HIV-1 CRF
Greater than 90.0% as determined by SDS-PAGE.
Description
HIV-1 CRF Recombinant produced in E.Coli is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 101 amino acids and having a molecular mass of 20.1kDa.
Product Specs
The HIV-1 virus, particularly its circulating recombinant forms (CRFs), plays a significant role in the global HIV epidemic. In Burkina Faso, a country heavily impacted by HIV, HIV-1 CRF 02_AG is one of the two dominant strains. Across Africa, various HIV-1 subtypes and CRFs coexist and contribute to the spread of the virus. Notably, West Africa has a high prevalence of HIV-1 CRF 02_AG, along with subtype A and other complex intersubtype recombinant strains. This co-circulation of different strains creates an environment where new and complex HIV-1 recombinants can emerge.
This product consists of a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain derived from the HIV-1 CRF. Produced in E. coli, it contains 101 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 20.1 kDa.
The product is freeze-dried with 10% glycerol.
The purity of this product is greater than 90%, as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.
To reconstitute the lyophilized HIV-1 CRF, it is recommended to dissolve it in sterile 18 MΩ-cm H₂O at a concentration not less than 100 µg/ml. This solution can then be further diluted in other aqueous solutions as needed.
The lyophilized HIV-1 CRF remains stable at room temperature for up to one week. However, for long-term storage, it is recommended to store it desiccated at a temperature below -18°C. Once reconstituted, the HIV-1 CRF should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For extended storage, it can be stored below -18°C. To ensure optimal stability during long-term storage, it is advisable to add a carrier protein such as 0.1% HSA or BSA. Repeated freezing and thawing of the product should be avoided.
This product is suitable for use in Western Blotting and SDS-PAGE applications.
Product Science Overview
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus responsible for the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV-1 is characterized by its high genetic diversity, which arises from its rapid mutation rate and frequent recombination events. Among the various forms of HIV-1, Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRFs) play a significant role in the virus’s genetic landscape.
HIV-1’s genetic diversity is primarily driven by its error-prone reverse transcriptase enzyme, which lacks proofreading capabilities. This leads to frequent mutations during viral replication. Additionally, HIV-1 can undergo recombination when two different viral strains infect the same cell. This recombination process results in the creation of new viral genomes with segments from different parental strains .
When a recombinant HIV-1 strain is transmitted and spreads within a population, it is classified as a Circulating Recombinant Form (CRF). To be designated as a CRF, the recombinant virus must be identified in at least three epidemiologically unlinked individuals . CRFs are distinct from Unique Recombinant Forms (URFs), which are found in only one or two individuals.
CRFs are crucial for understanding the epidemiology and evolution of HIV-1. They provide insights into the virus’s transmission dynamics and the interactions between different HIV-1 subtypes. As of now, over 140 CRFs have been identified, each with unique genetic compositions and geographic distributions .
The identification and characterization of new CRFs are ongoing challenges due to the continuous evolution of HIV-1. Advances in genomic sequencing technologies have facilitated the discovery of new CRFs, but understanding their clinical and epidemiological significance remains a complex task. Future research will focus on the implications of CRFs for HIV treatment and prevention strategies .
