AP3S1 Human

Assembly Protein Complex 3 Subunit-1 (APC3) is a crucial component of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a multi-subunit E3 ubiquitin ligase that regulates progression through the cell cycle by targeting specific proteins for degradation. The human recombinant form of APC3 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which allows for the expression of the protein in a host organism, typically bacteria or yeast, to facilitate its study and use in various applications.

APC3, also known as CDC27, is one of the core subunits of the APC/C complex. The APC/C complex is composed of at least 14 different subunits, and APC3 plays a pivotal role in the assembly and function of this complex. The primary function of APC/C is to ubiquitinate target proteins, marking them for degradation by the proteasome. This process is essential for the regulation of the cell cycle, particularly during the transition from metaphase to anaphase and the exit from mitosis.

APC3 contains multiple tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) motifs, which are involved in protein-protein interactions. These motifs facilitate the binding of APC3 to other subunits of the APC/C complex as well as to its substrates and regulatory proteins. The proper assembly and function of the APC/C complex are critical for maintaining genomic stability and preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.

The production of human recombinant APC3 involves the insertion of the gene encoding APC3 into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a host organism. Commonly used host organisms include Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). The host cells are cultured under conditions that promote the expression of the recombinant protein, which is subsequently purified using various chromatographic techniques.

Recombinant APC3 is used in research to study the structure and function of the APC/C complex, as well as its role in cell cycle regulation and cancer. The availability of recombinant APC3 allows for detailed biochemical and biophysical analyses, which can provide insights into the mechanisms of APC/C-mediated ubiquitination and its regulation.

The study of APC3 and the APC/C complex has significant implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell cycle regulation and its dysregulation in diseases such as cancer. By elucidating the structure and function of APC3, researchers can identify potential therapeutic targets for the development of anti-cancer drugs.

In addition to its role in basic research, recombinant APC3 can be used in high-throughput screening assays to identify small molecules that modulate the activity of the APC/C complex. These molecules could serve as lead compounds for the development of novel cancer therapies.