Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein, N-His

Description of Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein, N-His

Introduction to Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein

Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein is a genetically engineered protein that is produced in the laboratory using recombinant DNA technology. This protein is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is encoded by the DCC gene. It is highly conserved across different species and plays a crucial role in neuronal development and axon guidance.

Structure of Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein

The recombinant mouse DCC protein is composed of 1447 amino acids, with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 165 kDa. It contains five immunoglobulin (Ig) domains, six fibronectin type III (FNIII) domains, and a cytoplasmic domain. The extracellular domain of the protein is responsible for binding to its ligands, while the cytoplasmic domain is involved in signal transduction.

The crystal structure of recombinant mouse DCC protein has been determined, revealing the arrangement of its Ig and FNIII domains. The Ig domains form a horseshoe-like structure, with the FNIII domains located in the concave side. This structure is crucial for the protein’s function in axon guidance and neuronal development.

Activity of Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein

Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein acts as a receptor for netrin-1, a secreted protein that plays a critical role in axon guidance and neuronal development. Netrin-1 binds to the extracellular domain of DCC, triggering a signaling cascade that leads to axon attraction or repulsion, depending on the cellular context.

In addition to its role in axon guidance, recombinant mouse DCC protein has also been implicated in other cellular processes, such as cell migration, survival, and differentiation. It has been shown to interact with various proteins, including the FAK and Src kinases, to regulate these processes.

Applications of Recombinant Mouse DCC Protein

The availability of recombinant mouse DCC protein has enabled researchers to study its structure and function in detail. It has also been used in various in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate its role in axon guidance and other cellular processes.

Recombinant mouse DCC protein has also been utilized in drug discovery studies. Due to its critical role in axon guidance and neuronal development, it has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for neurological disorders, such as spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have used recombinant DCC protein to screen for small molecules that can modulate its activity, with the aim of developing novel treatments for these diseases.

Furthermore, recombinant mouse DCC protein has been used in diagnostic assays to detect the presence of autoantibodies against DCC in patients with certain types of cancer. These autoantibodies have been associated with better prognosis in patients with small cell lung cancer, and their detection could aid in early diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

In summary, recombinant mouse DCC protein is a crucial player in axon guidance and neuronal development. Its structure and function have been extensively studied, and it has been implicated in various cellular processes. The availability of this protein has allowed for further research and potential therapeutic applications in the field of neurobiology. With ongoing studies on its role in cancer and other diseases, recombinant mouse DCC protein continues to be a valuable tool in scientific research.