STMN4 is produced as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The recombinant human STMN4 is a single polypeptide chain consisting of 239 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 27.8 kDa . The protein is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus, which facilitates its purification through proprietary chromatographic techniques .
STMN4 exhibits microtubule-destabilizing activity, similar to other members of the stathmin family. This activity is essential for the dynamic instability of microtubules, allowing them to rapidly grow and shrink. This dynamic behavior is critical for the proper functioning of the mitotic spindle during cell division, ensuring accurate chromosome segregation and cell cycle progression.
Recombinant human STMN4 is widely used in research to study its role in microtubule dynamics and its potential implications in various diseases. For instance, alterations in the expression or function of stathmin family proteins have been linked to cancer progression, neurodegenerative disorders, and other pathological conditions. By studying STMN4, researchers aim to gain insights into these diseases and develop potential therapeutic strategies.
The STMN4 solution is typically formulated in a buffer containing 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 0.2 M NaCl, 20% glycerol, and 1 mM DTT . For short-term storage, the protein can be kept at 4°C if used within 2-4 weeks. For long-term storage, it is recommended to store the protein at -20°C with the addition of 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 and activity.