ASGPR recombinant proteins are engineered versions of the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor (ASGPR), also known as the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor 1. ASGPR is a liver-specific receptor that plays a key role in the endocytosis of glycoproteins lacking sialic acid. It is important in liver function and has implications in drug delivery systems and liver-targeted therapies. Recombinant ASGPR proteins are utilized in research and therapeutic applications related to liver diseases and targeted drug delivery.

Structure and Function

• ASGPR is a transmembrane receptor with a large extracellular domain that binds to glycoproteins that are deficient in sialic acid residues.
• It is predominantly expressed on the surface of hepatocytes (liver cells) and mediates the endocytosis of glycoproteins, which can then be processed or degraded.
• Recombinant ASGPR proteins typically include the extracellular domain, which is crucial for ligand binding and interaction studies, or the full-length protein for more comprehensive functional assays.

Production

• Recombinant ASGPR proteins are produced in various expression systems, including mammalian cells (such as HEK293 or CHO cells), yeast, or insect cells, to ensure proper folding and post-translational modifications like glycosylation.
• The gene encoding ASGPR is cloned into an expression vector, followed by protein expression and purification using affinity chromatography techniques, often with tags such as His-tag or GST-tag for efficient isolation.

Applications

• Liver Research: Recombinant ASGPR proteins are used to study liver function, the receptor’s role in endocytosis, and its interactions with various glycoproteins.
• Drug Delivery: ASGPR is a target for liver-specific drug delivery systems. Recombinant ASGPR proteins are used in the development of therapeutic agents or nanoparticles designed to selectively deliver drugs to the liver.
• Diagnostics: ASGPR proteins can be used in diagnostic assays to measure receptor expression levels or to investigate liver-related disorders where ASGPR function may be altered.
• Basic Research: These proteins are critical for understanding receptor-ligand interactions, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and the development of liver-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Validation and Quality Control

• Validation involves confirming the identity, purity, and functionality of recombinant ASGPR proteins through methods such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and mass spectrometry.
• Functional assays, such as receptor-ligand binding studies and endocytosis assays, ensure that the recombinant protein is biologically active and capable of interacting with its intended ligands or targets.