Overview
- Peptide (C)DIHGLG(S)TVDWRSKD, corresponding to amino acid residues 180 - 194 of mouse Opsin 3 (Accession Q9WUK7). Extracellular, 2nd loop.
1 µg peptide per 1 µg antibody
Opsin 3 (extracellular) Blocking Peptide (#BLP-OR023)
Western blot analysis of rat brain membranes (lanes 1 and 3) and mouse brain lysate (lanes 2 and 4):1-2. Anti-Opsin 3 (extracellular) Antibody (#AOR-023), (1:200).
3-4. Anti-Opsin 3 (extracellular) Antibody, preincubated with Opsin 3 (extracellular) Blocking Peptide (BLP-OR023).
Western blot analysis of rat eye lysate:1. Anti-Opsin 3 (extracellular) Antibody (#AOR-023), (1:200).
2. Anti-Opsin 3 (extracellular) Antibody, preincubated with Opsin 3 (extracellular) Blocking Peptide (BLP-OR023).
Western blot analysis of Malme-3 skin fibroblast cell line lysates (lanes 1 and 5), human THP-1 monocytic leukemia cell line lysate (lanes 2 and 6), human Jurkat T-cell leukemia cell line lysate (lanes 3 and 7) and human ARPE-19 retinal pigmental epithelia cell line lysate (lanes 4 and 8):1-4. Anti-Opsin 3 (extracellular) Antibody (#AOR-023), (1:200).
5-8. Anti-Opsin 3 (extracellular) Antibody, preincubated with Opsin 3 (extracellular) Blocking Peptide (BLP-OR023).
Opsin 3 (OPN3), also known as encephalopsin or panopsin, is a member of the opsin family, which are light-sensitive G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) primarily known for their role in vision.1-3
Opsins are found throughout the animal kingdom and while most vertebrates have a similar repertoire of 6–20 genes, mammals most commonly have eight opsins, although humans have nine.1-3
Unlike Rhodopsin (or Opsin 2), the founding member of the opsin family, which is located in the retina and is essential for vision in low-light conditions, Opsin 3 has a more widespread expression pattern and functions that extend beyond traditional visual processing.1-3
Opsin 3 is expressed in various tissues, including the brain, skin, testes, and lungs, among others.1-3
Opsin 3 is abundantly expressed in the skin (a major light sensing organ). The function of Opsin 3 in photodetection and photosensitivity is not clear, but it appears to be based in a light-independent manner and through the interaction with MC1R, another GPCR that is crucial for the regulation of pigmentation in the skin and hair. 4
An intriguing role for Opsin 3 was described in relation to regulation of energy metabolism. Opsin 3 was shown to regulate thermogenesis and lipolysis via a blue-light dependent mechanism in adipose tissue. 5
As mentioned above, Opsin 3 is extensively expressed in several brain regions, including cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. Opsin 3 expression in brain regions associated with circadian rhythms, such as the hypothalamus, may suggest a possible role in regulating these rhythms. This connection could influence sleep-wake cycles and other circadian-related functions. In addition, Opsin 3 expression in regions like the hippocampus, a key area for memory and learning, indicates it might play a role in neural development or synaptic plasticity. This could have implications for learning, memory, and other cognitive functions. 4,6
Finally, Opsin 3 has been detected in several cells of the immune system including T-cells and macrophages, implying that immune responses could be potentially regulated through light-related mechanisms.2,7
