OR5D16 is a member of the olfactory receptor family 5, subfamily D, member 16. Olfactory receptors are primarily known for their role in smell detection, but research has revealed their expression in non-olfactory tissues, suggesting broader physiological functions. Studying OR5D16 can provide insights into both normal physiology and potential disease associations. Research involving OR5D16 antibodies allows for the detection, localization, and characterization of this receptor in various tissues and experimental models .
Several types of OR5D16 antibodies are available for research purposes:
Polyclonal antibodies: These are produced in rabbits and recognize multiple epitopes of the OR5D16 protein. Examples include affinity-isolated antibodies from Prestige Antibodies® powered by Atlas Antibodies .
Region-specific antibodies: Some antibodies target specific regions of the OR5D16 protein, such as the internal region, allowing for more targeted analyses .
Most commercially available OR5D16 antibodies are unconjugated, though they can be used with secondary detection systems for various applications .
OR5D16 antibodies have been validated for several research applications:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Recommended dilutions typically range from 1:50 to 1:200
Western Blotting (WB): Generally used at 1:500-1:1000 dilutions
Immunofluorescence (IF) and Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Effective at 1:100-1:500 dilutions
The Prestige Antibodies® line has undergone extensive validation including testing against tissue arrays of 44 normal human tissues and 20 common cancer types, as well as protein arrays of 364 human recombinant protein fragments .
For optimal performance and longevity of OR5D16 antibodies:
Most are supplied in a buffered aqueous glycerol solution, which helps maintain stability
Some formulations contain sodium azide as a preservative, which requires careful handling as it is considered hazardous
When shipping is required, these antibodies should be transported on wet ice to maintain their activity
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade antibody quality and reduce performance in experimental applications
When optimizing IHC protocols with OR5D16 antibodies, researchers should consider:
Fixation method: Different fixatives (formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, alcohols) can affect epitope accessibility. The Prestige Antibodies® have been validated on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues .
Antigen retrieval: Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) or enzymatic methods may be necessary to expose the epitope recognized by the OR5D16 antibody. The optimal pH and buffer composition should be determined empirically.
Blocking strategy: Sufficient blocking is crucial to reduce non-specific binding, especially since OR5D16 antibodies are polyclonal .
Antibody concentration: Although the recommended range is 1:50-1:200 for IHC, optimization is necessary for each tissue type and experimental condition .
Detection system: Consider whether chromogenic or fluorescent detection is more appropriate for your research question, and select compatible secondary reagents.
Controls: Include both positive controls (tissues known to express OR5D16) and negative controls (omission of primary antibody) to validate staining specificity.
Verifying antibody specificity is crucial for reliable research results. For OR5D16 antibodies, consider these approaches:
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide (DVKDAIRKIINTKYFHIKHRHWYPF for some OR5D16 antibodies) before application to samples. Specific staining should be blocked by this competition .
Knockout/knockdown validation: Compare staining in samples with normal OR5D16 expression versus those where expression has been eliminated or reduced through genetic approaches (CRISPR/Cas9, siRNA).
Orthogonal detection methods: Correlate protein detection by the antibody with mRNA expression data from qPCR or RNA-seq.
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test the antibody against recombinant proteins with similar sequences. Prestige Antibodies® have been tested against protein arrays of 364 human recombinant protein fragments to ensure minimal cross-reactivity .
Multiple antibodies approach: Use antibodies targeting different epitopes of OR5D16 and compare staining patterns; concordant results increase confidence in specificity.
