SMC Recombinant Proteins 

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) Recombinant Proteins are essential for understanding the roles of SMC proteins in chromosome dynamics. SMC proteins are critical components of complexes that regulate chromosome condensation, cohesion, and DNA repair, playing a pivotal role in maintaining genome stability.

Technical Details

Structure:

• SMC proteins are characterized by their long coiled-coil domains and an ATPase head domain.
• They form dimeric complexes that are part of larger protein assemblies, such as cohesin, condensin, and the SMC5/6 complex.

Production:

• SMC recombinant proteins are produced using recombinant DNA technology in systems such as E. coli, yeast, insect, or mammalian cells.
• Recombinant production ensures high purity, functional integrity, and proper folding necessary for detailed biochemical and structural studies.

Applications:

• Chromosome Dynamics Research:
  • Used to study the mechanisms of chromosome condensation, segregation, and cohesion.
  • Helps in understanding the role of SMC proteins in maintaining chromosome architecture during cell division.
• Genome Stability:
  • Investigating the involvement of SMC proteins in DNA repair pathways and their role in preserving genome integrity.
  • Studying the functions of SMC complexes in response to DNA damage and replication stress.
• Cancer Research:
  • SMC proteins are implicated in the development and progression of various cancers.
  • Exploring the regulation of SMC proteins and their complexes can provide insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.
• Structural Biology:
  • Analyzing the three-dimensional structure of SMC proteins and their complexes to understand their functional mechanisms.
  • Studying protein-protein interactions within SMC complexes and with other regulatory factors.

Analytical Methods:

• X-ray Crystallography and Cryo-EM: For high-resolution structural determination of SMC proteins and complexes.
• ATPase Assays: To measure the ATPase activity of SMC proteins, which is crucial for their function.
• Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP): To study the binding of SMC complexes to specific chromosomal regions.
• Western Blotting and ELISA: For detection and quantification of SMC proteins in various cellular contexts.