HOXB13 is characterized by the presence of a homeobox, a specific DNA sequence that encodes a protein domain known as the homeodomain. The homeodomain typically consists of 60 amino acids and is responsible for binding to DNA and regulating gene expression. HOXB13 is involved in the development of various tissues, including the skin and prostate .
HOXB13 has been implicated in fetal skin development and cutaneous regeneration. In mice, a similar gene has shown temporal and spatial colinearity in the main body axis of the embryo, suggesting its role in body patterning along the axis . However, it is not expressed in the secondary axes, indicating specific functions in primary body axis development.
Recombinant HOXB13 is a denatured protein with an N-terminal His-tag, corresponding to the amino acids 1-284 of human HOXB13. It is expressed in E. coli and is used for research purposes. The recombinant protein is typically used in studies to understand the function and regulation of HOXB13 in various biological processes .
The recombinant HOXB13 protein is valuable in research focused on developmental biology, gene regulation, and disease mechanisms. It is particularly useful in studying the molecular pathways involved in skin development and regeneration, as well as its role in prostate cancer. Researchers use this protein to investigate how HOXB13 interacts with other proteins and DNA to regulate gene expression.
Recombinant HOXB13 is stored at 4°C for short-term use and at -20°C for long-term storage. It is important to avoid freeze-thaw cycles to maintain the protein’s stability and functionality. The protein is typically supplied in a buffer containing 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 10% glycerol, and 0.4M urea .