Secernin 1, also known as SCRN1, is a protein that has garnered significant interest in the scientific community due to its various roles in cellular processes and disease mechanisms. This article delves into the background, structure, function, and significance of Secernin 1, particularly focusing on its recombinant form used in research and therapeutic applications.
Secernin 1 is a cytosolic protein with a molecular weight of approximately 50 kDa . The recombinant form of Secernin 1 is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and includes an N-terminal His-tag for purification purposes . The amino acid sequence of the recombinant human Secernin 1 corresponds to residues 1-414 of the native protein .
Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of Secernin 1 in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease . Secernin 1 has been identified as a novel amyloid plaque-associated protein. Immunohistochemistry studies have shown that Secernin 1 is present in plaque-associated dystrophic neurites and co-localizes with neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in Alzheimer’s disease . This unique association with tau pathology suggests that Secernin 1 could serve as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for distinguishing Alzheimer’s disease from other tauopathies .
The recombinant form of Secernin 1 is widely used in research to study its function and role in disease. The protein is produced in E. coli and purified using affinity chromatography techniques . This recombinant protein is essential for various assays, including SDS-PAGE and immunohistochemistry, to investigate its interactions and functions at the molecular level .