CDKN1A Human
Description
CDKN1A is fused to a 20 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), also known as p21, WAF1, or CIP1, is a crucial protein in the regulation of the cell cycle. It is encoded by the CDKN1A gene and plays a significant role in cell cycle control, DNA damage response, and apoptosis. The recombinant form of this protein is used in various research and therapeutic applications.
The CDKN1A gene is located on chromosome 6p21.2 and encodes a protein of 164 amino acids. The protein structure includes several functional domains that allow it to interact with cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). These interactions are essential for its role in cell cycle regulation.
CDKN1A functions primarily as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. It binds to and inhibits the activity of cyclin-CDK2 or cyclin-CDK4 complexes, thereby regulating cell cycle progression at the G1 phase . This inhibition is crucial for the maintenance of the G1 checkpoint, preventing cells with damaged DNA from entering the S phase and undergoing replication.
The expression of CDKN1A is tightly controlled by the tumor suppressor protein p53. In response to DNA damage, p53 induces the transcription of CDKN1A, leading to cell cycle arrest at the G1 checkpoint . This mechanism allows the cell to repair DNA damage before proceeding with division, thereby preventing the propagation of mutations.
CDKN1A is a key player in the cellular response to DNA damage. Upon DNA damage, p53 is activated and subsequently induces the expression of CDKN1A. The increased levels of CDKN1A inhibit CDK activity, leading to cell cycle arrest. This process allows the cell to repair the DNA damage before resuming the cell cycle .
In addition to its role in cell cycle arrest, CDKN1A also interacts with PCNA, a protein involved in DNA replication and repair. By binding to PCNA, CDKN1A can inhibit DNA synthesis and regulate DNA repair processes .
The dysregulation of CDKN1A has been implicated in various cancers. Overexpression of CDKN1A can lead to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, making it a potential target for cancer therapy. Conversely, the loss of CDKN1A function can result in uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor development .
Recombinant CDKN1A is used in research to study its role in cell cycle regulation and its potential as a therapeutic target. It is also used in drug screening assays to identify compounds that can modulate its activity.
