Calreticulin 3 can be divided into three distinct domains:
Calreticulin 3 functions as a lectin-independent chaperone, meaning it does not rely on carbohydrate recognition to assist in protein folding. Instead, it interacts with specific client proteins, such as ADAM3, during the spermatogenesis process .
Calreticulin 3 is involved in various biological processes, including:
Recombinant human calreticulin 3 is produced using various expression systems, including yeast and bacterial hosts. The recombinant protein is typically purified to high levels of purity and retains its functional integrity, making it suitable for research and potential therapeutic applications .
In yeast expression systems, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris, the full-length human calreticulin precursor, including its native signal sequence, is expressed and secreted into the culture medium. The recombinant protein produced in these systems is structurally and functionally identical to the native protein, ensuring its biological activity .