ELISA: Primary application for quantitative PTGER3 detection in serum or cell lysates .
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Localizes PTGER3 expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues (e.g., human brain) .
Western Blot (WB): Identifies PTGER3 in lysates from transfected cell lines (e.g., HEK293T) .
PTGER3 signaling via the Ras-MAPK/Erk-ETS1-ELK1 axis promotes ovarian cancer (OC) chemoresistance and tumorigenesis .
In cisplatin-resistant OC cells, PTGER3 silencing reduces proliferation, invasiveness, and angiogenesis while increasing apoptosis .
Dose-Dependent Sensitivity: Optimal dilutions for ELISA range from 1:500 to 1:1000 .
Cross-Reactivity: Confirmed specificity for human PTGER3; no cross-reactivity with murine or rat isoforms reported .
PTGER3 is the receptor for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and plays diverse physiological roles throughout the body. This receptor's activity involves dual signaling mechanisms: inhibition of adenylate cyclase mediated by G-I proteins and elevation of intracellular calcium levels . PTGER3 plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes including inhibition of gastric acid secretion, modulation of neurotransmitter release in central and peripheral neurons, inhibition of sodium and water reabsorption in kidney tubules, and contraction of uterine smooth muscle . Research has also demonstrated PTGER3's involvement in fever development in response to pyrinogens (including IL1B, prostaglandin E2, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide), potentiation of platelet aggregation, and protection of duodenal mucosa against acid-induced ulceration .
Commercial HRP-conjugated PTGER3 antibodies typically have the following specifications:
Clonality: Both polyclonal and monoclonal options available, with polyclonal being more common
Storage conditions: -20°C or -80°C, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Storage buffer: Typically contains preservatives (0.03% Proclin 300) and stabilizers (50% Glycerol in 0.01M PBS, pH 7.4)
Purification method: Protein G purification with >95% purity
Immunogen: Commonly derived from recombinant Human Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 subtype protein (amino acids 1-49)
Western blot: Successfully detecting PTGER3 in human Hodgkin's lymphoma cell line (HDLM-2) and kidney tissue with a specific band at approximately 53 kDa
Immunohistochemistry (paraffin-embedded sections): Detecting PTGER3 in human kidney tissue with specific cytoplasmic localization in convoluted tubules
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence: Suitable for cellular localization studies
For applications beyond ELISA, researchers may need to validate the HRP-conjugated antibody or consider secondary antibody approaches.
When designing an ELISA protocol with HRP-conjugated PTGER3 antibody, consider the following methodological approach:
Plate preparation: Coat high-binding 96-well plates with recombinant PTGER3 protein or sample containing PTGER3 (overnight at 4°C).
Blocking: Block non-specific binding sites with 2-5% BSA or non-fat milk in PBS or TBS (1-2 hours at room temperature).
Primary antibody incubation: Since the PTGER3 antibody is already HRP-conjugated, dilute to manufacturer-recommended concentration (typically 1:1000 to 1:5000) in blocking buffer with 0.05% Tween-20 .
Washing: Perform 3-5 wash steps with PBS-T or TBS-T (containing 0.05-0.1% Tween-20).
Substrate addition: Add appropriate HRP substrate (TMB, ABTS, or OPD) and monitor color development.
Signal detection: Stop the reaction if necessary and measure absorbance at the appropriate wavelength.
For optimal results, perform multiple dilutions of both samples and antibody to establish a standard curve and determine the linear range of detection. Cross-validation with a non-conjugated PTGER3 antibody may provide additional confidence in results.
A rigorous experimental design should include the following controls:
Positive control: Lysates from HDLM-2 human Hodgkin's lymphoma cell line or human kidney tissue extracts, which have been verified to express PTGER3 .
Negative control: Samples known to lack PTGER3 expression.
Isotype control: A non-specific rabbit IgG-HRP conjugate at the same concentration to assess non-specific binding .
Blocking peptide control: Pre-incubation of the antibody with the immunogen peptide (1-49AA of human PTGER3) should abolish specific signal.
Secondary-only control: For comparison experiments with non-conjugated antibodies.
Substrate-only control: To establish background signal from the detection system.
These controls help distinguish specific signal from non-specific background and validate experimental findings.
While HRP-conjugated PTGER3 antibodies are primarily designed for ELISA, researchers utilizing non-conjugated PTGER3 antibodies for IHC should consider these antigen retrieval parameters:
Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER): Use basic antigen retrieval buffer (pH 9.0) as reported in successful detection protocols . Heat samples to 95-100°C for 20 minutes in a water bath, pressure cooker, or microwave.
Enzyme-based retrieval: Alternative approach using proteinase K (10-20 μg/ml) for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
Incubation parameters: Following retrieval, 0.1 μg/mL of antibody for 1 hour at room temperature has proven effective for detecting PTGER3 in kidney tissue .
