Cystatin-C is a cysteine protease inhibitor that plays a crucial role in regulating proteolytic activity in various biological processes. It is a member of the cystatin superfamily and is known for its ability to inhibit cysteine proteases such as cathepsins. In canines, Cystatin-C is an important biomarker for kidney function and other physiological conditions.
Cystatin-C is a small protein with a molecular weight of approximately 14.85 kDa, consisting of 133 amino acids. The recombinant form of Cystatin-C for canines is often produced using E. coli expression systems . This recombinant protein is typically fused with an 8 amino acid N-terminal His-tag to facilitate purification and detection .
The protein is highly purified, with a purity greater than 95% as visualized by SDS-PAGE . It is lyophilized from a solution containing 20mM TRIS and 50mM NaCl at pH 7.5 . The lyophilized form is stable at -20°C and can be reconstituted for use in various assays and experiments .
Cystatin-C inhibits cysteine proteases, which are enzymes that break down proteins by cleaving peptide bonds. By inhibiting these proteases, Cystatin-C helps regulate protein turnover and prevents excessive proteolysis. This regulation is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing tissue damage.
In canines, Cystatin-C is a valuable biomarker for assessing kidney function. Elevated levels of Cystatin-C in the blood can indicate impaired kidney function, making it a useful diagnostic tool for veterinarians.
Recombinant Cystatin-C is widely used in research and diagnostic applications. Some of the key applications include: