| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Accession Number | |
| Alternative Names | Melanocortin receptor 4, MC4R, MC4-R |
| Clonality | |
| Conjugate | |
| Host | |
| Isotype | |
| Product Type | |
| Reactivity | |
| Shipping | |
| Storage | |
| Target |
Overview
Anti-MC4 Receptor (extracellular) Antibody is an antibody targeting Melanocortin receptor 4, MC4R, MC4-R Polyclonal raised in Rabbit (Unconjugated). This antibody is commonly used in IC, IF, IHC, LCI, WB to detect, localize, or compare expression of the target across samples.
Key elements and design rationale
- Target: Melanocortin receptor 4, MC4R, MC4-R (also reported as Melanocortin receptor 4, MC4R, MC4-R).
- Immunogen/epitope region: Extracellular, N-terminus.
- Homology note: Rat, mouse - 13/15 amino acid residues identical (informative for cross-species interpretation).
- Species reactivity (as provided): Human, Rat, Mouse.
- Lot quality control (as provided): Western blot analysis.
- Peptide confirmation: Confirmed by amino acid analysis and mass spectrometry.
- Blocking peptide: Available for antigen preadsorption control where appropriate.
- Conjugate/format: Unconjugated (may affect detection channel and background).
These attributes help researchers interpret whether signal reflects the intended target in a given assay and sample context.
Biological background
Melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) is one of five members of the melanocortin receptor family, which belongs to the 7-transmembrane domain, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily.The ligands of these receptors, the melanocortins, are a group of structurally-related peptides comprising the α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-, β-, γ-MSH) and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), all of which are derived from post-translational processing of a common precursor peptide, proopiomelanocortin (POMC).1,2,3One of the salient features of the melanocortin signaling system is the existence of two endogenous antagonists, proteins that bind specifically to the receptor and have an inhibitory effect. These antagonist proteins are termed agouti (or agouti signaling protein, ASP) and agouti-related protein (AGRP).1All five melanocortin receptors bind their agonists (the melanocortins) and their endogenous antagonists (agouti/ASP and AGRP) with differing affinities. The order of potency for MC4R activation is α-MSH = ACTH > β-MSH >> γ-MSH.
Research relevance and current trends
- Comparing target expression across perturbations, genotypes, or treatment conditions.
- Interpreting localization shifts alongside pathway or phenotypic readouts.
- Using orthogonal controls (KO/KD, peptide competition, isotype concepts) to support conclusions.
Common research applications
- Western blot (WB): compare target abundance/size across lysates and conditions; consider isoforms/PTMs.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): examine spatial distribution in tissue and relate signal to cell-type composition.
- Immunofluorescence/ICC: assess subcellular localization and co-localization with markers in cells or sections.
- Live cell imaging (LCI): support extracellular-epitope detection on non-permeabilized cells when appropriate.
Interpretation typically benefits from comparing matched sample sets (e.g., treated vs control, WT vs KO/KD) and using orthogonal readouts where feasible.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Isoforms and post-translational modifications can shift apparent molecular weight or epitope accessibility across samples.
- Cross-species signal may depend on epitope conservation; consult the provided homology note when selecting models.
- Permeabilization, fixation, and antigen retrieval can change accessibility of intracellular vs extracellular epitopes.
- Conceptual control: antigen preadsorption (blocking peptide) can help assess signal dependence on the immunogen region.
- Provided control suggestions: Negative control: BLP-MR024.
- Application notes: see product-specific dilution/usage notes and control concepts provided in the dataset.
Application abbreviations: CBE- Cell-based ELISA, FC- Flow cytometry, ICC- Immunocytochemistry, IE- Indirect ELISA, IF- Immunofluorescence, IFC- Indirect flow cytometry, IHC- Immunohistochemistry, IP- Immunoprecipitation, LCI- Live cell imaging, N- Neutralization, WB- Western blot. Species abbreviations: H- Human, M- Mouse, R- Rat.
Recommended controls: Blocking peptide: BLP-MR024; Negative control: BLP-MR024.
Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.
