OR5M1 and OR5M10 are part of the largest gene family in the human genome, encoding olfactory receptors responsible for detecting volatile odorants. These receptors:
Mediate odor perception by activating G-protein signaling pathways in olfactory sensory neurons .
Contribute to cellular homeostasis, with emerging evidence suggesting roles in non-olfactory tissues, such as immune modulation and tissue repair .
The antibody’s ability to detect endogenous levels of these receptors makes it a valuable tool for studying olfactory system development, disease-related receptor dysregulation, and cross-tissue receptor expression .
Western Blot (WB):
Detects OR5M1/5M10 proteins in lysates from human and mouse cells (e.g., MCF-7, HeLa, HepG2) at dilutions of 1:500–1:3000 .
Demonstrated utility in analyzing receptor expression in cancer cell lines, where olfactory receptors may influence tumor progression .
Immunofluorescence (IF)/ICC:
Visualizes receptor localization in olfactory epithelial tissues and non-traditional sites like skin and liver .
Example: IF staining of MCF-7 cells revealed cytoplasmic and membrane-bound OR5M1/5M10 signals .
ELISA:
Quantifies receptor levels in biological fluids (e.g., serum, conditioned media) at 1:10,000 dilution .
OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies have been validated for several key applications in molecular and cellular biology research. The primary validated applications include Western Blotting (WB), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Immunofluorescence/Immunocytochemistry (IF/ICC) . When planning experiments, researchers should consider that most commercial antibodies show optimal performance in WB at dilutions ranging from 1:500-1:2000, while ELISA applications typically require higher dilutions (1:5000-1:20000) . For immunofluorescence applications, a concentration range of 1:100-1:500 is generally recommended . These application-specific dilutions are critical starting points that may require optimization based on your specific experimental conditions and sample type.
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining antibody activity. OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies should be stored at -20°C for long-term preservation (up to one year) . For frequent use and short-term storage (up to one month), 4°C is appropriate . It is essential to aliquot the antibody upon receipt to minimize freeze-thaw cycles, as repeated freezing and thawing can significantly reduce antibody effectiveness . Most commercial preparations are supplied in a stabilizing buffer containing 50% glycerol and 0.02% sodium azide, which helps maintain antibody integrity during storage . When handling the antibody, researchers should note that sodium azide is toxic and requires appropriate safety precautions .
OR5M1 and OR5M10 are olfactory receptors belonging to the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family . These receptors feature a characteristic 7-transmembrane domain structure shared with many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors . OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies typically recognize specific epitopes within these proteins, with immunogens often derived from the C-terminal region or internal sequences (amino acids 30-110, 155-204, 220-279, or 240-289, depending on the specific antibody) . The calculated molecular weight of these targets is approximately 35-36 kDa , which serves as an important reference point when validating antibody specificity in Western blot applications. Understanding these molecular characteristics is essential for proper experimental design and interpretation of results.
Validating antibody specificity is a critical step before proceeding with experiments. For OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies, a multi-faceted approach is recommended:
Positive control selection: Use cell lines known to express OR5M1/OR5M10, such as Jurkat cells for Western blot applications or MCF7 cells for immunofluorescence studies .
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide before application to samples. This should abolish specific staining, as demonstrated in validation studies with MCF7 cells .
Molecular weight verification: Confirm that the detected band in Western blot corresponds to the expected molecular weight of approximately 35-36 kDa .
Negative controls: Include samples where primary antibody is omitted or replaced with non-specific IgG from the same species.
Cross-reactivity assessment: If working with non-human samples, verify cross-reactivity claims, noting that most OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies are primarily validated for human samples .
This comprehensive validation ensures that experimental results are attributable to specific antibody-antigen interactions rather than non-specific binding.
Optimal sample preparation varies by application:
For Western Blot:
Lyse cells in a buffer containing protease inhibitors to prevent degradation of target proteins
Typical protein concentrations range from 20-50 μg per lane
Use fresh samples when possible, as OR5M1/OR5M10 may degrade during storage
Jurkat cells have been successfully used as positive controls
For Immunofluorescence:
Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-20 minutes at room temperature
For membrane proteins like OR5M1/OR5M10, mild permeabilization with 0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 is recommended
Block with 1-5% BSA or normal serum from the secondary antibody host species
MCF7 cells have been validated as appropriate for OR5M1 immunofluorescence studies
For ELISA:
Coating concentration should be optimized for each specific antibody
The high dilution range (1:5000-1:20000) for polyclonal OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies in ELISA applications indicates good sensitivity
These protocols provide starting points that may require further optimization based on specific experimental requirements.
Commercial OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies target different epitope regions, which can significantly impact experimental results:
Researchers should select antibodies whose target epitopes are accessible in their experimental system. For instance, if the C-terminal region is involved in protein-protein interactions in your experimental context, antibodies targeting other regions might provide more consistent results. Additionally, epitope masking due to protein folding or post-translational modifications can affect antibody binding, so using antibodies targeting different regions may be advisable when contradictory results are observed.
