What Is GABRA3 and Why Does It Matter?

GABRA3 encodes the alpha-3 subunit of the GABA_A receptor (GABA type-A receptor), a ligand-gated chloride ion channel that mediates the primary inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system. GABA_A receptors are heteropentameric complexes assembled from a variety of subunits (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and others); the specific subunit composition determines the receptor's pharmacological properties, subcellular localization, and physiological role.

The alpha-3 subunit (GABRA3) is expressed predominantly in neurons of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. It contributes to the formation of receptor subtypes that are targets for clinically important drug classes including benzodiazepines, anesthetics, and anticonvulsants. Alterations in GABRA3 expression or function have been linked to neurological and psychiatric conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances, making it a significant target for both basic and translational research.

Recommended Handling, Storage, and Reconstitution

Proper handling of Recombinant Human GABRA3 Protein is essential to preserve biological activity and ensure reproducible experimental results. Researchers should observe the following best-practice guidelines:

• Storage: Store the protein at −80 °C upon receipt for long-term stability. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause protein aggregation and loss of activity. Aliquot into single-use volumes before freezing.
• Reconstitution: Reconstitute lyophilized preparations in the buffer recommended on the product datasheet (specific buffer composition: refer to the current lot-specific datasheet). Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Dissolve gently; do not vortex.
• Working Concentrations: Optimal working concentrations are application-dependent and should be determined empirically. Refer to the product datasheet and relevant literature for guidance.
• Protein Stability: Once reconstituted, use within the timeframe specified on the datasheet. For short-term storage (up to 1 week), keep at 4 °C; for longer periods, re-aliquot and store at −80 °C.
• Carrier Protein: The addition of a carrier protein (e.g., 0.1% BSA) may help maintain stability in dilute solutions; confirm compatibility with your assay before use.

Note: Specific lot-dependent parameters such as concentration, formulation buffer, and purity percentage should be confirmed against the certificate of analysis (CoA) supplied with each lot.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human GABRA3 Protein

Recombinant Human GABRA3 Protein is a versatile tool supporting a range of in vitro and cell-based studies. Key applications include:

• Binding and Interaction Studies: Used as a target or probe in pull-down assays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) to characterize protein-ligand or protein-protein interactions relevant to GABAergic pharmacology.
• Drug Discovery and Screening: Employed in high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms to identify and evaluate small-molecule modulators of GABA_A receptor alpha-3 subunit activity, including potential anxiolytics and anticonvulsants.
• Antibody Validation: Serves as a positive control antigen for validating antibodies targeting GABRA3 in Western blot, ELISA, and immunoprecipitation experiments.
• Structural and Biochemical Characterization: Supports biophysical studies (e.g., circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering) aimed at understanding GABRA3 folding, oligomerization, and conformational dynamics.
• Functional Assays: Can be incorporated into reconstituted receptor systems or used to investigate downstream signaling events associated with GABA_A receptor activation in neuroscience research.

Researchers are encouraged to consult the product datasheet for application-specific recommendations and validated protocols.

Quality, Purity, and Regulatory Considerations

Aladdin Scientific sources this recombinant protein with quality standards suited to demanding research applications. Key quality considerations include:

• Purity: Purity is assessed by SDS-PAGE and/or HPLC; the exact purity specification is provided on the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Researchers should verify purity data against their application requirements before use.
• Endotoxin: Endotoxin levels are controlled and reported on the CoA. This is particularly relevant for cell-based assays and in vivo studies where endotoxin contamination could confound results.
• Biological Activity: Activity data, where available, are provided on the datasheet. Functional verification is recommended when biological activity is critical to the experimental design.
• Research Use Only (RUO): Recombinant Human GABRA3 Protein (rp367821) is intended for research purposes only and is not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use in humans or animals.
• Lot-to-Lot Consistency: While Aladdin Scientific maintains rigorous manufacturing standards, researchers running long-term studies should reserve sufficient material from a single lot to minimize inter-lot variability.