Inhibin alpha A Chain Human
Greater than 95.0% as determined by SDS-PAGE.
Description
The Inhibin-Alpha A chain is purified by standard chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Inhibin-Alpha A Chain is a crucial component of the inhibin protein, which plays a significant role in the regulation of the reproductive system. Inhibins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. They are composed of an alpha (α) subunit and one of two beta (β) subunits, either βA or βB, forming inhibin A (α-βA) or inhibin B (α-βB) respectively . The primary function of inhibin is to inhibit the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland, thereby regulating the reproductive processes .
The recombinant human Inhibin-Alpha A Chain is typically produced using an expression system in E. coli or Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells . The process involves the following steps:
- Gene Cloning: The gene encoding the Inhibin-Alpha A Chain is cloned into an appropriate expression vector.
- Transformation: The vector is introduced into the host cells (E. coli or CHO cells) through a process called transformation.
- Expression: The host cells are cultured under conditions that induce the expression of the Inhibin-Alpha A Chain.
- Purification: The expressed protein is purified using chromatographic techniques to achieve a purity of over 95% . The purification process often includes steps such as affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and size-exclusion chromatography.
- Formulation: The purified protein is formulated in a suitable buffer, often containing Tris HCl, EDTA, and glycerol, to ensure stability and prevent degradation .
Inhibin-Alpha A Chain participates in various biochemical reactions, primarily involving its interaction with the beta subunits to form inhibin A or inhibin B . These interactions are crucial for its biological activity, including the inhibition of FSH secretion and the regulation of gonadal stromal cell proliferation . The protein undergoes post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, which are essential for its stability and function .
Inhibin-Alpha A Chain also plays a role in the regulation of activin signaling. Activins are related proteins that stimulate FSH secretion, and inhibins act as antagonists to activins, thereby modulating their effects . The balance between inhibin and activin is critical for maintaining reproductive health and function.