When encountering weak or inconsistent signals with OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies, consider these methodological solutions:
Signal Amplification: For immunofluorescence applications showing weak signals, implement tyramide signal amplification (TSA) or use brightfield detection with DAB substrate and nickel enhancement.
Epitope Retrieval Optimization: GPCR epitopes may be masked by fixation or sample preparation. Test different antigen retrieval methods, such as:
Heat-mediated retrieval using citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 9.0)
Enzymatic retrieval using proteinase K (1-5 μg/ml for 5-15 minutes)
For Western blots, adjust SDS concentration or heating time during sample preparation
Concentration Gradient Testing: Perform a systematic titration of antibody concentrations beyond the recommended range (e.g., 1:100 to 1:5000) to determine the optimal signal-to-noise ratio for your specific sample type.
Alternative Detection Systems: If using chemiluminescence for Western blots, switch to more sensitive substrates or consider fluorescent secondary antibodies for quantitative analysis.
Sample Enrichment: For low-abundance targets like OR5M1/OR5M10, implement subcellular fractionation to enrich membrane proteins before Western blotting or immunoprecipitation.
These approaches should be systematically tested and documented to identify the optimal conditions for your specific experimental system.
Distinguishing between OR5M1 and OR5M10 presents a challenge as many commercial antibodies recognize both proteins due to their high sequence homology. Consider these methodological approaches:
RNA interference: Design specific siRNAs targeting unique regions of OR5M1 or OR5M10 mRNAs. Compare antibody signal patterns between control and knockdown samples to determine the contribution of each protein to the observed signal.
Bioinformatic analysis: Analyze the immunogen sequences used to generate the antibody and compare them to OR5M1 and OR5M10 sequences to identify potential differential binding affinities.
Recombinant protein controls: Express OR5M1 and OR5M10 recombinant proteins separately and use them as controls in Western blots to establish migration patterns that might distinguish the two proteins.
High-resolution techniques: Employ 2D gel electrophoresis followed by Western blotting to potentially separate OR5M1 and OR5M10 based on both size and isoelectric point differences.
Complementary detection methods: Combine antibody detection with mass spectrometry analysis to identify peptide fragments unique to either OR5M1 or OR5M10.
When absolute discrimination is critical, researchers might need to employ multiple approaches simultaneously and validate findings through independent methodologies.
Integrating OR5M1/OR5M10 antibody detection with advanced research techniques requires careful methodological planning:
For Co-immunoprecipitation and Protein Interaction Studies:
Use mild lysis conditions (e.g., 1% NP-40 or 0.5% Triton X-100) to preserve protein-protein interactions
Consider crosslinking approaches for transient interactions
Validate antibody specificity in IP applications separately, as not all WB-validated antibodies perform well in IP
For Super-resolution Microscopy:
Select antibodies with minimal background and high specificity
Consider directly conjugated primary antibodies to avoid spatial displacement caused by secondary antibodies
Validate signal specificity with peptide competition assays or knockout controls
For Flow Cytometry:
Test fixation and permeabilization protocols specifically for membrane proteins
Titrate antibody concentrations to minimize background while maintaining specific signal
Consider fluorophore brightness and spectral overlap when designing multi-parameter panels
For In vivo Imaging:
Evaluate antibody specificity in the target tissue using immunohistochemistry before proceeding to in vivo applications
Consider pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of antibody-based probes
Test for immunogenicity if planning longitudinal studies
These methodological considerations ensure that OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies can be effectively integrated into advanced research workflows while maintaining experimental rigor and reproducibility.
Interpreting OR5M1/OR5M10 expression in non-olfactory tissues requires careful consideration of biological and technical factors:
Biological significance: While traditionally associated with olfactory neurons, ectopic expression of olfactory receptors has been documented in various tissues. This may represent:
Functional repurposing in non-olfactory contexts
Involvement in non-canonical signaling pathways
Developmental remnants with unclear functional significance
Technical validation approach:
Confirm specificity with multiple detection methods (e.g., RNA-seq, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization)
Use appropriate positive controls (olfactory epithelium) and negative controls
Quantify expression levels relative to olfactory tissue to assess physiological relevance
Functional assessment strategies:
Investigate whether canonical OR signaling components (Gαolf, ACIII) are co-expressed
Conduct loss-of-function experiments to determine phenotypic effects
Identify potential ligands in the non-olfactory context through screening approaches
Interpretation caveats:
Low expression levels may still be functionally significant
Antibody cross-reactivity with related GPCRs must be ruled out
Cell-type specific expression may be diluted in whole-tissue analyses
This systematic approach helps researchers distinguish between biologically relevant expression and technical artifacts when investigating OR5M1/OR5M10 in non-canonical contexts.
