Anti-PENK Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody for WB, IF-P, ELISA - P01210

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: Proenkephalin-A (PENK) Function and Localization

• Proenkephalin-A (PENK) is a precursor protein that undergoes proteolytic processing to yield active opioid peptides, including Met-enkephalin, Leu-enkephalin, and Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe.
• The enkephalins act as endogenous ligands for opioid receptors and mimic opiate drug effects, thereby modulating pain perception, stress responses, and neurotransmitter dynamics.
• Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe binds the Mu-type opioid receptor OPRM1 in the nucleus accumbens to induce long-term synaptic depression of glutamate release, contributing to reward and analgesic mechanisms.
• Beyond classical opioid signaling, PENK-derived peptides also act as ligands for the MRGPRX1 receptor, triggering histamine-independent itch and nociceptive sensations (PubMed:11850634, PubMed:28223516). Related references: PMID:11850634, PMID:28223516
• MRGPRX1 activation in peripheral sensory neurons elicits itch and scratching, whereas central MRGPRX1 signaling alleviates chronic pain, revealing a dual functional role (PubMed:11850634, PubMed:21593341, PubMed:28223516). Related references: PMID:11850634, PMID:21593341, PMID:28223516
• Subcellularly, PENK localizes to cytoplasmic secretory vesicles, notably chromaffin granules, and is secreted into the extracellular space.
• The protein undergoes key post-translational modifications, including disulfide bond formation and phosphorylation, which may influence its processing and receptor interactions.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen corresponds to amino acids 150-267 of human PENK, which encompasses the C-terminal region containing the Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe opioid peptide motif; the resulting polyclonal antibody is expected to recognize both full-length proenkephalin-A and processed fragments containing this epitope.
• For Western blot (WB), the predicted molecular weight of proenkephalin-A is approximately 31 kDa; however, multiple bands may be observed due to proteolytic processing and potential post-translational modifications, and optimization of sample preparation is recommended.
• In immunofluorescence (IF-P), since PENK is a secreted protein localized to secretory vesicles, permeabilization and fixation conditions are critical to visualize intracellular pools; validate the staining pattern in appropriate cell or tissue models.
• This antibody cross-reacts with rat PENK, facilitating studies in rodent models; nonetheless, species-specific validation is advised.
• As a polyclonal antibody, performance may vary between lots; always titrate and include appropriate controls for each experiment.

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