Anti-MERTK/MER Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody for WB, IHC-P, IF/ICC, ELISA - Q12866

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: MERTK Function and Localization

• MERTK (also known as MER, RP38, c-Eyk, c-mer, Tyro12) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that belongs to the TAM family of receptors (Tyro3, Axl, Mer). It plays critical roles in cell survival, migration, differentiation, and the clearance of apoptotic cells through efferocytosis. Related references: PMID:32640697
• Upon ligand binding (e.g., GAS6, LGALS3, TUB, TULP1), MERTK undergoes autophosphorylation on its intracellular domain, creating docking sites for adaptor proteins such as GRB2 and PLCG2. This triggers downstream activation of MAPK1/2, FAK, and RAC1 signaling cascades.
• MERTK is a key mediator in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where it regulates the phagocytosis of rod outer segment fragments, essential for visual cycle maintenance.
• It acts as a negative regulator of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immune responses by activating STAT1 and inducing the suppressors of cytokine signaling SOCS1 and SOCS3.
• Subcellular localization is primarily at the cell membrane, consistent with its function as a transmembrane receptor.
• MERTK is highly expressed in testis, ovary, prostate, lung, and kidney, with lower expression in spleen, small intestine, colon, and liver. It is not expressed in normal B- and T-lymphocytes but is found in many neoplastic B- and T-cell lines, underlining its proto-oncogenic potential.
• The protein is extensively modified post-translationally: glycosylation, disulfide bond formation, and phosphorylation regulate its activity and stability. Clinically, mutations in MERTK are linked to retinitis pigmentosa.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen corresponds to the extracellular region (aa 26-499) of human MERTK, which may yield antibodies recognizing both the full-length receptor and potential shed extracellular domains. Consider this when interpreting bands in Western blot, which may show multiple forms around 110 kDa, particularly in samples with high proteolytic activity.
• For IHC-P, antigen retrieval using heat-mediated citrate buffer (pH 6.0) or EDTA buffer (pH 8.0) may be beneficial, as MERTK is a transmembrane glycoprotein. Validate thoroughly in positive control tissues such as testis or kidney.
• Given the polyclonal nature, lot-to-lot consistency should be verified by testing on a panel of positive and negative cell lines (e.g., MERTK-transfected vs. MERTK-knockout cells). For IF/ICC, permeabilization conditions need to be optimized to detect cell surface and intracellular pools.
• The antibody is reported to react with human, mouse, and rat; however, sequence alignment between the immunogen and target species should be confirmed for applications requiring absolute species specificity.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

CamelBio provides diagnostic manufacturers, laboratories, and research institutes with a streamlined sourcing bridge to high-quality IVD raw materials. As your comprehensive partner, we can support your MERTK-related projects—from validated monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, bulk ancillary reagents, to custom rare target development—helping you accelerate immunoassay development in oncology, immunology, and neurodegeneration.