Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein: Research Guide
Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein: Research Guide
Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein is a research-grade recombinant protein representing the pore-forming alpha-1A subunit of the P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel, widely used to study calcium channel function, neurological disease mechanisms, and protein–protein interactions in vitro.
- SKU
- rp369986
- Protein Name
- Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein
- Gene Name
- CACNA1A
- Protein Function
- Pore-forming alpha-1A subunit of P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels mediating calcium ion influx in neurons
- Species Origin
- Human (Homo sapiens)
- Primary Applications
- Functional assays, protein interaction studies, antibody validation, SDS-PAGE, Western blot
- Relevance to Disease
- Associated with familial hemiplegic migraine type 1, episodic ataxia type 2, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6
Biological Background and Function of CACNA1A
The CACNA1A gene encodes the alpha-1A subunit, also designated Cav2.1, which forms the pore-forming component of P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). These channels are predominantly expressed in neurons of the central nervous system, particularly in cerebellar Purkinje cells, granule cells, and presynaptic terminals throughout the brain.
P/Q-type calcium channels play a critical role in regulating neurotransmitter release at the presynaptic membrane. Upon membrane depolarization, Cav2.1 channels open rapidly, allowing calcium ions to flow into the presynaptic terminal and trigger vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter exocytosis. This process is essential for fast synaptic transmission and for the coordinated activity of neural circuits involved in motor control, sensory processing, and cognition.
Mutations in CACNA1A are associated with several rare neurological disorders, including familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1), episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2), and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). Understanding the molecular behavior of the CACNA1A protein is therefore of significant clinical and translational research interest.
Product Description and Key Specifications
Aladdin Scientific's Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein (SKU: rp369986) is produced using recombinant expression technology to deliver a research-grade protein suitable for a variety of in vitro biochemical and cell-based assay formats. This product is designed to meet the high purity and functional consistency demands of modern life-science research.
Key specification highlights include:
- Gene: CACNA1A (Cav2.1, CACNL1A4, MHP, MHP1)
- Species: Human (Homo sapiens)
- Expression System: Recombinant expression system (please confirm specific host system on the product datasheet)
- Purity: High purity, suitable for sensitive downstream applications (exact purity grade available on the certificate of analysis)
- Format: Supplied as a lyophilized or liquid protein preparation (refer to product datasheet for specific formulation details)
- Storage: Follow the storage conditions specified on the product datasheet to maintain protein integrity and activity
Researchers are advised to consult the accompanying Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and product datasheet for lot-specific purity, concentration, and quality control data before use.
Research Applications
Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein is a versatile reagent applicable across multiple research disciplines. Typical applications include:
- Functional Biochemical Assays: Used to investigate calcium channel subunit interactions, binding kinetics, and domain-specific functional properties in cell-free systems.
- Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: Facilitates co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), pull-down assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to map CACNA1A interactions with beta subunits, alpha-2-delta subunits, and cytoplasmic binding partners.
- Antibody Validation and Development: Serves as a positive control antigen for Western blot, ELISA, and immunofluorescence assays when validating CACNA1A-specific antibodies.
- Drug Screening and Target Validation: Supports in vitro screening of small molecules or peptides targeting the P/Q-type calcium channel, relevant to migraine, ataxia, and other neurological conditions.
- Structural Studies: Can be used as a reference protein in studies aimed at elucidating the structural determinants of channel gating, inactivation, and pharmacological modulation.
- SDS-PAGE and Western Blot: Suitable as a recombinant protein standard for gel-based quality control and molecular weight verification.
Handling, Storage, and Reconstitution Guidelines
To ensure optimal performance and data reproducibility, adhere to the following best practices when working with Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein:
- Storage: Upon receipt, store the protein according to the conditions stated on the product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis. Generally, recombinant proteins are stored at −20 °C or −80 °C. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, as these can compromise protein integrity and activity.
- Reconstitution: If supplied in lyophilized form, reconstitute gently using the recommended buffer as specified in the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to minimize condensation-related contamination risks. Mix by gentle pipetting or slow inversion; do not vortex.
- Aliquoting: Prepare single-use aliquots immediately after reconstitution to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Label aliquots clearly with date, concentration, and lot number.
- Working Concentrations: Optimize protein concentrations empirically for each specific assay format and application. Refer to published literature and the product datasheet for suggested starting concentrations.
- Quality Check: Prior to experimental use, confirm protein integrity by SDS-PAGE and verify activity using an appropriate functional assay where possible.
Always refer to the current product datasheet for the most up-to-date and lot-specific handling instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What is CACNA1A and why is it important in neuroscience research?
CACNA1A encodes the pore-forming alpha-1A (Caᵥ2.1) subunit of P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels, which are critical for presynaptic neurotransmitter release throughout the central nervous system. Mutations in this gene are linked to familial hemiplegic migraine type 1, episodic ataxia type 2, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6, making it an important target for understanding neurological disease mechanisms and for developing potential therapies.
What applications is Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein (rp369986) validated for?
This recombinant protein is suitable for a range of in vitro applications including functional biochemical assays, protein–protein interaction studies (co-IP, pull-down, SPR), antibody validation by Western blot and ELISA, drug screening, and use as a molecular weight standard in SDS-PAGE. Researchers should confirm specific validated applications on the product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis for the relevant lot.
How should Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein be stored to maintain stability?
The protein should be stored at the temperature specified on the product datasheet, typically −20 °C or −80 °C. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles should be strictly avoided to prevent loss of protein integrity and activity. After reconstitution (if lyophilized), single-use aliquots should be prepared and stored appropriately until use.
Can Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein be used for drug discovery screening?
Yes, Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein can support in vitro drug discovery workflows, including the screening of small-molecule inhibitors or modulators targeting P/Q-type calcium channels relevant to migraine, ataxia, and other neurological conditions. Researchers should optimize assay conditions and validate results with orthogonal methods for robust screening campaigns.
What quality controls are performed on Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein?
Each lot of Recombinant Human CACNA1A Protein is subject to quality control testing as detailed in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which typically includes purity assessment by SDS-PAGE, concentration determination, and identity confirmation. Researchers are encouraged to request the CoA for their specific lot from Aladdin Scientific to review all quality control data before use.
References
- Catterall WA. Voltage-gated calcium channels. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2011;3(8):a003947. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a003947
- Ophoff RA, Terwindt GM, Vergouwe MN, et al. Familial hemiplegic migraine and episodic ataxia type-2 are caused by mutations in the Ca2+ channel gene CACNL1A4. Cell. 1996;87(3):543-552. doi:10.1016/S0092-8674(00)81373-2
- Zhuchenko O, Bailey J, Bonnen P, et al. Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (SCA6) associated with small polyglutamine expansions in the alpha 1A-voltage-dependent calcium channel. Nat Genet. 1997;15(1):62-69. doi:10.1038/ng0197-62
Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.
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