HIV-1 TAT Cys22
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). One of the key regulatory proteins involved in HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis is the Trans-Activator of Transcription (Tat) protein. The Tat protein is essential for efficient transcription of the HIV-1 genome and plays a significant role in the virus’s ability to evade the host immune system.
The Tat protein is a small, highly basic protein that is produced early during HIV-1 infection. It consists of several functional domains, including a cysteine-rich region, a core domain, a basic domain, and a glutamine-rich region. The cysteine-rich region, which includes the Cys22 residue, is crucial for the protein’s transactivation function. Tat binds to the transactivation response (TAR) element, a stem-loop structure at the 5’ end of nascent viral RNA, and recruits cellular factors to enhance transcription elongation .
The Cys22 residue within the cysteine-rich region of Tat is particularly important for its function. Mutations at this site, such as the Cys22 to Serine (Cys22Ser) mutation, can significantly impair the protein’s ability to transactivate HIV-1 transcription. The Cys22 residue is involved in the formation of disulfide bonds, which are essential for the proper folding and stability of the Tat protein .
The HIV-1 TAT Cys22 Recombinant protein is a modified version of the Tat protein with a mutation at the Cys22 residue. This recombinant protein is often used in research to study the functional implications of the Cys22 mutation on Tat activity and HIV-1 replication. Studies have shown that the Cys22 mutation affects the protein’s ability to enter cells and its interaction with cellular factors, leading to altered immune responses .
Understanding the role of the Cys22 residue in Tat function has important implications for HIV research and therapy. The HIV-1 TAT Cys22 Recombinant protein serves as a valuable tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying Tat-mediated transcription and its impact on HIV-1 pathogenesis. Additionally, targeting the Tat protein and its interactions with cellular factors could provide new therapeutic strategies for inhibiting HIV-1 replication and progression to AIDS .
