CEBP Alpha Human

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) is a transcription factor encoded by the CEBPA gene. It belongs to the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein family, which includes six members: C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, C/EBPγ, C/EBPδ, C/EBPε, and C/EBPζ . These proteins play crucial roles in regulating gene expression, cellular differentiation, and proliferation.

C/EBPα is characterized by a highly conserved basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) domain at the C-terminus, which is essential for dimerization and DNA binding . This domain allows C/EBPα to form homodimers or heterodimers with other C/EBP family members or transcription factors, enabling it to bind specifically to DNA sequences and regulate gene expression .

The protein also contains activation domains at the N-terminus, which are involved in transcriptional activation and protein-protein interactions . C/EBPα is expressed in various tissues, including hepatocytes, adipocytes, hematopoietic cells, spleen, kidney, and brain .

C/EBPα is a critical regulator of myeloid differentiation, particularly in the development of granulocytes and monocytes . It is involved in the early stages of hematopoietic development, where it primes hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for myeloid lineage commitment . Mutations or deregulation of C/EBPα can lead to impaired myelopoiesis and contribute to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) .

C/EBPα is also believed to act as a tumor suppressor, helping to prevent uncontrolled cell growth and division . Its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing malignant transformation underscores its importance in cancer biology .

Human recombinant C/EBPα is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the CEBPA gene into an expression vector and introducing it into a host cell (such as E. coli or yeast) to produce the protein. This recombinant protein is used in various research applications to study its function, regulation, and role in diseases.