What Is CDH26? Gene, Protein, and Biological Context

CDH26, also known as Cadherin-26, is a member of the cadherin superfamily—a large group of transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate calcium-dependent, homophilic cell–cell adhesion. Unlike classical cadherins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin), CDH26 belongs to the non-classical or type II cadherin subfamily and displays a distinctive domain organization and tissue distribution.

The CDH26 gene is located on human chromosome 20q13 and encodes a protein with multiple extracellular cadherin (EC) repeat domains that bind calcium ions, enabling the protein to adopt the rigid, rod-like conformation required for adhesive interactions. CDH26 is predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues, with notable expression in bronchial airway epithelium and gastrointestinal epithelium.

Emerging evidence suggests that CDH26 plays a role in maintaining epithelial barrier integrity and modulating immune responses at mucosal surfaces, making it a protein of particular interest in studies of asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and other allergic or inflammatory conditions.

Recombinant Production: Expression System and Protein Quality

Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein (SKU: rp365825) is produced using recombinant DNA technology, in which the coding sequence for the human CDH26 extracellular domain or the full-length protein is introduced into a suitable expression host. Common expression platforms for recombinant cadherins include mammalian cell systems (e.g., HEK293 or CHO cells), which provide the post-translational modifications—including N-linked glycosylation—important for proper folding, calcium-binding competence, and biological activity.

Following expression, the recombinant protein is typically purified by affinity chromatography (e.g., His-tag or Fc-fusion affinity columns), followed by size-exclusion chromatography to ensure high purity and monodispersity. Quality control assessments generally include SDS-PAGE for purity determination, western blotting for identity confirmation, and bioactivity assays where applicable.

Note: Specific purity values, endotoxin levels, molecular weight, and formulation details for SKU rp365825 should be confirmed against the official Aladdin Scientific product datasheet, as these parameters are lot-dependent and may be updated.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein

Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein serves as a versatile reagent across multiple experimental contexts:

• Cell Adhesion Assays: Recombinant CDH26 protein can be coated onto surfaces to assess the adhesive capacity of cells expressing CDH26, enabling quantification of cadherin-mediated homophilic or heterophilic binding events.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: As an extracellular domain construct, recombinant CDH26 is suitable for pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitation controls, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) or bio-layer interferometry (BLI) binding kinetics experiments to identify novel CDH26 binding partners.
• Immunoassay Standards: Purified recombinant CDH26 can serve as a calibration standard in ELISA or other immunoassays designed to quantify soluble CDH26 in biological fluids such as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid or serum.
• Allergic and Inflammatory Disease Research: Given CDH26's association with airway epithelial biology, recombinant protein is used in studies investigating its role in eosinophil recruitment, T helper cell polarization, and epithelial–immune cell crosstalk in asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis models.
• Antibody Validation: Recombinant CDH26 provides a well-defined antigen for validating anti-CDH26 antibodies in western blot, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry applications.

Storage, Handling, and Reconstitution Guidelines

Proper handling of recombinant proteins is essential to preserve activity and avoid degradation. The following general guidelines apply to Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein; always consult the specific product datasheet for lot-specific instructions:

• Storage Temperature: Recombinant proteins are typically stored at –20 °C for short-term storage or –80 °C for long-term storage to prevent freeze–thaw degradation. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Reconstitution: Lyophilized protein should be reconstituted in sterile, deionized water or an appropriate buffer (e.g., PBS, pH 7.4) as specified on the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening.
• Carrier Protein: Addition of a carrier protein such as 0.1% BSA (bovine serum albumin) is recommended when preparing dilute working stocks to minimize adsorption to vessel surfaces and extend stability.
• Aliquoting: Prepare single-use aliquots after reconstitution to minimize freeze–thaw cycles and reduce the risk of protein aggregation or activity loss.
• Stability: Once reconstituted, the protein is generally stable at 4 °C for a limited period (typically up to one week); for longer storage, aliquots should be kept at –20 °C or –80 °C.

Specific formulation, recommended diluents, and shelf life for SKU rp365825 should be verified on the official Aladdin Scientific product datasheet.