HIV-1 Integrase
Description
Product Specs
MFLDGIDKAQEEHEKYHSNWRAMASDFNLPPVVAKEIVASCDKCQLKGEA
MHGQVDCSPGIWQLDCTHLEGKVILVAVHVASGYIEAEVIPAETGQETAYFILK
LAGRWPVKTIHTDNGSNFTSTTVKAACWWAGIKQEFGIPYNPQSQGVIESMN
KELKKIIGQVRDQAEHLKTAVQMAVFIHNFKRKGGIGGYSAGERIVDIIATDIQTK
ELQKQITKIQNFRVYYRDSRDPLWKGPAKLLWKGEGAVVIQDNSDIKVVPRRKA
KIIRDYGKQMAGDDCVASRQDEDHHHHHH.
Product Science Overview
Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase is a crucial enzyme in the life cycle of HIV. It facilitates the integration of viral DNA into the host cell genome, a critical step for viral replication and persistence. Recombinant HIV-1 integrase is a form of this enzyme produced through recombinant DNA technology, allowing for detailed study and drug development.
HIV-1 integrase is composed of three domains:
- N-terminal zinc-binding domain (NTD): Involved in multimerization of the enzyme.
- Catalytic core domain (CCD): Contains the active site and is responsible for the catalytic activity of the enzyme.
- C-terminal DNA-binding domain (CTD): Binds to viral DNA and is essential for integration.
The enzyme catalyzes two key reactions:
- 3’-processing: Cleavage of a dinucleotide from each 3’ end of the viral DNA.
- Strand transfer: Insertion of the processed viral DNA into the host genome.
Recombinant HIV-1 integrase is produced by cloning the integrase gene into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a host cell (commonly E. coli). The host cells express the integrase protein, which can be purified for research purposes. This recombinant protein is used in various assays to study the enzyme’s activity and to screen for potential inhibitors.
Integrase inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs that target the integrase enzyme, preventing the integration of viral DNA into the host genome. These inhibitors are crucial in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The development of recombinant HIV-1 integrase has been instrumental in the discovery and optimization of these drugs. Early integrase inhibitors, such as raltegravir, have shown significant efficacy in reducing viral loads in patients .
Recombinant HIV-1 integrase is used in various research applications, including:
- Structural studies: Understanding the enzyme’s structure and its interaction with DNA and inhibitors.
- Mechanistic studies: Investigating the detailed mechanisms of 3’-processing and strand transfer.
- Drug screening: Identifying and optimizing new integrase inhibitors.
Despite the success of integrase inhibitors, resistance mutations can arise, reducing the efficacy of these drugs. Research continues to focus on understanding the mechanisms of resistance and developing next-generation inhibitors that can overcome these challenges .
In conclusion, recombinant HIV-1 integrase is a vital tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS, providing insights into the enzyme’s function and aiding in the development of effective antiretroviral therapies.