When different OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies yield contradictory results, consider these methodological explanations:
Epitope accessibility variation:
Different antibodies target distinct regions of OR5M1/OR5M10 proteins
Protein conformational changes may mask specific epitopes
Post-translational modifications may block antibody binding sites
Protein-protein interactions may conceal certain regions
Methodological differences:
Fixation protocols can differentially affect epitope preservation
Sample preparation methods may impact protein conformation
Buffer compositions can influence antibody-antigen interactions
Incubation times and temperatures affect binding kinetics
Antibody characteristics:
Polyclonal preparations contain multiple antibody species with varying affinities
Lot-to-lot variations may exist, especially in polyclonal antibodies
Some antibodies may recognize denatured epitopes more effectively than native forms
Resolution strategy:
Implement a systematic comparison using standardized protocols
Include appropriate positive and negative controls
Use complementary detection methods (e.g., RNA analysis)
Consider epitope mapping to identify the precise binding regions
Understanding these factors allows researchers to reconcile contradictory findings and develop more robust experimental approaches for OR5M1/OR5M10 detection.
OR5M1/OR5M10 research contributes significantly to the broader context of GPCR biology:
Evolutionary perspectives:
Olfactory receptors represent the largest GPCR subfamily in mammals
Study of OR5M1/OR5M10 provides insights into GPCR evolution and diversification
Comparative analysis across species informs understanding of receptor specialization
Structural implications:
Signaling pathway integration:
OR5M1/OR5M10 utilize G-protein coupled signaling similar to other GPCRs
Cross-talk between OR signaling and other cellular pathways informs signal integration models
Understanding OR desensitization mechanisms contributes to broader GPCR regulation concepts
Pharmacological relevance:
OR5M1/OR5M10 research methodology parallels approaches used in drug discovery for other GPCR targets
Ligand screening approaches for ORs inform general GPCR targeting strategies
Ectopic expression patterns suggest potential roles in non-olfactory processes with therapeutic implications
This contextual understanding positions OR5M1/OR5M10 research within the larger framework of GPCR biology, providing both specific insights into olfactory function and broader implications for receptor biology.
To establish functional significance of OR5M1/OR5M10, researchers should implement these methodological strategies:
Genetic perturbation techniques:
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout or knockin models
Inducible expression systems for temporal control
siRNA or shRNA for transient suppression
Assess phenotypic consequences across multiple cellular processes
Ligand identification:
High-throughput screening of odorant libraries
Calcium imaging to detect receptor activation
cAMP accumulation assays for downstream signaling
Structure-activity relationship studies to map binding requirements
Signaling pathway characterization:
Phosphorylation studies of downstream effectors
Protein-protein interaction mapping via proximity labeling
Temporal analysis of signaling dynamics
Pathway inhibitor studies to establish necessity and sufficiency
Translational approaches:
Correlation of receptor expression with physiological or pathological states
Population-based genetic association studies
Ex vivo functional assays using patient-derived samples
Animal models with orthologous receptor modifications
These complementary approaches provide robust evidence for functional roles beyond mere expression data, establishing causal relationships between OR5M1/OR5M10 activity and biological processes.
Integrating OR5M1/OR5M10 antibody detection with single-cell technologies requires careful methodological considerations:
Single-cell Western blotting:
Microfluidic platforms can separate individual cells before protein analysis
Requires high antibody specificity due to limited sample amount
Consider signal amplification strategies to detect low-abundance targets
Multiplexing with other protein markers enables cellular heterogeneity assessment
Mass cytometry (CyTOF):
Conjugate OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies with isotopically pure metals
Validate specificity and sensitivity of metal-conjugated antibodies
Optimize staining protocols for membrane proteins
Design panels including lineage markers and functional readouts
Imaging mass cytometry:
Enables spatial visualization of OR5M1/OR5M10 in tissue context
Requires careful antibody validation for tissue applications
Consider antigen retrieval optimization for fixed tissues
Multiplexing capacity allows contextual protein interaction analysis
Single-cell multi-omics integration:
Combine antibody-based protein detection with transcriptomics
CITE-seq approaches can correlate surface protein expression with gene expression
Consider computational methods for integrating protein and RNA data
Trajectory analysis can reveal dynamic regulation of OR5M1/OR5M10
These approaches enable researchers to move beyond population averages, revealing cell-specific expression patterns and functional heterogeneity of OR5M1/OR5M10 in complex biological systems.
When developing customized OR5M1/OR5M10 antibodies for specialized applications, researchers should consider these methodological aspects:
Epitope selection strategy:
Analyze sequence conservation across species if cross-reactivity is desired
Assess hydrophilicity, surface probability, and antigenicity profiles
Target regions unique to OR5M1 or OR5M10 if discrimination is required
Avoid transmembrane domains which may be inaccessible in native proteins
Optimal epitope length is typically 10-20 amino acids
Immunization protocol optimization:
Consider multiple host species to overcome tolerance to conserved mammalian epitopes
Implement prime-boost strategies with different adjuvants
Monitor antibody titers throughout immunization
Screen serum against both immunogen and native protein
Affinity purification considerations:
Compare antigen-specific purification with protein A/G approaches
Assess elution conditions impact on antibody activity
Consider negative selection against related olfactory receptors
Validate specificity against recombinant OR5M1 and OR5M10
Functional modification options:
Enzymatic digestion to generate Fab fragments for improved tissue penetration
Site-specific conjugation methods to preserve antigen-binding regions
Consider recombinant antibody production for reproducibility
Engineer affinity tags for purification or detection without compromising binding