HCV NS4 a+b, Fluoroscein
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. The virus primarily targets the liver, leading to chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV genome encodes several structural and non-structural proteins, among which the non-structural protein 4 (NS4) plays a crucial role in the virus’s life cycle and pathogenesis.
The NS4 protein of HCV is divided into two distinct regions: NS4a and NS4b. These proteins are essential for the replication of the viral RNA and the assembly of the viral replication complex. NS4a acts as a cofactor for the NS3 protease, enhancing its enzymatic activity, while NS4b is involved in the formation of the membranous web, a specialized structure where viral replication occurs.
Recombinant NS4 a+b refers to the artificially synthesized version of these proteins, produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding NS4a and NS4b into a suitable expression system, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), to produce the proteins in large quantities. The recombinant proteins are then purified and used for various research and diagnostic purposes.
Fluorescein is a fluorescent dye commonly used in biological research due to its high fluorescence intensity and stability. Conjugating fluorescein to recombinant NS4 a+b proteins allows researchers to visualize and track these proteins in various experimental setups. This conjugation is achieved through chemical reactions that covalently attach the fluorescein molecules to specific amino acid residues on the NS4 proteins.
The fluorescein-conjugated recombinant NS4 a+b proteins have several applications in research and diagnostics:
- Immunoassays: These proteins are used as antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to detect antibodies against HCV in patient samples. The fluorescein label allows for easy detection and quantification of the antigen-antibody interactions.
- Protein-Protein Interaction Studies: Researchers use these conjugated proteins to study the interactions between NS4 and other viral or host proteins. The fluorescence signal helps in visualizing these interactions in real-time.
- Drug Screening: The recombinant NS4 a+b proteins serve as targets in high-throughput screening assays to identify potential antiviral compounds that can inhibit HCV replication.
