Description
Description: This assay employs a two-site sandwich ELISA to quantitate MRGPRE in samples. An antibody specific for MRGPRE has been pre-coated onto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any MRGPRE present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After removing any unbound substances, a biotin-conjugated antibody specific for MRGPRE is added to the wells. After washing, Streptavidin conjugated Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unbound avidin-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount of MRGPRE bound in the initial step. The color development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.
Overview: Dong et al. (2001) identified, in the mouse and human genomes, a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) related to the MAS1 oncogene, including MRGE. Several pseudogenes were also identified. The predicted MRG proteins contain transmembrane, extracellular, and cytoplasmic domains. A subset of MRGs was expressed in specific subpopulations of sensory neurons that detect painful stimuli. The expression patterns of these genes thus revealed an unexpected degree of molecular diversity among nociceptive neurons. Some MRGs could be specifically activated in heterologous cells by RFamide neuropeptides such as NPFF and NPAF, which are analgesic in vivo. The authors concluded that MRGs may regulate nociceptor function and/or development, including the sensation or modulation of pain