The FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody binds specifically to the second extracellular loop (EL2) of the P2Y1 receptor, a critical ligand-binding domain involved in ADP/ATP signaling . This interaction allows:
Direct detection of surface P2RY1 without secondary antibodies .
Inhibition of ligand binding in function-blocking studies, as demonstrated by displacement of radiolabeled P2Y1 antagonists like [³H]MRS25000 .
Species cross-reactivity due to conserved EL2 sequences in humans, mice, and rats .
Inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation: The antibody reduced GPIIb-IIIa activation and granule secretion in human/mouse platelets (IC₅₀ ≈ 2.5–5 μg/mL) .
Antithrombotic effects: In FeCl₃-induced thrombosis models, antibody treatment prolonged occlusion time by 40–60% but increased bleeding risk .
Attenuation of fibroblast activation: In TGF-β1-treated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), P2RY1 agonism (via antibody-mediated receptor upregulation) reduced profibrotic markers (CTGF, POSTN, α-SMA) by 10–20% through p38 MAPK/ERK pathway suppression .
Live-cell staining: Demonstrated in J774 macrophages, MEG-01 leukemia cells, and BV-2 microglia with minimal background (<5% nonspecific binding using isotype controls) .
Specificity confirmed: No cross-reactivity with P2Y12 receptors or P2Y1⁻/− platelets .
Function-blocking capability: The EL2-targeting antibody (EL2Ab) inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation by 80–90% at 10 μg/mL, comparable to P2Y1 knockout models .
Dose-dependent effects:
Therapeutic implications: Co-administration with P2Y12 antagonists (e.g., clopidogrel) showed additive antithrombotic effects .
P2RY1 (purinergic receptor P2Y1) is a 373-amino acid G-protein coupled receptor with a molecular weight of approximately 42 kDa. It functions as a receptor for extracellular adenine nucleotides, particularly ADP. The receptor is membrane-associated and undergoes post-translational modifications, including glycosylation . P2RY1 plays a critical role in platelet activation through Gq-coupling, making it significant in thrombosis research and cardiovascular disease studies . The receptor is widely expressed across multiple tissue types, serving as a marker for Dorsal Excitatory Neurons in certain contexts .
FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibodies are primarily optimized for:
Flow cytometry (FCM)
Immunofluorescence (IF)
Western blotting (WB)
These conjugated antibodies eliminate the need for secondary antibody incubation steps, reducing background and cross-reactivity issues while enabling direct visualization of the target protein through fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometric analysis .
P2RY1 antibodies commonly demonstrate cross-reactivity across human, mouse, and rat species, reflecting the high conservation of this receptor across mammals. When analyzing Western blots, researchers should anticipate bands at approximately 42 kDa (theoretical weight), though observed molecular weights often range between 47-66 kDa due to post-translational modifications, particularly glycosylation .
The antibody raised against the human EL2 sequence exhibits significant interspecies reactivity and can recognize both denatured and native forms of human and mouse P2RY1 .
For optimal results with FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibodies in cellular applications:
Flow Cytometry:
Fix cells with 2-4% paraformaldehyde for 10-15 minutes at room temperature
Wash cells twice with PBS containing 1% BSA
For intracellular detection, permeabilize with 0.1% Triton X-100 or 0.5% saponin for 5-10 minutes
Incubate with FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody (typically at 1:50-1:100 dilution) for 30-60 minutes at room temperature in the dark
Wash twice before analysis
Immunofluorescence:
Fix cells/tissues with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15-20 minutes
For membrane protein preservation, avoid methanol fixation which can disrupt the native conformation of membrane proteins like P2RY1
Permeabilize with 0.1-0.2% Triton X-100 for 5-10 minutes
Block with 5% normal serum for 30-60 minutes
Apply FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody (1:50-1:200) for 1-2 hours or overnight at 4°C
Platelet preparation for P2RY1 analysis requires careful handling to prevent activation:
Collect blood in acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) anticoagulant (1:9 ratio)
Obtain platelet-rich plasma by centrifugation at 200g for 20 minutes
To prepare washed platelets:
Add 1μM PGE₁ to prevent activation during processing
Centrifuge at 800g for 10 minutes
Resuspend pellet in Tyrode's buffer (pH 7.4) containing 0.1% BSA
Adjust concentration to 2-3×10⁸ platelets/mL for flow cytometry
For antibody labeling, use gentle fixation (1% paraformaldehyde) for 10 minutes prior to antibody incubation. When examining P2RY1 receptor function, maintain platelets in a resting state until experimental activation is required .
