What Is CENPT and Why Does It Matter?

Centromere Protein T (CENPT) is a core subunit of the constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN), a multiprotein complex that bridges centromeric chromatin and the outer kinetochore. CENPT forms a stable histone-fold domain (HFD) heterodimer with CENPW, and this CENPT–CENPW module is essential for recruiting outer kinetochore components including the MIS12 and NDC80 complexes, ultimately enabling proper microtubule attachment and chromosome bi-orientation during mitosis.

Disruption of CENPT function leads to chromosome mis-segregation, aberrant cell division, and is associated with genomic instability phenotypes relevant to cancer biology. Consequently, CENPT has become a key target of study in centromere and kinetochore research, as well as in investigations of chromosomal instability (CIN) in human disease models.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human CENPT Protein

Recombinant Human CENPT Protein is produced using recombinant expression systems to ensure high purity and biological activity suitable for in vitro research applications. The protein retains its native histone-fold domain architecture, which is critical for CENPW heterodimerization and chromatin association.

Key biochemical characteristics include: a histone-fold domain enabling protein–protein interactions within the CCAN; an N-terminal region implicated in NDC80 complex binding; and post-translational modification sites that may regulate kinetochore assembly dynamics. Researchers should refer to the product datasheet (absea#PP-10119) for confirmed specifications including molecular weight, purity grade, formulation, and storage conditions specific to the supplied lot.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human CENPT Protein is suited for a broad range of biochemical and cell biology research applications:

• Protein Interaction Studies: Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), pull-down assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to map CENPT interactions within the CCAN and with outer kinetochore components.
• Structural Biology: X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy studies of the CENPT–CENPW heterodimer and higher-order CCAN assemblies.
• Biochemical Reconstitution: In vitro reconstitution of kinetochore sub-complexes for mechanistic studies of microtubule attachment and error-correction pathways.
• Antibody Production and Validation: Use as an antigen for generating and validating CENPT-specific antibodies for immunofluorescence, Western blot, and ChIP applications.
• Drug Discovery: Screening of small-molecule inhibitors targeting kinetochore assembly as potential anti-cancer agents.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

To maintain the biological activity and structural integrity of Recombinant Human CENPT Protein, researchers should adhere to the following general best practices, pending confirmation from the product-specific datasheet:

• Storage: Store at –80 °C for long-term preservation. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, which can lead to protein aggregation and activity loss.
• Handling: Thaw on ice and centrifuge briefly before use. Working aliquots may be stored at –20 °C for short durations.
• Buffer Compatibility: Confirm buffer composition from the datasheet before dilution into assay buffers to prevent precipitation or loss of activity.
• Quality Control: Aladdin Scientific-supplied recombinant proteins undergo purity assessment (typically by SDS-PAGE) and functional validation. Refer to the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for lot-specific data.

Always consult the official product documentation (absea#PP-10119) for authoritative, lot-specific specifications before experimental use.