S100 Calcium Binding Protein A4 (S100A4), also known as metastasin, is a member of the S100 family of proteins. These proteins are characterized by their ability to bind calcium ions through EF-hand motifs, which are helix-loop-helix structural domains . S100A4 is encoded by the S100A4 gene and is involved in various cellular processes, including motility, invasion, and tubulin polymerization .
S100A4 is involved in several important biological processes:
S100A4 has been implicated in various pathological conditions, particularly in cancer. Its overexpression is associated with tumor metastasis and poor prognosis in several types of cancer . Additionally, S100A4 is involved in inflammation and has been linked to various inflammation-associated diseases .
Recombinant S100A4 protein, particularly from mouse sources, is often used in research to study its functions and interactions. The recombinant protein is typically expressed in E. coli and purified using conventional chromatography techniques . This allows researchers to investigate the protein’s role in cellular processes and its potential as a therapeutic target.