A comprehensive control panel for FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody experiments should include:
Essential Controls:
Isotype control: FITC-conjugated IgG of the same isotype, species, and concentration
Unstained cells/tissues
Secondary antibody-only control (for protocols using additional detection steps)
Positive control: Cell line or tissue known to express P2RY1 (Jurkat cells or mouse heart tissue are recommended)
Negative control: When possible, P2RY1 knockout samples or cells with validated absence of the target
Peptide competition control: Pre-absorption of the antibody with its cognate peptide (EL2; 100 μM) to confirm specificity
For flow cytometry specifically, include single-color controls for compensation when performing multicolor analysis and use validated gating strategies based on forward/side scatter properties .
P2RY1 receptor undergoes agonist-induced internalization, which can significantly impact antibody detection results. When activated by ADP or other agonists, P2RY1 receptors rapidly redistribute from the plasma membrane to intracellular compartments through clathrin-dependent endocytosis.
Methodological Considerations:
For surface detection: Analyze samples within 15-30 minutes of isolation to minimize spontaneous internalization
To capture total receptor pool: Include permeabilization steps in your protocol
For internalization studies: Use pulse-chase approaches with FITC-conjugated antibodies
Temperature control is critical: Maintain samples at 4°C to minimize receptor trafficking when measuring surface expression
To distinguish surface from internalized receptors: Consider using acid wash protocols (pH 2.5) to strip surface-bound antibodies
Researchers studying receptor dynamics should consider time-course experiments to track P2RY1 movement between membrane and cytoplasmic compartments following stimulation with agonists like ADP .
P2RY1 undergoes significant post-translational modifications, particularly N-linked glycosylation, which explains the variable molecular weights observed in Western blots (ranging from 42-66 kDa) . These glycosylation patterns can affect antibody binding in several ways:
Impact on Antibody Recognition:
Glycosylation may mask epitopes, particularly in the extracellular domains
Different tissue sources may show variable glycosylation patterns, resulting in different apparent molecular weights
Deglycosylation treatments (PNGase F or Endo H) can confirm antibody specificity by shifting band patterns
Experimental Approach for Resolving Glycosylation Variability:
Run parallel samples with and without deglycosylation treatment
Compare results across different tissue/cell types
Use reducing and non-reducing conditions to evaluate potential effects of disulfide bonding
When interpreting Western blot results showing multiple bands, consider that 42 kDa represents the core protein, while bands at 57-59 kDa and 66 kDa likely represent differentially glycosylated forms
Antibodies targeting the second extracellular loop (EL2) of P2RY1 possess unique functional characteristics due to their interaction with the receptor's ligand binding domain. These antibodies can:
Compete directly with endogenous ligands for receptor binding
Demonstrate function-blocking properties by preventing ADP-induced signaling
Displace radiolabeled P2RY1 antagonists like [³H]MRS25000 in a dose-dependent manner
Research has shown that EL2-targeting antibodies inhibit multiple aspects of P2RY1-mediated platelet function, including:
Integrin GPIIb-IIIa activation
Dense and alpha granule secretion
Phosphatidylserine exposure
Thrombus formation in FeCl₃-induced thrombosis models
This makes EL2-targeting antibodies potentially valuable tools for both research and therapeutic applications. When using such antibodies, researchers should carefully titrate concentrations as competition with endogenous ligands follows dose-dependent kinetics .
High background is a common challenge with FITC-conjugated antibodies. To minimize non-specific signal:
Protocol Optimization Strategies:
Increase blocking duration and concentration (use 5-10% serum from the same species as the secondary antibody)
Include 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in blocking buffer to reduce hydrophobic interactions
Add 0.05-0.1% Tween-20 to all wash buffers
Utilize 1-2% BSA in dilution buffers to reduce non-specific binding
Optimize antibody concentration through titration experiments (typical range 1:50-1:200)
Include 10% normal serum from the host species in antibody dilution buffer
Tissue-Specific Considerations:
For tissues with high autofluorescence (brain, liver, kidney), consider:
When facing weak or absent signals with P2RY1 antibodies, consider these methodological approaches:
Signal Enhancement Methods:
Antigen retrieval optimization:
Antibody incubation modifications:
Sample-specific considerations:
Antibody quality control:
Rigorous validation of P2RY1 antibody specificity is essential for reliable research outcomes:
Recommended Validation Approaches:
Peptide Competition Assay:
Genetic Controls:
Multi-technique Validation:
Functional Correlation:
FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibodies offer valuable tools for investigating receptor trafficking dynamics:
Experimental Design for Internalization Studies:
Time-course visualization:
Pulse-label surface receptors at 4°C with FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody
Warm cells to 37°C in the presence of agonist (ADP)
