OR5M9 is a member of the olfactory receptor family 5 subfamily M, encoded by the OR5M9 gene in humans. It plays a role in odorant recognition and signal transduction, contributing to the perception of smell .
Key Characteristics of OR5M9:
OR5M9 antibodies are used to investigate olfactory receptor expression and function in cellular and molecular studies.
Western Blot (WB): Detects OR5M9 at ~35–38 kDa in human cell lysates (e.g., OVCAR-3 cells) .
Immunofluorescence (IF): Localizes OR5M9 to the cell membrane in fixed cells .
ELISA: Quantifies OR5M9 expression levels in biological samples .
Specificity: Recognizes endogenous OR5M9 without cross-reactivity to unrelated GPCRs .
Sensitivity: Effective at dilutions up to 1:10,000 (ELISA) and 1:2,000 (WB) .
Antibodies target epitopes within residues 197–246 of OR5M9, a region critical for receptor-ligand interactions .
The Novus antibody uses a C-terminal peptide (YLRRPTEESVEQGKMVAVFYTTVIPMLNPMIYSLRNKDVKEAVNKAITKT) to enhance specificity .
OR5M9 (Olfactory Receptor Family 5 Subfamily M Member 9) is a member of the olfactory receptor protein family. These receptors interact with odorant molecules in the nose to initiate neuronal responses that trigger smell perception. OR5M9 belongs to the large family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with a characteristic 7-transmembrane domain structure . Also known as OR11-190, this receptor is encoded by a single coding-exon gene .
The study of OR5M9 is significant because:
It contributes to understanding the molecular basis of olfaction
It represents one of the largest gene families in the human genome
It shares structural similarities with many neurotransmitter and hormone receptors
It may have potential roles beyond olfaction that remain to be discovered
Based on comprehensive product information across multiple suppliers, OR5M9 antibodies have been validated for several key applications:
| Application | Validation Frequency | Typical Dilution Ranges |
|---|---|---|
| Western Blot (WB) | Most common | 1:500-1:3000 |
| ELISA | Common | 1:5000-1:20000 |
| Immunofluorescence (IF) | Common | 1:100-1:500 |
| Immunocytochemistry (ICC) | Less common | 1:100-1:500 |
Multiple antibody sources show consistent validation for these applications, with Western blotting and ELISA being the most thoroughly validated methods .
For optimal preservation of OR5M9 antibody activity, follow these evidence-based storage protocols:
Short-term storage: For frequent use, store at 4°C for up to one month
Buffer composition: Most commercial OR5M9 antibodies are supplied in PBS with 50% glycerol and 0.02% sodium azide at pH 7.4
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as this can lead to protein denaturation and loss of antibody activity
Aliquoting: For antibodies that will be used multiple times, create small working aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
The liquid formulation with glycerol helps prevent freezing damage and maintains antibody stability during storage.
Validating OR5M9 antibody specificity is critical for generating reliable research data. Multiple approaches should be implemented:
Peptide competition assays: Pre-incubate the OR5M9 antibody with its immunizing peptide. Complete signal abolishment in subsequent assays indicates specificity . The validation data from one antibody provider shows successful peptide blocking in immunofluorescence assays with MCF7 cells .
Positive control tissues/cells: Validated positive controls for OR5M9 detection include:
Genetic approaches:
Use OR5M9 knockout/knockdown systems as negative controls
Test antibody reactivity in overexpression systems
Compare staining patterns across multiple antibodies targeting different OR5M9 epitopes
Cross-reactivity assessment: Evaluate antibody performance across species. Several OR5M9 antibodies show cross-reactivity with human and mouse OR5M9, while some have broader reactivity including bovine, canine, guinea pig, equine, porcine, rabbit and rat samples .
Immunoblot profile analysis: Verify that the detected molecular weight matches the predicted size of OR5M9 (approximately 35 kDa) .
