Ankyrin repeat proteins are among the most common structural motifs in known proteins. The ankyrin repeat is a 33-residue motif consisting of two alpha helices separated by loops . These repeats are involved in mediating protein-protein interactions and are found in a wide range of proteins across different species, including humans .
Ankyrin Repeat Family A2 (ANKRA2) is a member of the ankyrin repeat protein family. This family is characterized by the presence of multiple ankyrin repeats, which typically fold together to form a single, linear solenoid structure called ankyrin repeat domains . These domains are one of the most common protein-protein interaction platforms in nature .
ANKRA2, like other ankyrin repeat proteins, plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It is involved in the regulation of protein-protein interactions, which are essential for numerous biological functions, including signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and transcriptional control . The ankyrin repeat domain’s ability to mediate these interactions makes ANKRA2 a vital component in maintaining cellular homeostasis and function .
The ankyrin repeat domain is defined by its structure rather than its function. Each ankyrin repeat consists of two alpha helices separated by a loop, with the loop often being a type 1 beta bulge loop . The alpha helices commonly have a Schellman loop at their N-terminus . These structural features contribute to the stability and folding of the ankyrin repeat domain, allowing it to mediate protein-protein interactions effectively .
Human recombinant ANKRA2 is a synthetically produced version of the natural protein. Recombinant proteins are produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding the protein into a host organism, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. This technology allows for the production of high-purity proteins for research and therapeutic purposes.
Recombinant ANKRA2 has several applications in biomedical research and biotechnology. It can be used to study the protein’s structure and function, investigate its role in various cellular processes, and develop potential therapeutic interventions for diseases associated with dysregulated protein-protein interactions. Additionally, recombinant ANKRA2 can be used in drug discovery and development, providing a valuable tool for identifying and characterizing potential drug targets.