HOMER3 shares a similar domain structure with other members of the Homer family. It consists of:
These structural features enable HOMER3 to interact with various proteins and contribute to the formation and maintenance of synaptic structures. HOMER3 is particularly important in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of neurons, where it helps regulate the size and strength of synapses .
Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time in response to changes in activity. This process is essential for learning, memory, and overall brain function. HOMER3, along with other Homer proteins, plays a key role in modulating synaptic plasticity by:
Recombinant HOMER3 is a form of the protein that is produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the gene encoding HOMER3 into a host organism, such as E. coli, which then produces the protein. Recombinant HOMER3 is often used in research to study the protein’s structure, function, and interactions with other proteins .
The recombinant human HOMER3 protein typically includes a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification and detection. It is expressed in E. coli and purified using conventional chromatography techniques .
Recombinant HOMER3 is used in various research applications, including: