Introduction
Formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of histidine, an essential amino acid. Specifically, FTCD catalyzes the conversion of formiminoglutamate and tetrahydrofolate into formiminotetrahydrofolate and glutamate. This enzymatic reaction is vital for the proper functioning of the tetrahydrofolate cycle, which is essential for the synthesis of purines, thymidine, and certain amino acids. In the context of autoimmune disorders, FTCD has garnered attention as the target antigen of anti-LC1 autoantibodies, with LC1 standing for liver cytosol antigen type 1. The presence of these autoantibodies serves as a diagnostic marker for type 2 autoimmune hepatitis, a chronic inflammatory liver disease. Interestingly, serum LC1 autoantibody concentrations have been observed to correlate with levels of aminotransferases, enzymes indicative of liver damage. This correlation suggests a potential link between LC1 autoreactivity and the mechanisms underlying hepatocyte injury.
Description
Recombinant Formiminotransferase Cyclodeaminase (FTCD), also known as liver cytosol type 1, is produced using Spodoptera frugiperda (SF9) insect cells. This recombinant protein is glycosylated and has a molecular weight of 59,749 Daltons. For purification and detection purposes, the FTCD is expressed with a -6xHis tag, facilitating downstream purification by affinity chromatography techniques.
Formulation
FTCD is supplied in a buffer solution containing 16mM HEPES (pH 7.6), 240mM sodium chloride, and 20% glycerol. This formulation helps maintain the protein's stability and activity.
Immunological Functions
1. This recombinant FTCD protein can bind to IgG-type human autoantibodies, making it valuable for immunological assays. 2. It can be used as a standard in various Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA), such as checkerboard analyses for optimizing antibody and antigen concentrations, as well as in immunodot tests for detecting the presence of specific antibodies.
Coating Concentration
The recommended coating concentration for this FTCD protein in ELISA applications ranges from 0.35 to 0.7 µg/ml. This range may need adjustments based on the specific ELISA plate type and coating buffer used. Additionally, this protein is suitable for further modifications like biotinylation and iodination, which can enhance its utility in various research applications.
Stability
For short-term storage (up to 2-4 weeks), the FTCD protein can be stored at 4°C. For long-term storage, it is recommended to store the protein at -20°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided to prevent protein degradation and maintain its stability.
Purity
The purity of this recombinant FTCD protein is greater than 95%, as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. This high level of purity ensures the reliability and accuracy of experimental results.
Synonyms
Formiminotransferase-cyclodeaminase, FTCD, LCHC1, LC-1.