When facing inconsistent results with OR5M9 antibodies, implement this systematic troubleshooting approach:
Antibody validation:
Sample preparation optimization:
For Western blot: Ensure complete protein denaturation with appropriate buffers
For IF/ICC: Compare different fixation methods (paraformaldehyde vs. methanol) as fixation can affect epitope accessibility
For ELISA: Test different coating concentrations and blocking agents
Protocol adjustment:
Blocking optimization:
Test different blocking agents (BSA, normal serum, commercial blockers)
Increase blocking time or concentration to reduce background
Detection system evaluation:
Compare different secondary antibodies and detection methods
For low-abundance targets, consider signal amplification methods
Examine experimental variables:
Account for biological variation in OR5M9 expression across different cell types and tissues
Consider potential post-translational modifications that might affect antibody binding
Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) of OR5M9 requires special considerations due to its transmembrane nature:
Antibody selection:
Membrane protein solubilization:
Use mild detergents (e.g., CHAPS, digitonin, or NP-40) to solubilize OR5M9 without disrupting protein-protein interactions
Optimize detergent concentration and extraction time
Include protease inhibitors to prevent degradation
Crosslinking considerations:
Consider using membrane-permeable crosslinkers to stabilize transient interactions
Optimize crosslinking conditions to capture physiologically relevant interactions
Control experiments:
Include IgG control from the same species as the OR5M9 antibody
Include lysates from cells not expressing OR5M9 as negative controls
Consider using tagged OR5M9 constructs as alternative precipitation targets
Validation of interactions:
Confirm interactions by reverse Co-IP when possible
Use proximity ligation assays to validate interactions in situ
Consider mass spectrometry to identify novel binding partners
Data analysis:
Account for common contaminants in Co-IP experiments
Focus on enriched proteins compared to control samples
Consider the biological relevance of identified interactions in olfactory signaling
When faced with discrepancies between different OR5M9 antibody clones, consider these methodological approaches:
Epitope mapping analysis:
Post-translational modification considerations:
Determine if discrepant antibodies might recognize different post-translationally modified forms of OR5M9
Consider if certain antibodies might be sensitive to phosphorylation or glycosylation states
Reconciliation strategies:
Use multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes as cross-validation
Employ orthogonal techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry) to confirm protein identity
Consider epitope tagging approaches to validate antibody specificity
Cross-reactivity assessment:
Evaluate whether discrepancies might arise from cross-reactivity with closely related olfactory receptors
Perform specificity tests using overexpression and knockdown systems
Contextual interpretation:
Consider that discrepancies might reflect biological reality rather than technical artifacts
Document experimental conditions thoroughly to allow for accurate comparison
To effectively study OR5M9 in olfactory signaling contexts, consider these methodological approaches:
Heterologous expression systems:
Express OR5M9 in cell lines (HEK293, Hana3A) engineered to support olfactory receptor trafficking and signaling
Couple with calcium imaging or cAMP assays to measure functional responses to potential ligands
CRISPR-based genome editing:
Generate OR5M9 knockout models to assess loss-of-function phenotypes
Create knock-in reporter systems to monitor endogenous OR5M9 expression
Functional assays:
Implement high-throughput screening of odorant libraries to identify OR5M9 ligands
Use bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays to monitor OR5M9 activation and G-protein coupling
Structural biology approaches:
Single-cell analyses:
Implement single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize cells expressing OR5M9
Use spatial transcriptomics to map OR5M9 expression in olfactory tissues
Antibody applications:
Use validated OR5M9 antibodies for immunohistochemistry to map receptor distribution in olfactory epithelia
Employ proximity ligation assays to identify in situ protein-protein interactions
Detecting low-abundance OR5M9 requires specialized approaches:
Sample enrichment strategies:
Implement subcellular fractionation to concentrate membrane proteins
Consider immunoprecipitation before Western blotting to enrich OR5M9
Use optimized extraction buffers specifically designed for transmembrane proteins
Signal amplification methods:
For immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence:
Utilize tyramide signal amplification (TSA)
Consider rolling circle amplification
Use highly sensitive detection systems (e.g., Quantum dots)
For Western blot:
Use high-sensitivity chemiluminescent substrates
Consider fluorescent secondary antibodies with near-infrared detection systems
Optimized antibody protocols:
Extend primary antibody incubation times (overnight at 4°C)
Optimize antibody concentrations through careful titration
Reduce washing stringency to preserve low-level signals
Alternative detection methods:
Consider RNAscope or BaseScope for sensitive mRNA detection
Use highly sensitive mass spectrometry approaches for protein detection
Implement digital PCR for quantification of OR5M9 transcripts
