TBCA Human
Greater than 95.0% as determined by SDS-PAGE.
Description
The TBCA is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Tubulin Folding Cofactor A (TBCA) is a crucial protein involved in the proper folding and assembly of tubulin, which is essential for the formation of microtubules. Microtubules are a key component of the cytoskeleton, playing a vital role in various cellular processes, including cell division, intracellular transport, and maintenance of cell shape.
The tubulin folding pathway is a complex process that ensures the correct folding and dimerization of α- and β-tubulin before their incorporation into microtubules. This pathway involves several conserved proteins known as tubulin folding cofactors, designated as cofactors A, B, C, D, and E .
- Initial Capture and Stabilization: After translation, α-tubulin and β-tubulin are initially captured by chaperonins, such as CCT (chaperonin containing TCP-1). These chaperonins facilitate the early stages of tubulin folding .
- Role of Cofactors: Tubulin Folding Cofactor A (TBCA) specifically interacts with β-tubulin intermediates, capturing and stabilizing them in a quasi-native conformation. Similarly, Tubulin Folding Cofactor B (TBCB) interacts with α-tubulin .
- Formation of Cofactor Complexes: The next step involves the replacement of TBCA and TBCB by Tubulin Folding Cofactor D (TBCD) and Tubulin Folding Cofactor E (TBCE), respectively. This leads to the formation of a super-complex consisting of cofactors C, D, and E .
- Final Release: The final stage of the tubulin folding pathway involves the release of correctly folded α/β-tubulin heterodimers, which are then ready for incorporation into microtubules. This release is catalyzed in the presence of GTP .
Tubulin Folding Cofactor A is essential for the proper folding and stabilization of β-tubulin. Without TBCA, β-tubulin intermediates would not achieve the correct conformation required for their incorporation into microtubules. This would lead to defects in microtubule formation and, consequently, impair various cellular processes dependent on microtubules .
Recombinant TBCA is produced using advanced biotechnological methods, typically involving the expression of the human TBCA gene in a suitable host system, such as E. coli. The recombinant protein is then purified to high levels of purity for research and experimental purposes .
- Expression System: The human TBCA gene (accession number O75347) is cloned and expressed in E. coli, resulting in the production of the mature form of TBCA (Met1-Ala108) with an N-terminal methionine .
- Purity and Formulation: The recombinant TBCA protein is purified to over 95% purity as determined by SDS-PAGE. It is typically lyophilized from a solution containing PBS, pH 7.5, with protective agents such as trehalose, mannitol, and Tween 80 .
- Storage and Stability: Recombinant TBCA is recommended to be stored at -20°C to -80°C for long-term use. Lyophilized powders can be stably stored for over 12 months, while liquid products can be stored for 6-12 months at -80°C .
