Recombinant Human CA8, N-His

Description of Recombinant Human CA8, N-His

Introduction

Recombinant human CA8 (carbonic anhydrase 8) is a protein that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. It belongs to the carbonic anhydrase family, which consists of enzymes that catalyze the reversible conversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid. CA8 is a promising drug target due to its involvement in important biochemical pathways and its potential as a therapeutic agent for several diseases.

Structure of Recombinant Human CA8

The CA8 gene is located on chromosome 8 and encodes for a protein of 307 amino acids. The recombinant form of CA8 is produced through genetic engineering techniques, where the gene is inserted into a suitable host organism, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce large quantities of the protein.

The crystal structure of recombinant human CA8 has been determined, revealing a compact globular protein with a molecular weight of approximately 33 kDa. It contains a zinc ion at its active site, which is essential for its catalytic activity.

Activity of Recombinant Human CA8

CA8 is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydration of carbon dioxide to carbonic acid and vice versa. This reaction is crucial for maintaining the acid-base balance in the body and regulating the levels of carbon dioxide in tissues and blood. CA8 is highly expressed in tissues with high metabolic activity, such as the brain, liver, and kidney.

The activity of CA8 is regulated by various factors, including pH, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors. Its activity is also influenced by the expression of other carbonic anhydrase isozymes, which can compensate for its absence or enhance its activity.

Application of Recombinant Human CA8

Due to its important role in physiological processes, recombinant human CA8 has potential applications in various fields, including medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Drug Target

CA8 has been identified as a potential drug target for various diseases, including glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer. In glaucoma, CA8 inhibitors have been shown to reduce intraocular pressure, which is the leading cause of blindness in the world. In epilepsy, CA8 has been found to be involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability, making it a potential target for antiepileptic drugs. In cancer, CA8 is overexpressed in certain types of tumors, and its inhibition has been shown to reduce tumor growth and metastasis.

Protein Engineering

The recombinant form of CA8 can be used for protein engineering to develop novel enzymes with improved catalytic activity or specificity. By manipulating the amino acid sequence of CA8, researchers can create variants with enhanced stability, higher activity, or altered substrate specificity. These engineered enzymes have potential applications in various industries, such as biocatalysis and bioremediation.

Environmental Science

CA8 is also involved in the regulation of carbon dioxide levels in the environment. It is present in various organisms, including plants, which use it to convert carbon dioxide into bicarbonate for photosynthesis. Recombinant human CA8 can be used to study the effects of environmental factors, such as pollution and climate change, on the activity of this enzyme and its role in carbon cycling.

Conclusion

Recombinant human CA8 is a versatile protein with important physiological functions. Its structure and activity have been extensively studied, and it has potential applications in various fields. As a drug target, it holds promise for the treatment of various diseases, and as a biotechnological tool, it has the potential to improve enzyme engineering and environmental monitoring. Further research on CA8 and its interactions with other enzymes and molecules will provide valuable insights into its role in health and disease.