluor | 350, 405, 430, 450, 488, 514, 532, 546, 555, 560, 568, 594, 610, 633, 647, 660, 670, 680, 700, 710, 750, 790, 800, 810, 820, 840, 860, A7 |
mFluor | UV375, UV460, Violet 450, Violet 500, Violet 510, Violet 540, Blue 570, Green 620, Red 700, Red 780 |
This extensive range of conjugation options enables researchers to select the specific label most appropriate for their experimental design, detection system, and instrumentation capabilities. Custom conjugation services are available for OR13C8 Antibody, allowing researchers to request specialized conjugations for particular research applications: "We provide custom conjugation services for this antibody (eg. labeling of OR13C8 Antibody with HRP)" . The diversity of available fluorophores spans the entire spectral range from ultraviolet to near-infrared, facilitating multiplexed experimental designs and compatibility with various imaging and flow cytometry platforms. Each conjugation type offers distinct advantages for specific applications – enzymatic conjugates (HRP, Alkaline Phosphatase) for colorimetric detection methods, fluorophore conjugates for imaging and flow cytometry, and tandem dyes for applications requiring large Stokes shifts or specialized excitation/emission profiles.