For accurate quantification of OR5D16 in Western blot analyses:
Sample preparation:
Select appropriate lysis buffers that effectively solubilize membrane proteins like OR5D16
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Determine optimal protein loading amounts (typically 20-50 μg of total protein)
Electrophoresis conditions:
OR5D16 is a transmembrane protein; use SDS-PAGE conditions suitable for membrane proteins
Consider gradient gels for better resolution
Transfer conditions:
Optimize transfer time and voltage for efficient transfer of OR5D16 to membranes
Consider using PVDF membranes which may provide better retention of hydrophobic proteins
Detection optimization:
Quantification controls:
Include loading controls appropriate for your sample type
Use recombinant OR5D16 protein or peptide as positive controls where available
Consider normalization to total protein rather than single housekeeping proteins
For precise subcellular localization of OR5D16:
Cell preparation:
Optimize fixation methods (paraformaldehyde is often suitable for membrane proteins)
Consider mild permeabilization methods to maintain membrane integrity while allowing antibody access
Co-localization studies:
Use established markers for cellular compartments (plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus)
Select fluorophores with minimal spectral overlap to reduce bleed-through
Include nuclear counterstains (DAPI/Hoechst) for cellular orientation
Advanced imaging:
Consider confocal microscopy for improved resolution of subcellular structures
Super-resolution techniques (STED, STORM, PALM) may provide nanoscale localization information
Z-stack imaging can help distinguish membrane versus cytoplasmic localization
Antibody optimization:
Controls:
Include cells with known expression patterns
Use peptide competition controls to confirm specificity
Include secondary-only controls to assess background
When facing discrepancies between protein detection with OR5D16 antibodies and mRNA expression:
Technical considerations:
Verify antibody specificity using methods described in FAQ 2.2
Assess mRNA data quality and primer/probe specificity
Consider RNA and protein degradation rates in sample preparation
Biological explanations:
Post-transcriptional regulation may affect OR5D16 mRNA translation efficiency
Post-translational modifications might alter antibody epitope recognition
Protein turnover rates may differ from mRNA degradation rates
Methodological approaches:
Employ multiple detection methods (IHC, IF, WB) with the same antibody
Use different antibodies targeting distinct epitopes of OR5D16
Perform time-course experiments to detect temporal differences in mRNA versus protein expression
Consider polysome profiling to assess translation efficiency of OR5D16 mRNA
Validation strategies:
Use recombinant expression systems to confirm antibody detection capacity
Consider absolute quantification methods for both mRNA and protein
Evaluate potential isoforms that might be detected differentially
Integrating OR5D16 antibodies into multi-omics research:
Proteogenomic integration:
Correlate protein expression detected by OR5D16 antibodies with genomic variations in the OR5D16 gene
Investigate how genetic polymorphisms might affect protein expression and antibody detection
Transcriptome-proteome correlation:
Compare OR5D16 mRNA expression patterns with protein localization and abundance
Identify potential regulatory mechanisms affecting translation efficiency
Interactome studies:
Use OR5D16 antibodies for co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry
Identify protein-protein interaction networks involving OR5D16
Functional genomics:
Apply OR5D16 antibodies to validate CRISPR screens or other functional genomics approaches
Confirm knockdown/knockout efficiency at the protein level
Spatial omics integration:
Combine single-cell transcriptomics with spatial proteomics using OR5D16 antibodies
Map tissue microenvironments where OR5D16 plays functional roles
When employing OR5D16 antibodies in TMA studies:
Antibody validation for TMA application:
TMA design considerations:
Include sufficient technical replicates (multiple cores per sample)
Consider tissue heterogeneity when selecting core locations
Include orientation markers and control tissues
Staining protocol standardization:
Use automated staining platforms where possible to ensure consistency
Implement stringent quality control measures
Process all TMAs in the same batch when possible
Image analysis approaches:
Develop consistent scoring methods (manual or automated)
Consider both staining intensity and distribution patterns
Validate scoring consistency between observers or algorithms
Data integration:
Correlate OR5D16 expression with clinical parameters and outcomes
Integrate with other molecular markers for comprehensive analysis
Consider computational methods for pattern recognition in large datasets
Interpreting OR5D16 expression in non-nasal tissues:
Validation requirements:
Employ multiple detection methods (IHC, IF, WB, qPCR) to confirm expression
Use highly specific antibodies with minimal cross-reactivity to other olfactory receptors
Include appropriate positive and negative tissue controls
Functional assessment considerations:
Investigate potential ligands for OR5D16 in the tissue context
