Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to several frog rod outer segment proteins

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies to proteins important in phototransduction in the frog rod outer segment have been obtained. These include 6 different antibodies to rhodopsin, 50 to a guanine nucleotide binding protein (G-protein; 40,000 daltons), and 2 to cytoplasmic proteins. The antigens used were Percoll-purified rod outer segments, a rod outer segment soluble protein fraction, or a soluble plus peripheral membrane protein fraction. Antibodies were assayed by solid phase assay using a fluorogenic detection system. Proteins to which antibodies bound were assayed on Western blots, and the sensitivities of three different detection systems were compared. Most antibodies bound to only one rod outer segment protein band on Western blots. Immunofluorescence microscopy J, demonstrated binding of both anti-rhodopsin and anti-Gprotein to isolated frog rod outer segments. Antibodies were purified from either culture supernatants or ascites fluid on protein A affinity columns. Two purified anti-Gprotein antibodies have binding affinities to 125I-labeled Gprotein of <10-6 M-1. Of 11 antibodies to frog or bovine G-protein tested in solid phase and Western blot assays, all bind to the α rather than the β or γ subunits. Procedures developed here are being used in preparing other antibodies that affect reactions in the phototransduction pathway. © 1984, Rockefeller University Press., All rights reserved.