MONITORING OF PPAR ALPHA-PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN HUMAN TISSUE BY THE USE OF PPAR ALPHA-SPECIFIC MABS

We report the production and characterization of two PPAR alpha subtyp e-specific monoclonal antibodies raised against the N-terminal domain of PPAR alpha. P alpha b11.80A is a Western-reactive antibody, whereas P alpha b32.51 is useful for immunohistochemistry. Both antibodies ex hibited high affinity against the immunogen based on BIAcore analysis, recognized full-length PPAR alpha protein in PPAR alpha-transfected C V-1 cells, and displayed no cross-reactivity against the N-terminal do mains of PPAR gamma or PPAR delta proteins as demonstrated by various immunoassays, The application of these antibodies to a panel of normal human tissues revealed that PPAR alpha protein expression is highest in skeletal muscle, liver, and kidney, consistent with previously repo rted mRNA expression data, These antibodies provide us with valuable t ools to further explore the function of PPAR alpha.