Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein, N-His

Description of Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein, N-His

Introduction

Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein, also known as Purinergic Receptor P2X 4, is a transmembrane protein that belongs to the purinergic receptor family. It is encoded by the P2RX4 gene and is widely expressed in various tissues including the brain, spinal cord, heart, and immune cells. This protein plays a crucial role in purinergic signaling, which is the process of cellular communication mediated by the binding of purines such as ATP to specific receptors. In this article, we will discuss the structure, activity, and applications of Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein.

Structure of Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein

Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein is composed of 379 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa. It is a homotrimer, meaning it is made up of three identical subunits. Each subunit has two transmembrane domains, a large extracellular loop, and a short intracellular C-terminus. The extracellular loop contains the ATP binding site, while the intracellular C-terminus is responsible for signal transduction. The structure of P2RX4 is similar to other purinergic receptors, but it has a unique structure that allows it to respond to ATP with high sensitivity.

Activity of Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein

Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein is a ligand-gated ion channel, meaning it opens in response to the binding of ATP to its extracellular domain. Once activated, it allows the influx of cations such as calcium, sodium, and potassium into the cell. This influx of cations leads to a change in the membrane potential, which triggers downstream signaling pathways. P2RX4 is known to have a high affinity for ATP, making it a key player in purinergic signaling. It is also known to form heterotrimeric complexes with other purinergic receptors, further enhancing its activity.

Applications of Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein

Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein has been widely studied for its role in various physiological and pathological processes. Here are some of its key applications:

1. Inflammation and Immune Response

P2RX4 is highly expressed in immune cells, particularly in microglia, which are immune cells found in the brain. Upon activation, P2RX4 triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play a crucial role in the body’s immune response. P2RX4 has also been linked to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, making it a potential therapeutic target.

2. Pain Sensation

P2RX4 is expressed in sensory neurons and has been shown to play a role in pain sensation. Upon activation, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters that transmit pain signals to the brain. Inhibition of P2RX4 has been shown to reduce pain sensitivity, making it a potential target for pain management.

3. Neurological Disorders

P2RX4 has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. It has been shown to play a role in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neuronal death. Inhibition of P2RX4 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy for these disorders.

4. Drug Development

Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein has been used in drug development and screening assays to identify potential P2RX4 modulators. These modulators can be used to treat various diseases, including those mentioned above. Additionally, P2RX4 has been proposed as a potential drug target for the treatment of drug addiction, as it plays a role in the reward pathway in the brain.

Conclusion

Recombinant Human P2RX4 Protein is a crucial player in purinergic signaling and has diverse functions in various physiological