Recombinant Human ACAT2, N-His

Description of Recombinant Human ACAT2, N-His

Introduction

Recombinant human ACAT2 is a protein that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism and is involved in the formation of cholesterol esters. It is a promising target for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, including atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this article, we will delve into the structure, activity, and applications of this important protein.

Structure of Recombinant Human ACAT2

The ACAT2 gene is located on chromosome 9 and encodes for a 50 kDa protein. The recombinant form of this protein is produced through genetic engineering techniques, where the gene is inserted into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce large quantities of the protein. The resulting protein is then purified to obtain a highly pure and active form of recombinant human ACAT2.

The protein is composed of 429 amino acids and has a predicted molecular weight of 50 kDa. It consists of two domains, the N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain, connected by a linker region. The N-terminal domain contains the active site of the enzyme, while the C-terminal domain is responsible for binding to the substrate. The structure of recombinant human ACAT2 has been determined through X-ray crystallography, revealing a homotrimeric structure with each monomer containing a catalytic site.

Activity of Recombinant Human ACAT2

ACAT2 is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of free cholesterol and fatty acids into cholesterol esters, which are then stored in lipid droplets. This process is essential for maintaining cholesterol homeostasis and preventing the accumulation of excess cholesterol in cells. Recombinant human ACAT2 has been shown to have similar enzymatic activity as the native form, making it a valuable tool for studying the role of this protein in various diseases.

In addition to its role in cholesterol metabolism, ACAT2 has also been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that overexpression of ACAT2 in macrophages, a type of immune cell, leads to an increase in cholesterol ester formation and foam cell formation, a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. This highlights the potential of recombinant human ACAT2 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Applications of Recombinant Human ACAT2

Recombinant human ACAT2 has a wide range of applications in both research and clinical settings. Its ability to efficiently convert free cholesterol into cholesterol esters makes it a valuable tool for studying cholesterol metabolism and its role in various diseases. It can also be used to screen for potential inhibitors of the enzyme, which could have therapeutic potential for treating metabolic disorders.

Furthermore, recombinant human ACAT2 has been used in the development of animal models for studying atherosclerosis and other metabolic diseases. By overexpressing or blocking the activity of this protein, researchers can gain a better understanding of its role in these diseases and potentially identify new treatment strategies.

In the clinical setting, recombinant human ACAT2 has shown promise as a therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders. Several pharmaceutical companies are currently developing ACAT2 inhibitors as potential drugs for these diseases, and early studies have shown promising results.

Conclusion

In summary, recombinant human ACAT2 is a vital protein involved in cholesterol metabolism and the development of atherosclerosis. Its structure and activity have been extensively studied, and it has a wide range of applications in both research and clinical settings. As our understanding of this protein continues to grow, it holds great potential for the development of new treatments for metabolic disorders.