Mas-related GPCR member X1

Accession number/Alternate nomenclature:  Q8CIP3, Mas-related GPCR member X1, Sensory neuron–specific G-protein coupled receptor

G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), also known as seven trans-membrane domain receptors, comprise of a group of trans-membrane receptors that activate intra cellular signal transduction pathways when activated by their respective ligands form outside of the cell.  These internal signaling pathways ultimately lead to physiological/cellular responses.  GCPRs are found exclusively in eukaryotes, and the ligands that bind to the GPCRs include a range from peptides to large proteins, including GH, Prolactin, neurotransmitters, light-sensitive compounds and more.   The ligands that activate GPCRs cause a conformational change in the receptor once they are bound allowing the GPCR to act as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF).  Acting as a GEF the GCPR can then activate a specific associated G-protein, and this is done by hydrolysis of bound cyclic nucleotides.  The further downstream effects brought on by specific G-protein.  There are 6 classes of GPCRs categorized around their respective functions, however many GPCR families are categorized as “orphans” or G-protein-coupled receptors of unknown function.  The discovery of GPCRs has made a great impact on life sciences as they are involved in a variety of physiological roles and are involved in many diseases.  G-Protein Coupled Receptors are highly exploited as a target for medicinal intervention.

Mas-related genes (Mrgs) are a large family of GPCRs related to the MAS oncogene comprised of MgrX1-4.  Mrgs are also known as sensory neuron specific receptors make up over 50 rodent and human orphan GPCRs.  A subgroup of the MRGX family (MrgX1-MrgX4) is not found in rodents causing difficulty in finding the physiological roles of these receptors.  It is speculated that these genes play a role in nociception as many Mrgs are expressed to the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion.  Many subtypes of the Mrg family are specific and restricted to small diameter sensory neurons in rodents and in humans, further implicating that these genes may be involved in pain/nociception (1). MgrX1 is cAMP stimulating receptor.   Rhesus monkey MrgX receptors were cloned from with the receptors exhibiting high constitutive activity in a cellular proliferation assay.  Pertussis toxin partially blocked proliferative responses that were mediated by human or rhesus MrgX1 and MrgX2, while proliferative responses mediated by rhesus MrgX3 and human and rhesus MrgX4 did not respond to PTX.   This indicated that human and rhesus MrgX1 and MrgX2 receptors Gq- and Gi- regulated pathways while MrgX3 and MrgX4 receptors stimulate Gq- related pathways.

The Anti-MrgX1 selective antibodies were generated against conserved sequences at or near C-terminal end of the protein that is unique to rat/mouse mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X1 protein.  The MrgX1-selective antibodies are affinity purified against immobilized antigen based affinity chromatography which yielded epitope-specific antibodies.  The MrgX1 antibodies label a 49-50kDa protein in Western blot using Western blot positive control for MRGX1 (PC-MRGX1) samples.  Anti-MrgX1-selective antibodies are also available in FITC-conjugated form for confocal, Western blotting and immunocytochemical analyses.  FabGennix Inc. will also conjugate antibodies with fluorescent probes upon request at extra charge.  Limited quantities of antigenic peptide is also available (inquire before ordering).   FabGennix Inc. also provides antibodies to other family members of mas related G-protein-coupled-receptors including MgrX(1-4).  FabGennix Inc employs cyclic peptide methodology for generating antibodies, which results in higher titer and specificity (6).  FabGennix Int. Inc., will also provide Western blot positive controls for most of these antibodies in ready-to-use buffer for easy identification of respective proteins.  Limited quantities of antigens are also available for blocking studies.  Please enquire for their availability before ordering.

For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.