DRD4 Antibodies

Structure of DRD4

The molecular weight of the dopamine D4 receptor protein encoded by the DRD4 gene is approximately 41-48 kDa, and the specific value is affected by the difference in the number of amino acid repeats in its variable region.

This protein belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, and its primary structure is composed of seven transmembrane α -helices. The third intracellular loop domain of the receptor protein (especially the coding region of exon III) has a variable number of tandem repeats of amino acid sequences (such as the common 2, 4, and 7 repeats in humans), and this polymorphism directly affects its coupling efficiency with downstream G proteins and signal transduction characteristics. The binding sites of the receptor and ligand dopamine are mainly composed of conserved amino acid residues in the transmembrane region, while the variable repeat region is regarded as the key structural basis influencing individual drug responses and behavioral phenotype differences.

Fig. 1 Mouse DRD4 Architecture: Transmembrane, Ligand, and Fusion Domains.¹

Key structural properties of DRD4:

• A typical seven transmembrane alpha helix structure of G protein coupled receptors
• The third intracellular ring region contains a unique variable number tandem repeat (VNTR)
• Conserved amino acid residues in the transmembrane region form dopamine-binding pockets

Functions of DRD4

The dopamine D4 receptor encoded by the DRD4 gene mainly functions to regulate the dopamine signal transmission in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system of the brain, thereby influencing cognition and behavior. However, it is also involved in a variety of neurophysiological and pathological processes, including susceptibility to mental illness and an individual's adaptive response to new environments.

The affinity of this receptor for dopamine binding is lower than that of other D2-type receptors, and its dose-response curve is gentler. This is consistent with its characteristic of being more inclined to respond to low concentrations of dopamine outside the synaptic connection, thereby regulating "modulated" neural transmission, and also explains its fine regulatory role in the regulation of complex behaviors.

Applications of DRD4 and DRD4 Antibody in Literature

1. Zhou, Yuan, et al. "DRD4 Interacts with TGF‐β Receptors to Drive Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Independently of Dopamine Signaling Pathway." Advanced Science 12.6 (2025): 2413953. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202413953

This study found that DRD4 is abnormally highly expressed in colorectal cancer. It activates the Smad pathway by binding to the TGF-β receptor, promoting tumor metastasis. This mechanism is independent of the classical dopamine signaling. Targeting this pathway can effectively inhibit cancer progression, providing a new direction for treatment.

2. Mai, Sabrina, et al. "DRD4 allele frequencies in greylag geese vary between urban and rural sites." Ecology and Evolution 13.2 (2023): e9811. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9811 

The study analyzed the genetic diversity of DRD4 in gray geese and found that the genetic differentiation between urban and rural populations was small, but the common genotypes were mostly found in urban areas, while the rare types were mostly found in rural areas. Although no direct correlation between genotype and escape distance was found, it suggests that DRD4 may be related to habitat selection.

3. Liu, Xue-song, et al. "DRD4 mitigates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in association with PI3K/AKT mediated glucose metabolism." Frontiers in pharmacology 11 (2021): 619426. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.619426 

This study confirmed that activating the dopamine receptor DRD4 can promote the translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 on the myocardial cell membrane by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, enhance glucose uptake, thereby alleviating ischemia-reperfusion injury and reducing apoptosis.

4. Chmielowiec, Krzysztof, et al. "DRD4 Exon 3 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients Diagnosed with Polysubstance Use Disorder and Co-Occurrence of a Depressive Episode." Genes 12.11 (2021): 1834. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12111834 

This study compared the DRD4 gene polymorphisms in patients with substance use disorder with or without depressive episodes with a healthy control group. The results show that patients with depression carry the s allele more frequently and have higher neuroticism scores. There is an interaction between extroversion and conscientiousness scores and DRD4 polymorphism.

5. Masiak, Jolanta, et al. "DRD4, DRD2, DAT1, and ANKK1 genes polymorphisms in patients with dual diagnosis of polysubstance addictions." Journal of Clinical Medicine 9.11 (2020): 3593. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113593

This article describes a rare case of primary multiple pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in a dog's heart, where myoglobin antibody was used as an immunohistochemical marker to confirm the tumor's myogenic origin, demonstrating its diagnostic significance in differentiating cardiac neoplasms.

Creative Biolabs: DRD4 Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality DRD4 antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

• Custom DRD4 Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
• Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
• Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
• Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our DRD4 antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.