Anti-Prolactin/PRL Antibody Picoband®

Overview

Anti-Prolactin/PRL Antibody Picoband® is an antibody reagent for detection of PRL (gap junction protein alpha 1). Researchers commonly use anti-PRL antibodies to measure relative expression and localization across biological samples, with assay selection guided by the listed applications (WB, IHC, Flow, ELISA).

Boster Bio Anti-Prolactin/PRL Antibody Picoband® catalog # A00601-1. Tested in ELISA, WB applications. This antibody reacts with Human, Mouse, Rat. The brand Picoband indicates this is a premium antibody that guarantees superior quality, high affinity, and strong signals with minimal background in Western blot applications. Only our best-performing antibodies are designated as Picoband, ensuring unmatched performance.

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: PRL (gap junction protein alpha 1). Alternative names: Gap junction alpha-1 protein; Connexin-43; Cx43; Gap junction 43 kDa heart protein; GJA1; GJAL
• Antibody format: Polyclonal; Rabbit IgG
• Species context: Host: Rabbit, Reactivity: Human,Mouse,Rat
• Purification: Immunogen affinity purified.
• Immunogen: E.coli-derived human Prolactin/PRL recombinant protein (Position: A36-D206).
• Molecular weight context: observed 26 kDa (reported)
• Provided application(s): WB, IHC, Flow, ELISA

These attributes help contextualize how the antibody is commonly selected (host/clonality/isotype/label) and how signals are interpreted across sample types and assay formats.

Biological background

Function: Gap junction protein that acts as a regulator of bladder capacity. A gap junction consists of a cluster of closely packed pairs of transmembrane channels, the connexons, through which materials of low MW diffuse from one cell to a neighboring cell. May play a critical role in the physiology of hearing by participating in the recycling of potassium to the cochlear endolymph. Negative regulator of bladder functional capacity: acts by enhancing intercellular electrical and chemical transmission, thus sensitizing bladder muscles to cholinergic neural stimuli and causing them to contract. May play a role in cell growth inhibition through the regulation of NOV expression and localization. Plays an essential role in gap junction communication in the ventricles.

Cellular localization: Endoplasmic reticulum. Cell membrane. Multi-pass membrane protein. Gap junction.

Tissue details: Expressed in the heart and fetal cochlea.

Background: Prolactin (PRL) also known as luteotropic hormone (LTH) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PRL gene. Prolactin is a peptide hormone discovered by Henry Friesen. Although it is perhaps best known for its role in lactation, prolactin already existed in the oldest known vertebrates—fishes—where its most important functions were probably related to control of water and salt balance. Prolactin also acts in a cytokine-like manner and as an important regulator of the immune system. Prolactin has important cell cycle related functions as a growth-, differentiating- and anti-apoptotic factor. As a growth factor binding to cytokine like receptors it has also profound influence on hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and is involved in the regulation of blood clotting through several pathways.

Cross reactivity: No cross-reactivity with other proteins.

Research relevance and current trends

• Quantitative and spatial profiling: expression patterns are increasingly studied across cell states using multiplex imaging and omics-informed validation.
• Isoforms and post-translational modifications: researchers often evaluate how isoform composition and PTMs can shift apparent molecular weight or localization.
• Context-aware interpretation: comparative studies commonly include perturbations (stimulation, inhibition, genetic models) to relate target changes to pathway behavior.

Common research applications

• Western blot (WB): compare relative target abundance and apparent size shifts (e.g., isoforms/PTMs) across conditions.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): assess distribution across tissue compartments and compare staining patterns between groups.
• Flow cytometry: quantify target-positive populations and compare shifts after stimulation or differentiation.

Across these uses, researchers typically interpret changes in signal as relative differences between matched sample groups, considering sample preparation and biological context.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Apparent molecular weight can vary due to isoforms, proteolysis, glycosylation, phosphorylation, and sample preparation differences.
• Species reactivity and epitope conservation can influence observed signal patterns, especially in cross-species studies.
• Control concepts: include appropriate negative controls (e.g., isotype controls where relevant) and, when feasible, genetic or orthogonal controls (KO/KD, peptide competition, or independent assays) to support interpretation.

For antibody reagents, monoclonal antibodies are often chosen for epitope consistency across lots, while polyclonals may recognize multiple epitopes and can show different background characteristics depending on context.

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.