Gastrokine 2 is a non-glycosylated polypeptide consisting of 174 amino acids, including a 10 amino acid N-terminal His tag . The molecular mass of GKN2 is approximately 19.6 kDa . The recombinant form of Gastrokine 2 is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is available as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder .
GKN2 is known to form a heterodimer with Trefoil Factor Family Peptide 1 (TFF1) through disulfide linkages . It also interacts with Trefoil Factor Family Peptide 2 (TFF2) . These interactions suggest that GKN2 plays a role in the maintenance and repair of the gastric mucosa, potentially contributing to the protection against gastric injuries and the promotion of mucosal healing.
The expression of GKN2 is significantly reduced in gastric cancer tissues, indicating its potential role as a tumor suppressor . The loss of GKN2 expression in gastric cancer suggests that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Research into the mechanisms by which GKN2 expression is regulated and its interactions with other proteins could provide valuable insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.
Recombinant GKN2 should be stored at -20°C in its lyophilized form to maintain stability . After reconstitution, it is recommended to aliquot the product to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The reconstituted protein can be stored at 4°C for a limited period, typically up to two weeks, without significant changes in its properties .
Gastrokine 2 (Human Recombinant) is widely used in laboratory research to study its role in gastric mucosal protection, its interactions with other proteins, and its potential involvement in gastric cancer. Researchers utilize this recombinant protein to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying its function and to explore its therapeutic potential.