SIX6 Human

SIX Homeobox 6 (SIX6) is a member of the SIX/Sine oculis homeobox family, which contains a homeobox DNA-binding domain. This protein is crucial in embryonic development, particularly in the formation of the forebrain and eye development .

The SIX6 gene is located on chromosome 14 and is part of a cluster of related genes. The protein encoded by this gene is similar to the Drosophila ‘sine oculis’ gene product . SIX6 Human Recombinant is produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 269 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 30.1 kDa . The recombinant protein is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus and is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques .

SIX6 plays a significant role in the development of the retina, hypothalamus, and pituitary regions. It provides essential instructions for the formation of these structures during embryonic development . Defects in the SIX6 gene are associated with microphthalmia isolated with cataract type 2, a condition characterized by abnormally small eyes and cataracts .

The recombinant SIX6 protein is expressed in E. coli and is purified to a high degree of purity, greater than 90% as determined by SDS-PAGE . The protein is formulated in a sterile, filtered colorless solution containing 20mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.0), 0.2M NaCl, 40% glycerol, 5mM DTT, and 2mM EDTA .

For short-term storage, the SIX6 protein can be kept at 4°C if used within 2-4 weeks. For longer-term storage, it is recommended to store the protein at -20°C, with the addition of a carrier protein such as 0.1% HSA or BSA to prevent multiple freeze-thaw cycles .

The SIX6 recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including studies on eye development, forebrain formation, and related genetic disorders. It is also valuable in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these developmental processes.