Fix cells at defined time points (0, 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes)
Counterstain with membrane markers to quantify receptor internalization rate
Flow cytometric quantification:
Label cells with FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody
Split samples for unstimulated vs. ADP-stimulated conditions
Measure decrease in surface fluorescence intensity following stimulation
To distinguish internalization from shedding, include permeabilized samples to quantify total receptor pool
Advanced microscopy approaches:
Combine FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody with markers for endocytic compartments
Use live-cell imaging to track receptor movement in real-time
Employ pH-sensitive fluorescent proteins to distinguish surface from internalized receptors
Quantify co-localization with early endosome markers (EEA1) versus recycling compartments (Rab11)
When researchers encounter contradictory results regarding P2RY1 expression patterns:
Reconciliation Strategies for Conflicting Data:
Epitope accessibility considerations:
Methodological differences:
Biological variability explanations:
Investigate receptor expression across different developmental stages
Compare healthy versus pathological tissues
Evaluate regulation under different physiological conditions
Consider splice variants and post-translational modifications
Quantitative validation:
Beyond simple detection, antibodies can provide insights into P2RY1 receptor functionality:
Functional Assessment Methodologies:
Function-blocking assays:
Receptor-ligand interaction studies:
Signaling pathway analysis:
Correlate P2RY1 detection with downstream signaling events
Monitor calcium mobilization following receptor stimulation
Assess phosphorylation of signaling intermediates (PLCβ, PKC)
Examine effects of function-blocking antibodies on signaling cascades
In vivo functional studies:
P2RY1 receptor plays a crucial role in platelet activation and thrombosis, making it relevant for studying various thrombotic disorders:
Expression Patterns and Detection Considerations:
| Disease Context | P2RY1 Expression Changes | Detection Challenges | Recommended Approaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute Coronary Syndromes | Potential alteration in platelet surface density | Platelet activation during sample processing | Immediate fixation; careful anticoagulant selection |
| Stroke | May show tissue-specific regulation | Blood-brain barrier considerations for in vivo imaging | Use of validated permeabilization protocols |
| Venous Thromboembolism | Possible correlation with platelet hyperreactivity | Heterogeneous platelet populations | Flow cytometric subpopulation analysis |
| Essential Thrombocythemia | Potentially altered receptor density or function | Abnormal platelet morphology | Combine morphological assessment with functional studies |
For accurate detection in disease models, researchers should:
Compare P2RY1 receptor density between patient and healthy control samples
Correlate receptor expression with functional assays (ADP-induced aggregation)
Consider using multiple detection methods (flow cytometry + Western blotting)
Account for medication effects (P2Y₁₂ antagonists) on receptor regulation
Multiplexed detection of P2RY1 with other platelet receptors provides comprehensive insights into receptor complexes and signaling networks:
Optimized Multiplexing Strategies:
Multicolor flow cytometry:
Combine FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody with spectrally distinct fluorochromes for other targets
Recommended combinations:
P2RY1-FITC + P2Y₁₂-PE + GPIIb/IIIa-APC
P2RY1-FITC + PAR1-PE + PAR4-APC
Include single-color controls for proper compensation
Use hierarchical gating strategies to identify platelet subpopulations
Multiplex immunofluorescence imaging:
Sequential staining protocols with careful antibody stripping between rounds
Tyramide signal amplification for weak signals
Spectral unmixing to resolve overlapping fluorophores
Consider using quantum dots for multiplexed detection with minimal spectral overlap
Proximity ligation assays:
Detect P2RY1 interactions with other receptors at molecular proximity (<40 nm)
Evaluate receptor dimerization or complex formation
Visualize receptor clustering following activation
Mass cytometry considerations:
Tissue microarrays (TMAs) enable high-throughput analysis of P2RY1 expression across multiple samples, requiring robust quantification approaches:
Quantitative Analysis Protocols:
Staining optimization for TMAs:
Standardize fixation and processing across all TMA cores
Implement automated staining platforms for consistency
Include control tissues (positive and negative) on each TMA
Use FITC-conjugated P2RY1 antibody at validated dilutions (typically 1:50-1:100)
Image acquisition parameters:
Standardize exposure settings across all samples
Capture multiple fields per core when expression is heterogeneous
Use automated microscopy for consistent imaging
Include fluorescence calibration standards
Quantification methodologies:
Membrane-specific segmentation algorithms
Intensity thresholding based on control samples
Quantify parameters including:
Mean fluorescence intensity
Percentage of positive cells
Membrane-to-cytoplasm signal ratio
Expression heterogeneity metrics
Data analysis approaches:
Normalize expression against housekeeping proteins
Implement machine learning classification of expression patterns
Correlate expression with clinical parameters
Use hierarchical clustering to identify tissue-specific expression patterns