Histidine NADH Dehydrogenase Fe-S Protein 2, also known as NDUFS2, is a crucial component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This protein plays a significant role in the electron transport chain, which is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in eukaryotic cells.
NDUFS2 is a human recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 410 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 46.5 kDa . The protein is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus, which facilitates its purification using chromatographic techniques .
NDUFS2 is a subunit of the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex, also known as Complex I, which is the first enzyme of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This complex is responsible for transferring electrons from NADH to ubiquinone, a process that is coupled with the translocation of protons across the mitochondrial inner membrane. This proton gradient is then used to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.
The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions. This chain is a critical component of oxidative phosphorylation, a metabolic pathway that uses energy released by the oxidation of nutrients to produce ATP. NDUFS2, as part of Complex I, is essential for the initiation of this process.
Mutations in the NDUFS2 gene can lead to mitochondrial diseases, which are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria. These diseases can affect various organs and systems, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders.
Recombinant NDUFS2 is widely used in biochemical and biomedical research to study the structure and function of Complex I, as well as its role in mitochondrial diseases. The availability of human recombinant NDUFS2 allows researchers to investigate the effects of specific mutations and to develop potential therapeutic strategies for mitochondrial disorders.
The recombinant NDUFS2 protein is typically stored at -20°C for long-term storage, with the addition of a carrier protein such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) to prevent degradation . It is important to avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles to maintain the protein’s stability and functionality.