The OPRM1 antibody targets the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), encoded by the *OPRM1* gene, which is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) central to pain modulation, reward pathways, and addiction. MORs are primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral neurons, and immune cells, mediating endogenous and exogenous opioid effects. OPRM1 antibodies are essential tools for studying receptor localization, expression levels, and signaling mechanisms in both physiological and pathological contexts. They are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to explore MOR involvement in chronic pain, opioid tolerance, substance use disorders, and psychiatric conditions.
These antibodies vary by clonality (monoclonal/polyclonal), species reactivity (human, mouse, rat), and epitope specificity (extracellular, intracellular domains). Validation often includes knockout controls or blocking peptides to confirm specificity, as cross-reactivity with other opioid receptor subtypes (e.g., δ- or κ-opioid receptors) can occur due to structural homology. Additionally, post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation, glycosylation) may influence antibody binding efficiency.
Research using OPRM1 antibodies has advanced understanding of genetic polymorphisms (e.g., *OPRM1* A118G SNP) affecting opioid efficacy and addiction susceptibility. However, challenges remain in standardizing antibody performance across experimental models, highlighting the need for rigorous validation in specific applications.