Glypican-4 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 511 amino acids. The recombinant form of Glypican-4 is produced in Escherichia coli and includes a 10 amino acid His tag at the N-terminus, resulting in a total calculated molecular mass of approximately 58.7 kDa . The amino acid sequence of Glypican-4 includes regions that are critical for its function in cell signaling and interaction with other molecules.
Glypican-4 is broadly expressed in various human tissues, including the lung, kidney, heart, placenta, skeletal muscle, and pancreas. It is also present in astrocytes, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and bone marrow stromal cells .
Glypican-4, like other glypicans, is involved in the modulation of cell signaling pathways. It interacts with growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components, influencing processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. These interactions are vital for the proper development of tissues and organs.
In particular, Glypican-4 has been implicated in the development of kidney tubules and the central nervous system. It may also play a role in metabolic regulation and has been studied for its potential involvement in obesity and insulin resistance .
The recombinant form of Glypican-4 is produced using Escherichia coli as the expression system. This method allows for the production of a high-purity protein suitable for various research applications. The recombinant Glypican-4 is typically supplied as a filtered, colorless solution in a specific buffer formulation to ensure stability and activity .
Recombinant Glypican-4 is used in laboratory research to study its biological functions and interactions. It is particularly valuable in studies related to cell signaling, developmental biology, and disease mechanisms. Researchers use recombinant Glypican-4 to investigate its role in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions .
For optimal stability, recombinant Glypican-4 should be stored at 4°C if used within 2-4 weeks. For longer-term storage, it is recommended to freeze the protein at -20°C and add a carrier protein such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) to prevent degradation. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided to maintain the protein’s integrity .