NKX3-1 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 257 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 28.7 kDa . The recombinant form of NKX3-1 is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is fused to a His-tag at the N-terminus to facilitate purification . The protein solution is formulated with 20 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.0), 2M UREA, and 10% glycerol .
NKX3-1 functions as a negative regulator of epithelial cell growth in prostate tissue . It is essential for normal prostate development, particularly in regulating the proliferation of glandular epithelium and the formation of ducts . NKX3-1 also acts as a tumor suppressor, controlling prostate carcinogenesis by inhibiting the proliferation and invasion activities of prostate cancer cells .
Abnormal expression of NKX3-1 is associated with prostate tumor progression . The loss or reduction of NKX3-1 expression is often observed in prostate cancer, making it a potential biomarker for the disease . Research has shown that restoring NKX3-1 expression in prostate cancer cells can inhibit their growth and invasive properties, highlighting its therapeutic potential .
The recombinant NKX3-1 protein should be stored at 4°C if it will be used within 2-4 weeks. For longer-term storage, it is recommended to freeze the protein at -20°C and add a carrier protein such as 0.1% 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 .