Anti-mOPN4 (Melanopsin) Antibody

The melanopsin protein (mOPN4), encoded by the OPN4 gene, is a photopigment found in specialized retinal ganglion cells (Hughes et al. 2016) . mOPN4 plays a crucial role in non-image-forming visual processes, including the regulation of circadian rhythms, pupillary light reflex, and mood modulation (Pan et al. 2023 and Roecklein et al. 2009) . Unlike rod and cone photoreceptors responsible for traditional image formation, mOPN4-expressing cells respond to light intensity and are key to synchronizing the body’s internal clock with environmental light-dark cycles. Disruptions in mOPN4 signaling are linked to various disorders, such as seasonal affective disorder, sleep disturbances, and even metabolic conditions. Research in recent years has revealed OPN4’s role in the photosensitive system of human skin (Sua-Cespedes et al 2023, Kusumoto et al. 2020), and it is even implicated in cutaneous melanoma (de Assis et al. 2022) .

Store at 4°C in the dark. Under these conditions, the antibodies should have a shelf life of at least twelve months, provided they remain sterile. For longer term storage, aliquot and freeze to avoid freeze-thaw of the antibody.