What Is CDH26? Gene, Protein, and Biological Context

CDH26, also designated cadherin-26, is a member of the cadherin superfamily—a large group of calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecules that mediate cell–cell recognition and tissue organization. Unlike classical cadherins (e.g., E-cadherin, N-cadherin), CDH26 belongs to the non-classical or atypical cadherin subgroup. Its extracellular domain contains cadherin repeats that facilitate homophilic or heterophilic binding in a calcium-dependent manner, though the precise binding partners and downstream signaling cascades of CDH26 remain an active area of investigation.

The CDH26 gene is located on human chromosome 20q13 and encodes a type I transmembrane protein. Expression of CDH26 has been reported in epithelial tissues, with notable enrichment in the respiratory tract. Emerging evidence links CDH26 to mucosal immune responses and epithelial barrier integrity, making it a protein of growing interest in respiratory biology and allergy research.

Recombinant CDH26 Protein: Production and Biochemical Properties

Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein (Aladdin Scientific, SKU: rp365816) is produced using recombinant DNA technology to provide researchers with a well-defined, reproducible source of CDH26 for in vitro studies. Recombinant expression allows the generation of specific protein domains—such as the extracellular cadherin repeats—in sufficient quantity and purity for biochemical assays, binding studies, and functional experiments.

Key biochemical considerations for working with recombinant CDH26 include:

• Calcium dependence: As a cadherin, CDH26 extracellular domain interactions are calcium-dependent. Assay buffers should be supplemented with calcium (typically 1–2 mM CaCl₂) to maintain structural integrity and binding activity.
• Purity and formulation: Please consult the product datasheet (absea#PP-25494) for confirmed purity grade, formulation buffer, and recommended storage conditions, as these specifications are critical for experimental reproducibility.
• Storage: Recombinant proteins should generally be stored according to supplier instructions, typically at −20 °C or −80 °C with avoidance of repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

Researchers should verify lot-specific quality control data, including SDS-PAGE purity assessment and bioactivity confirmation, from the accompanying Certificate of Analysis.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein

Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein is used as a research tool across several areas of cell biology and immunology:

• Cell adhesion assays: CDH26 recombinant protein can be used in solid-phase binding assays or coated onto surfaces to study cadherin-mediated cell adhesion, aggregation, and epithelial barrier functions.
• Allergic airway disease research: CDH26 has been identified as differentially expressed in eosinophilic esophagitis and allergic airway inflammation models. Recombinant CDH26 enables researchers to probe its functional role in these disease contexts via blocking experiments, binding competition assays, or ELISA-based detection.
• Antibody validation and immunoassay development: As a purified antigen, recombinant CDH26 is suitable for raising or validating antibodies, establishing ELISA standards, or Western blot positive controls.
• Protein–protein interaction studies: Recombinant CDH26 can serve as bait or prey in pull-down assays and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to identify novel binding partners.
• Structural and biophysical studies: Purified recombinant CDH26 domains provide material for circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifugation, or crystallography efforts aimed at elucidating cadherin-26 structure.

Users should consult current literature to confirm specific experimental protocols appropriate for their biological model and validate activity using the supplied Certificate of Analysis data.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

Proper handling of Recombinant Human CDH26 Protein is essential to maintain activity and reproducibility across experiments. The following general guidelines apply; always defer to the product-specific datasheet for authoritative instructions:

• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute in the buffer recommended on the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening, and centrifuge briefly to collect lyophilized material at the bottom of the vial.
• Aliquoting: Prepare single-use aliquots upon first reconstitution to minimize freeze–thaw cycles, which can degrade protein integrity and reduce biological activity.
• Carrier protein: For low-concentration working solutions, addition of a carrier protein (e.g., 0.1% BSA) may reduce non-specific adsorption to tube surfaces.
• Sterility: For cell-based assays, use aseptic technique and, where required, sterile-filter the reconstituted protein through a 0.22 µm membrane.
• Quality verification: Confirm identity and purity via SDS-PAGE, and verify functional activity as described in the Certificate of Analysis before integrating into critical experiments.