Detection system: For non-conjugated antibodies, polymer-based detection systems (e.g., Anti-Mouse IgG VisUCyte HRP Polymer) have demonstrated superior results compared to traditional ABC methods .
The specific localization pattern in kidney tissue (cytoplasmic staining in convoluted tubules) serves as a valuable positive control for optimizing these parameters .
When troubleshooting weak or absent signal, consider these methodological adjustments:
Antibody concentration: Increase antibody concentration incrementally, testing a range from 1:500 to 1:2000 .
Antigen abundance: PTGER3 expression varies across tissues; kidney tissue and HDLM-2 cells demonstrate detectable levels .
Blocking optimization: Test alternative blocking agents (BSA, casein, commercial blockers) as excessive blocking can mask epitopes.
Incubation conditions: Extended incubation at 4°C (overnight) may improve binding kinetics compared to shorter room temperature incubations.
Detection sensitivity: For weak signals, consider switching to more sensitive HRP substrates like SuperSignal West Femto rather than standard ECL reagents.
Protein denaturation: Confirm sample preparation maintains the native epitope structure, as the immunogen spans amino acids 1-49 .
Storage conditions: HRP conjugates are sensitive to repeated freeze-thaw cycles; aliquot antibodies and store at -20°C or -80°C .
If signal remains problematic, consider validating PTGER3 expression using orthogonal methods such as qPCR before extensive antibody troubleshooting.
Unexpected results may stem from several technical and biological factors:
Protein modifications: PTGER3 undergoes post-translational modifications, and the mature protein approximately 53 kDa in Western blot analysis . Bands at different molecular weights may represent:
Glycosylated isoforms
Proteolytic fragments
Splice variants
Aggregation or oligomerization
Cross-reactivity: While PTGER3 antibodies are human-specific, potential cross-reactivity with other prostaglandin receptor family members (PTGER1, PTGER2, PTGER4) may occur due to sequence homology.
Isoform specificity: The human PTGER3 gene produces multiple isoforms with identical ligand binding properties but different C-terminal tails and signaling capabilities . Confirm whether your antibody targets conserved (N-terminal) or variable regions.
Non-specific binding: Optimize blocking and washing protocols to reduce background. Inclusion of 0.1-0.3% Triton X-100 in blocking buffers can reduce non-specific membrane interactions.
Sample preparation: Protein denaturation conditions can affect epitope accessibility. Test both reducing and non-reducing conditions as demonstrated in successful Western blot protocols .
When interpreting PTGER3 expression data, consider these analytical frameworks:
Cellular localization: PTGER3 primarily exhibits cytoplasmic localization in convoluted tubules of kidney tissue . Altered localization patterns may suggest dysregulation or pathology.
Co-expression analysis: PTGER3 functions within the broader prostaglandin signaling network. Analyzing co-expression with cyclooxygenases (COX-1, COX-2), other EP receptors (EP1, EP2, EP4), and downstream effectors provides more comprehensive pathway insights.
Signaling crosstalk: PTGER3 signals through both inhibition of adenylate cyclase and elevation of intracellular calcium . Measure downstream markers (cAMP levels, calcium flux) to confirm functional activity.
Physiological context: Interpret PTGER3 expression in relation to its diverse physiological roles:
In kidney: Involved in sodium and water reabsorption
In neural tissues: Modulates neurotransmitter release
In gastric tissue: Regulates acid secretion
In uterine tissue: Mediates smooth muscle contraction
Pathological alterations: Changes in PTGER3 expression have been implicated in inflammation, fever response, blood coagulation, and acid-induced ulceration .
Advanced multiplex strategies with PTGER3 antibody include:
Sequential multiplexing: For tissue sections, perform sequential stripping and re-probing:
Document PTGER3-HRP staining
Strip antibodies using glycine buffer (pH 2.2) or commercial stripping solutions
Verify complete stripping
Re-probe with antibodies against related pathway components
Spectral unmixing approaches: Utilize multiple chromogenic substrates for HRP that produce different colored precipitates:
DAB (brown)
AEC (red)
TMB (blue)
Vector VIP (purple)
Compartmental analysis: Combine HRP-conjugated PTGER3 antibody with fluorescent antibodies targeting distinct cellular compartments:
Membrane markers (Na+/K+ ATPase)
Nuclear markers (DAPI)
Organelle markers (Golgi, ER, mitochondria)
Single-cell resolution techniques: Adapt PTGER3 detection for techniques like:
Mass cytometry (CyTOF)
Digital spatial profiling
Imaging mass cytometry
These approaches enable comprehensive pathway analysis beyond single-target detection.
