AsnRS belongs to the class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS), which are characterized by their unique structural motifs and catalytic mechanisms . The human recombinant form of AsnRS is produced in Escherichia coli and consists of a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 571 amino acids . This recombinant protein has a molecular mass of approximately 65.3 kDa and includes a 23 amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus for purification purposes .
The gene encoding human cytosolic AsnRS is known as NARS1 . The cDNA sequence of NARS1 contains an open reading frame encoding 548 amino acids . The protein sequence of human AsnRS shares significant identity with homologous enzymes from other species, such as Brugia malayi and Saccharomyces cerevisiae .
Human recombinant AsnRS is expressed in E. coli as a fusion protein with an N-terminal calmodulin-binding peptide . The recombinant protein is purified using affinity chromatography techniques, ensuring high purity and functionality . The purified AsnRS efficiently catalyzes the aminoacylation of tRNA, confirming its biological activity .
AsnRS has been identified as a human autoantigen, meaning it can trigger an immune response in certain autoimmune diseases . This property makes it a valuable target for research into autoimmune disorders and potential therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the recombinant form of AsnRS is used in various biochemical and structural studies to understand its role in protein synthesis and its interactions with other cellular components .
The human recombinant AsnRS is typically stored at -20°C to maintain its stability and activity over extended periods . For short-term use, it can be stored at 4°C. To prevent degradation, it is recommended to avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles and to add a carrier protein, such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA), for long-term storage .