Dopamine D2 Receptor

Five types of dopamine receptors designated as (dopamine D1-dopamine D5) have been characterized based on cDNA cloning, ligand binding and behavioral responses to antagonist/agonists.  Molecular cloning of dopamine receptors have identified a family of closely related genes that encodes 5 proteins with some splice variants exhibiting high degree of amino acid homology (45%-65%) all in the molecular weight range of 40-60 kDa.  Individual members of the dopamine receptor family have predicted secondary structure having 7 trans-membrane spanning helical domains characteristic features of G-protein-coupled receptors.  Stimulation of dopamine D2 receptor led to G_i coupled adenylate cyclase activation resulting in decrease in cAMP levels.  Dopamine D2 receptors are expressed in two splice variant form (D2L and D2S), D2L is the major variant and has an exon expressing 29 amino acids.  All dopamine receptors proteins are glycosylated at or near the C-terminus and are present on either cell surface or in intracellular sites.  Some transporters exhibit dynamic trafficking between intracellular storage sites and plasma membranes in response to various stimuli.  Dopamine receptors are believed to be associated with other proteins including members of other G-protein coupled receptors, resulting in a significant increase in their apparent molecular weight. 

The dopamine receptor family-selective antibodies were generated against unique N or C-terminal cyclic peptides characteristics of a particular dopamine receptor.  FabGennix Inc. has   generated highly specific rabbit anti-dopamine D2 receptor polyclonal antibodies utilizing unique N-terminal sequences (1).  These antibodies have been fully characterized for cross reactivity with in the dopamine receptor family and with other cellular proteins.  FabGennix Inc. has produced antibodies to multiple epitopes on the same protein that will facilitate studies utilizing interspecies cross reactivity.

FabGennix Inc. provides dopamine D2 Western blot positive control in “ready-to-use” SDS-PAGE sample buffer.  The dopamine D2 receptor positive control appears as a diffuse band at 110 kDa and the receptor core protein at 49-55 kDa.  These proteins co-migrate with rat brain dopamine D2 receptor protein from rat striatal membranes on a 10% SDS-PAGE.  Striatal membranes were prepared following method describe earlier by Farooqui et; al., 1991 (1).

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