Biological amplification:
Consider using cell systems with inducible OR5M9 overexpression
Implement CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) to upregulate endogenous OR5M9
Investigating post-translational modifications (PTMs) of OR5M9 requires specialized experimental design:
Modification-specific antibodies:
Consider developing or sourcing antibodies that specifically recognize phosphorylated, glycosylated, or ubiquitinated forms of OR5M9
Validate specificity using dephosphorylation, deglycosylation, or deubiquitination treatments
Enrichment strategies:
For phosphorylation: Use phospho-protein/peptide enrichment techniques (IMAC, TiO₂)
For glycosylation: Implement lectin affinity chromatography
For ubiquitination: Use tandem ubiquitin binding entities (TUBEs)
Mass spectrometry approaches:
Develop targeted MS methods for specific OR5M9 peptides and their modified forms
Consider top-down proteomics to preserve intact protein and all modifications
Implement electron transfer dissociation (ETD) or electron capture dissociation (ECD) fragmentation to preserve labile modifications
Site-directed mutagenesis:
Identify potential modification sites through computational prediction
Generate site-specific mutants (e.g., S/T→A for phosphorylation, K→R for ubiquitination)
Assess functional consequences of preventing specific modifications
Temporal dynamics:
Design time-course experiments to capture dynamic changes in PTMs following receptor activation
Consider pulse-chase approaches to track PTM turnover
Pharmacological modulators:
Use kinase inhibitors, deubiquitinase inhibitors, or glycosylation inhibitors to manipulate PTM states
Monitor effects on receptor trafficking, signaling, and turnover
Implementing appropriate controls is essential for rigorous OR5M9 antibody validation:
Positive Controls:
Cell lines with confirmed OR5M9 expression:
Tissue samples:
Human nasal epithelium (physiological expression site)
Other tissues with reported OR5M9 expression
Recombinant systems:
Negative Controls:
Peptide competition:
Genetic approaches:
OR5M9 knockdown/knockout cell lines
Tissues from OR5M9-deficient models
Antibody controls:
Application-specific controls:
For Western blot: Loading controls and molecular weight markers
For ICC/IF: Counterstains to verify cellular morphology and localization
For ELISA: Background subtraction controls
Investigating OR5M9 ligand interactions requires specialized techniques that account for its GPCR nature:
Cell-based functional assays:
Calcium imaging: Monitor intracellular calcium flux following receptor activation
cAMP assays: Measure changes in cAMP levels using FRET or BRET-based sensors
β-arrestin recruitment: Assess receptor activation through monitoring β-arrestin recruitment
Binding assays:
Radioligand binding: Develop radiolabeled ligands for OR5M9
Time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET): Use lanthanide-labeled ligands
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR): Assess binding kinetics with purified receptor components
Structural approaches:
High-throughput screening platforms:
Luciferase reporter systems coupled to OR5M9 activation
Automated calcium imaging for odorant library screening
Cell microarray platforms for parallel testing of multiple conditions
Advanced microscopy approaches:
Single-molecule tracking to monitor receptor dynamics
Super-resolution microscopy to visualize receptor clustering
FRET microscopy to detect conformational changes upon ligand binding
AI-assisted techniques:
Machine learning offers powerful tools for optimizing OR5M9 research:
Antibody selection optimization:
Experimental design enhancement:
Apply sequential experimental design algorithms to determine optimal antibody dilutions and incubation conditions
Implement transfer learning from well-characterized antibodies to new OR5M9 antibodies
Use Bayesian optimization to efficiently search the parameter space of experimental conditions
Data analysis augmentation:
Train image analysis algorithms to quantify immunofluorescence staining patterns
Develop models for automated Western blot band quantification
Implement anomaly detection to identify experimental artifacts
Epitope prediction:
Cross-reactivity prediction:
Develop models to predict potential cross-reactivity with other olfactory receptors
Integrate proteome-wide epitope mapping to identify potential off-target binding
Integration with experimental data:
Several cutting-edge approaches from related fields could advance OR5M9 research:
Nanobody development technologies:
Immune modelling systems:
Structure-based design approaches:
Apply cryo-EM techniques optimized for membrane proteins
Use computational structure prediction tools (AlphaFold) to model OR5M9 structure
Design antibodies targeting specific conformational states of OR5M9
Single-cell antibody platforms:
Implement massively parallel antibody discovery platforms
Use droplet microfluidics for single-cell screening of OR5M9 antibody candidates
Apply phage display technologies with customized selection conditions for GPCRs
Advanced imaging technologies:
Adapt expansion microscopy for enhanced visualization of OR5M9 in tissues
Implement DNA-PAINT for super-resolution imaging of OR5M9 distribution
Use correlative light and electron microscopy to map OR5M9 at the nanoscale
AI-driven experimental design:
Implement virtual screening of antibody libraries against predicted OR5M9 structures
Use generative models to design novel OR5M9-specific peptide immunogens
Apply evolutionary algorithms to optimize antibody affinity and specificity