The RXFP3 antibody is a research tool designed to detect and study the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 3 (RXFP3), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) primarily expressed in the central nervous system. RXFP3 binds its endogenous ligand, relaxin-3 (RLN3), which is involved in regulating stress responses, appetite, and circadian rhythms. Discovered in the early 2000s, RXFP3 has since been linked to neuroendocrine signaling pathways influencing behaviors such as anxiety, feeding, and memory formation. Its distribution in brain regions like the hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus underscores its role in integrating physiological and emotional states.
Antibodies targeting RXFP3 are critical for elucidating its expression patterns, signaling mechanisms, and interactions with other neural circuits. These antibodies enable techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry to visualize receptor localization, quantify protein levels, and assess functional activity in both normal and disease models. Research using RXFP3 antibodies has highlighted its potential as a therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression) and metabolic conditions (e.g., obesity), given its regulatory effects on stress and energy homeostasis. However, challenges remain in ensuring antibody specificity due to structural similarities among GPCRs. Validation via knockout controls or blocking peptides is essential to confirm accurate detection. Overall, RXFP3 antibodies continue to advance our understanding of neural pathways and drug development strategies.