Consider downstream signaling mechanisms that may differ from canonical olfactory signal transduction
Evaluate co-expression with olfactory signaling components (e.g., G proteins)
Physiological context:
Associate OR5D16 expression with specific cell types and their functions
Consider potential roles in tissue-specific processes (e.g., chemosensation, migration, metabolism)
Investigate potential associations with pathological conditions
Comparative analysis:
Compare OR5D16 expression patterns with other ectopically expressed olfactory receptors
Consider evolutionary conservation of expression in non-nasal tissues across species
Evaluate potential functional redundancy within the olfactory receptor family
When facing weak or absent signal with OR5D16 antibodies:
Sample preparation optimization:
Reassess fixation protocols (duration, temperature, fixative composition)
Optimize antigen retrieval methods (heat-induced vs. enzymatic, pH conditions)
Consider alternative sample preparation methods for membrane proteins
Antibody-related factors:
Titrate antibody concentration beyond recommended ranges (both higher and lower)
Evaluate antibody storage conditions and potential degradation
Consider alternative OR5D16 antibodies targeting different epitopes
Detection system enhancement:
Implement signal amplification methods (tyramide signal amplification, polymer-based detection)
Increase incubation times for primary and secondary antibodies
Optimize visualization reagents (substrate concentration, development time)
Background reduction:
Enhance blocking protocols (duration, blocking agent composition)
Include additional washing steps and detergents to reduce non-specific binding
Consider tissue-specific autofluorescence quenching methods for IF applications
Biological considerations:
Verify OR5D16 expression in your specific samples via orthogonal methods
Consider potential epitope masking due to protein interactions or modifications
Evaluate expression levels and potential need for enrichment techniques
To minimize background and non-specific binding:
Blocking optimization:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, serum, commercial blockers) at various concentrations
Extend blocking time to improve saturation of non-specific binding sites
Consider dual blocking strategies (protein block followed by commercial blocker)
Antibody dilution and incubation:
Washing protocol refinement:
Increase number and duration of wash steps
Test different wash buffers (PBS, TBS, with various detergent concentrations)
Ensure complete buffer exchanges between washes
Sample-specific considerations:
Pre-absorb sera or antibody solutions with tissues known to cause cross-reactivity
Include additives to reduce tissue-specific background (e.g., fish gelatin for fatty tissues)
Consider tissue pre-treatments to reduce endogenous enzyme activities or autofluorescence
Detection system optimization:
Select detection systems with minimal cross-reactivity to your sample species
Use highly cross-adsorbed secondary antibodies
Consider direct labeling approaches to eliminate secondary antibody background
For robust quantitative analysis of OR5D16 expression:
Standardization across platforms:
Develop consistent scoring systems applicable to multiple detection methods
Establish normalization protocols for cross-platform comparison
Include calibration standards when possible
Quantification methods:
For IHC/IF: Consider H-score, Allred score, or digital image analysis
For WB: Use densitometry with appropriate normalization controls
For ELISA: Establish standard curves with recombinant proteins or synthetic peptides
Statistical considerations:
Determine appropriate statistical tests based on data distribution
Account for technical and biological variability
Consider power analysis to ensure adequate sample sizes
Validation requirements:
Verify key findings with orthogonal detection methods
Ensure biological replicates to account for sample heterogeneity
Validate quantification methods with samples of known expression levels
Reporting standards:
Document detailed methodological parameters (antibody catalog numbers, dilutions, incubation conditions)
Report both positive and negative results with appropriate controls
Include representative images showing the full range of expression patterns observed
For comprehensive reporting of OR5D16 antibody validation:
Antibody identification information:
Validation experiments:
Document specificity testing methods (Western blot, peptide competition, knockdown controls)
Report results from tissue panels showing expected versus observed reactivity patterns
Include cross-reactivity testing against similar protein family members
Application-specific validation:
Provide optimization parameters for each application (dilutions, incubation conditions)
Include positive and negative control data specific to each application
Report limitations in specific applications or tissues
Visual documentation:
Include representative images showing specific versus non-specific staining
Provide full blot images for Western blot applications
Document any discrepancies between expected and observed results
Protocol transparency:
Provide detailed protocols as supplementary information
Specify any deviations from manufacturer recommendations
Include troubleshooting steps implemented to optimize performance