Galectin-7 is a member of the galectin family, which consists of β-galactoside-binding proteins. These proteins are known for their role in modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Galectin-7, in particular, is a pro-apoptotic protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis and maintenance of epidermal homeostasis .
Human recombinant Galectin-7, tagged with a His tag, is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The His tag is a sequence of histidine residues added to the N-terminus of the protein to facilitate purification. The recombinant protein is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 156 amino acids, including the His tag, and has a molecular mass of approximately 17.2 kDa .
Galectin-7 is primarily localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm and exists as a homodimer. It is involved in various cellular processes, including apoptosis, where it functions upstream of JNK activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release . The protein is also associated with UV-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes, highlighting its role in maintaining epidermal homeostasis .
Recombinant Galectin-7 is used in various research applications, including studies on cell-cell interactions, apoptosis, and cancer research. The His tag allows for easy purification and detection of the protein in experimental setups. The protein is typically used in SDS-PAGE and other biochemical assays to study its function and interactions .
The recombinant Galectin-7 protein is usually supplied as a sterile, filtered, colorless solution. It is formulated in a buffer containing Tris-HCl, glycerol, and DTT. For short-term storage, the protein can be kept at 4°C, while for long-term storage, it is recommended to store the protein at -20°C with a carrier protein to prevent degradation .