What Is the GABRE Protein? Biological Background

The GABRE gene encodes the epsilon (ε) subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA-A receptor), one of the principal mediators of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). GABA-A receptors are pentameric, ligand-gated chloride ion channels that belong to the Cys-loop superfamily. Upon binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, the receptor channel opens, allowing chloride ions to flow into the neuron and thereby hyperpolarizing the cell membrane and reducing neuronal excitability.

The ε subunit encoded by GABRE is considered an accessory or modulatory subunit. It shares structural homology with other GABA-A receptor subunits, including a large extracellular N-terminal domain, four transmembrane domains (TM1–TM4), and an intracellular loop between TM3 and TM4. GABRE-containing receptors exhibit distinct pharmacological properties compared to receptors containing the more prevalent γ subunits, including altered sensitivity to benzodiazepines and anesthetic agents. GABRE is expressed predominantly in specific brain regions, and its expression pattern suggests a role in modulating inhibitory tone in a region- and context-specific manner.

Dysregulation of GABA-A receptor subunit composition, including the ε subunit, has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, making GABRE a relevant target for understanding disease mechanisms and for pharmacological research.

Recombinant Human GABRE Protein: Product Overview and Specifications

Aladdin Scientific's Recombinant Human GABRE Protein (SKU: rp367880) is produced using recombinant expression technology to yield a well-defined, consistent preparation of the human GABRE subunit for use in laboratory research. Recombinant proteins offer key advantages over native protein preparations, including batch-to-batch consistency, defined purity, and the absence of other receptor subunits that could confound experimental results.

Researchers should consult the product datasheet for the specific expression system (e.g., E. coli, baculovirus, HEK293, or CHO cells), fusion tags, molecular weight, purity grade, formulation buffer, and recommended storage conditions, as these parameters are critical for experimental design. When ordering, it is advisable to confirm endotoxin levels (particularly important for cell-based assays), protein concentration, and any quality control data such as SDS-PAGE purity and functional validation results provided by the manufacturer.

This product is intended for research use only and is not suitable for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical applications. Proper storage (typically at −20°C or −80°C with avoidance of repeated freeze-thaw cycles) is essential to maintain protein activity and integrity.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human GABRE Protein

Recombinant Human GABRE Protein supports a broad range of research applications in neuroscience, pharmacology, and molecular biology:

• Receptor Binding and Pharmacology Studies: The recombinant ε subunit can be used to investigate ligand-binding properties unique to GABRE-containing receptor complexes, aiding in the identification and characterization of subunit-selective modulators, including novel anxiolytic, sedative, or anesthetic compounds.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: GABRE protein can serve as bait or prey in pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitation experiments, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies to map interaction partners relevant to receptor assembly, trafficking, and scaffolding.
• Antibody Development and Validation: Recombinant GABRE protein is a valuable antigen for generating and validating antibodies targeting the epsilon subunit, supporting immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry applications.
• Structural Biology: High-purity recombinant protein preparations can be used in structural studies such as cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) or X-ray crystallography aimed at elucidating the three-dimensional architecture of GABRE-containing receptor assemblies.
• Drug Discovery Screening: In high-throughput screening platforms, recombinant GABRE protein can be employed to identify small-molecule modulators of the GABA-A receptor ε subunit as potential leads for CNS drug development.
• Disease Mechanism Research: Given the potential association of GABRE with neurological and psychiatric disorders, this protein supports mechanistic studies exploring subunit-specific contributions to disease pathophysiology.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

To ensure optimal performance of Recombinant Human GABRE Protein in downstream assays, researchers should adhere to the following best practices:

• Storage: Store the protein at −20°C for short-term use or −80°C for long-term storage. Aliquot the protein upon receipt to minimize the number of freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to protein aggregation and loss of activity.
• Reconstitution: If supplied in lyophilized form, reconstitute according to the manufacturer's datasheet using the recommended buffer. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening, and centrifuge briefly before reconstitution to collect the lyophilized material.
• Working Concentration: Optimize the working concentration empirically for each assay format. Pilot experiments using a range of concentrations are recommended before committing to large-scale experiments.
• Endotoxin Control: For cell-based assays or in vivo applications, use endotoxin-tested lots to avoid non-specific immune activation. Check the certificate of analysis (CoA) for endotoxin levels.
• Protein Integrity: Verify protein integrity before use by SDS-PAGE or Western blot, especially after prolonged storage or thawing. Compare observed molecular weight with the expected value noted in the datasheet.

Always refer to the product-specific datasheet and certificate of analysis (CoA) provided by Aladdin Scientific for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications for each lot.