The PTGER3 gene generates multiple splice variants with unique C-terminal domains and signaling properties . When investigating isoform-specific signaling:
Epitope mapping: Most commercially available PTGER3 antibodies target the N-terminal domain (amino acids 1-49) , which is conserved across isoforms. For isoform-specific detection, confirm epitope specificity or generate custom antibodies against unique C-terminal sequences.
Functional validation: Different PTGER3 isoforms couple to distinct signaling pathways. Validate antibody specificity through functional assays:
G-protein coupling (Gαi vs. Gαs)
Adenylate cyclase inhibition
Calcium mobilization
ERK/MAPK activation
Expression systems: For controlled isoform studies, use recombinant expression systems with defined PTGER3 isoforms combined with functional readouts.
Complementary approaches: Combine antibody-based detection with:
Isoform-specific PCR primers
RNA-seq for splice variant quantification
Mass spectrometry for isoform-specific peptide detection
Knockout/knockdown validation: Utilize CRISPR/Cas9 or siRNA approaches targeting specific isoforms to validate antibody specificity.
Investigating PTGER3 receptor dynamics requires specialized approaches:
Pulse-chase methodology:
Surface label PTGER3 receptors at 4°C
Allow internalization at 37°C for varying time points
Strip remaining surface receptors
Quantify internalized fraction using PTGER3 antibody
Co-localization studies: Track PTGER3 trafficking through endocytic compartments using co-staining with:
Early endosome markers (EEA1)
Recycling endosome markers (Rab11)
Late endosome/lysosome markers (LAMP1)
Live-cell imaging: For dynamic studies, consider:
Generating GFP-tagged PTGER3 constructs
Performing antibody feeding assays with fluorescently-labeled PTGER3 antibody fragments
Biochemical fractionation: Separate membrane and cytosolic fractions to quantify receptor internalization following agonist stimulation.
Stimulation protocols: Design time-course experiments with PGE2 stimulation to capture:
Rapid internalization (minutes)
Recycling phases (30-60 minutes)
Downregulation (hours)
These approaches enable precise characterization of PTGER3 receptor regulation following ligand engagement.
Emerging single-cell technologies offer new applications for PTGER3 antibodies:
Single-cell Western blotting: Miniaturized Western blot techniques allow protein analysis at single-cell resolution:
Capture cells in microwell arrays
Perform in-situ lysis
Separate proteins by size
Detect PTGER3 with HRP-conjugated antibody
Microfluidic immunoassays: Droplet-based or chamber-based microfluidic systems enable:
Multiplex protein detection in single cells
Correlation of PTGER3 levels with functional outputs
Time-resolved signaling studies
Mass cytometry adaptation: Metal-tagged antibodies for CyTOF analysis allow:
Simultaneous measurement of >40 parameters
Integration of PTGER3 detection into comprehensive signaling panels
Clustering analysis to identify distinct cell populations
Spatial transcriptomics integration: Combine PTGER3 protein detection with spatial transcriptomics to correlate:
Protein expression
mRNA levels
Spatial organization within tissues
These emerging platforms enable unprecedented resolution of PTGER3 biology within heterogeneous cell populations.
Implementation of PTGER3 antibodies in drug discovery requires specific technical adaptations:
Assay miniaturization: Transition from standard to high-density plate formats:
Optimize antibody concentration for 384/1536-well formats
Establish minimal detection volume requirements
Validate signal-to-background ratios in miniaturized format
Automation compatibility: Ensure protocols are compatible with liquid handling systems:
Minimize incubation steps
Optimize wash procedures
Develop robust timing parameters
Readout optimization: For HRP-conjugated antibodies:
Select substrates with extended signal stability
Consider chemiluminescent over colorimetric detection for wider dynamic range
Establish reference standards for plate-to-plate normalization
Positive controls: Include known PTGER3 modulators as controls:
PGE2 as natural ligand
Established synthetic agonists
Antagonists like L-798,106
Data analysis pipelines: Develop algorithms for:
Dose-response curve fitting
Hit selection
Structure-activity relationship analysis
These adaptations enable efficient screening of compound libraries for modulators of PTGER3-mediated signaling.
Investigating PTGER3 heteromerization with other GPCRs represents a frontier application:
Proximity-based detection methods:
Proximity ligation assay (PLA) using PTGER3 antibody paired with antibodies against potential heteromerization partners
FRET/BRET approaches with appropriately labeled antibody fragments
Co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis
Functional consequences assessment:
Altered ligand binding properties
Modified signaling cascade activation
Changed desensitization/internalization kinetics
Tissue-specific heteromerization patterns:
Brain regions (neurotransmitter modulation)
Kidney (water/electrolyte balance)
Inflammatory tissues (pain/fever regulation)
Pathological alterations:
Changes in heteromerization patterns in disease states
Correlation with altered drug responses
Potential therapeutic targeting of specific heteromers