CFL1 Human
Greater than 95.0% as determined by Analysis by SDS-PAGE.
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Cofilin-1 is a small protein with a molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa . It binds to both monomeric (G-actin) and filamentous (F-actin) actin in a pH-dependent manner. At lower pH levels, cofilin-1 binds to F-actin, while at higher pH levels, it severs actin filaments and binds to G-actin . This dynamic binding and severing activity is essential for the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in response to various cellular signals .
The activity of cofilin-1 is tightly regulated by several mechanisms, including phosphorylation, pH changes, and interactions with phosphoinositides . Phosphorylation of cofilin-1 at serine 3 by LIM kinase (LIMK) inhibits its actin-binding activity, while dephosphorylation by slingshot phosphatase (SSH) restores its activity . This regulation ensures that cofilin-1 activity is precisely controlled in response to cellular needs.
Human recombinant cofilin-1 is produced using bacterial expression systems. The recombinant protein is typically purified using ion exchange chromatography to achieve high purity levels (approximately 95%) . The recombinant form is often supplied as a lyophilized powder, which can be reconstituted in a suitable buffer for experimental use .
The biological activity of recombinant cofilin-1 is assessed by its ability to bind and sever F-actin in a pH-dependent manner. Standard assays involve monitoring the actin-binding and severing activity of cofilin-1 using SDS-PAGE analysis of F-actin/cofilin spin-down assays performed at different pH levels . These assays ensure that the recombinant protein retains its functional properties.
Cofilin-1 is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. It plays a vital role in cancer cell migration and invasion, particularly in colorectal cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma . The differential expression of cofilin-1 and its regulators, such as LIMK1 and SSH1, is associated with tumor progression and metastasis . Understanding the role of cofilin-1 in these processes can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
