HCV Core, HRP
Description
The E.coli derived recombinant HRP Labeled protein contains the HCV core nucleocapsid immunodominant regions, amino acids 2-119. HCV Core is fused to b-gal (114 kDa) at N-terminus.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a small, enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae . The virus is the causative agent of hepatitis C, a disease that can lead to severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma . The HCV particle consists of a lipid membrane envelope embedded with two viral envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, which play crucial roles in viral attachment and entry into host cells .
The core protein of HCV is a structural protein that forms the viral nucleocapsid, which encases the viral RNA genome . This protein is highly conserved among different HCV genotypes and is essential for the virus’s replication and assembly . The core protein is composed of two domains: the N-terminal domain (D1), which is rich in basic amino acids and binds to the viral RNA, and the C-terminal domain (D2), which is involved in membrane binding . The core protein also interacts with various host cell factors, influencing cellular processes and contributing to the pathogenesis of HCV infection .
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is an enzyme widely used in biochemistry and molecular biology due to its ability to catalyze the oxidation of various substrates in the presence of hydrogen peroxide . HRP is traditionally extracted from the roots of the horseradish plant (Armoracia rusticana), but recombinant production methods have been developed to produce HRP in microbial systems such as Escherichia coli . Recombinant HRP offers several advantages, including higher purity, consistency, and the ability to produce specific isoenzymes .
HRP is commonly used as a reporter enzyme in diagnostic assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), due to its high sensitivity and specificity . It is also employed in various biotechnological applications, including biosensor systems, bioremediation, and cancer therapy .
The recombinant HCV core-HRP fusion protein combines the HCV core protein with HRP to create a powerful tool for research and diagnostic applications. This fusion protein retains the antigenic properties of the HCV core protein, making it useful for detecting HCV-specific antibodies in patient samples . The HRP component of the fusion protein allows for easy detection and quantification using colorimetric or chemiluminescent substrates .
The production of recombinant HCV core-HRP involves cloning the gene encoding the HCV core protein and the HRP gene into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a suitable host system, such as E. coli . The fusion protein is expressed, purified, and characterized to ensure its functionality and stability .
The recombinant HCV core-HRP fusion protein has several important applications:
- Diagnostic Assays: It is used in ELISAs to detect HCV-specific antibodies, aiding in the diagnosis of HCV infection .
- Research: The fusion protein is employed in studies investigating the structure, function, and interactions of the HCV core protein .
- Vaccine Development: It serves as a potential candidate for vaccine development due to its immunogenic properties .
In conclusion, the recombinant HCV core-HRP fusion protein is a valuable tool in the fields of diagnostics, research, and vaccine development. Its ability to combine the antigenic properties of the HCV core protein with the enzymatic activity of HRP makes it a versatile and powerful reagent.
