The OXTR protein belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor family, specifically Gq, and acts as a receptor for oxytocin. Its activity is mediated by G proteins that activate several different second messenger systems. Oxytocin receptors are expressed by the myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland, and in both the myometrium and endometrium of the uterus at the end of pregnancy. The oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system plays an important role as an inducer of uterine contractions during parturition and of milk ejection. OXTR is also associated with the central nervous system. The gene is believed to play a major role in social, cognitive, and emotional behavior. A decrease in OXTR expression by methylation of the OXTR gene is associated with Callous and unemotional traits in adolescence, rigid thinking in anorexia nervosa, problems with facial and emotional recognition, and difficulties in the affect regulation. A reduction in this gene is believed to lead to prenatal stress, postnatal depression, and social anxiety. Further research must be gathered before concluding these findings, however strong evidence is pointing in this direction. Studies on OXTR methylation—which downregulates oxytocin mechanisms—suggest this process is associated with increased gray matter density in the amygdala, implicating OXTR regulation in stress and parasympathetic regulation.
Background References
1. Berendzen KM et al. Oxytocin receptor is not required for social attachment in prairie voles. Neuron. 2023 Mar
2. Pierzynowska K et al. Roles of the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb
Western blot analysis of Oxytocin Receptor on different lysates with Rabbit anti-Oxytocin Receptor antibody (HA722539) at 1/1,000 dilution.
Lane 1: U-2 OS cell lysate Lane 2: Mouse testis tissue lysate Lane 3: Mouse skeletal muscle tissue lysate Lane 4: Rat uterus tissue lysate Lane 5: Rat skeletal muscle tissue lysate Lane 6: Rat testis tissue lysate
Lysates/proteins at 20 µg/Lane.
Predicted band size: 43 kDa Observed band size: 50 kDa
Exposure time: 1 minute 2 seconds; ECL: K1801;
4-20% SDS-PAGE gel.
Proteins were transferred to a PVDF membrane and blocked with 5% NFDM/TBST for 1 hour at room temperature. The primary antibody (HA722539) at 1/1,000 dilution was used in 5% NFDM/TBST at 4℃ overnight. Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG - HRP Secondary Antibody (HA1001) at 1/50,000 dilution was used for 1 hour at room temperature.
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