Recombinant Human GABRE Protein: Properties & Research Uses

Recombinant Human GABRE Protein is a research-grade recombinant protein representing the epsilon subunit of the human GABA type A receptor, enabling scientists to investigate inhibitory neurotransmission, receptor subunit assembly, and GABAergic pharmacology in vitro.

Gene Name

GABRE

Protein Full Name

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Subunit Epsilon

Species

Human (Homo sapiens)

Product SKU

rp367894

Protein Family

Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily

Receptor Type

GABA-A receptor subunit (ionotropic)

Background: GABRE and the GABA-A Receptor Family

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). It exerts its fast inhibitory effects primarily through GABA type A receptors (GABA-ARs), which are pentameric, ligand-gated chloride ion channels belonging to the Cys-loop superfamily. Upon GABA binding, these channels open to allow chloride influx, hyperpolarizing the neuron and reducing its excitability.

GABA-A receptors are assembled from a diverse family of subunits, including alpha (α1–6), beta (β1–3), gamma (γ1–3), delta (δ), epsilon (ε), theta (θ), pi (π), and rho (ρ) subunits. The combination of subunits determines the receptor's pharmacological profile, kinetics, and subcellular localization. The GABRE gene encodes the epsilon (ε) subunit, a less abundant but functionally distinct member of this family.

The epsilon subunit is notable for conferring constitutive (spontaneous) channel activity to receptors in which it is incorporated, even in the absence of agonist. Receptors containing the ε subunit also show altered sensitivity to modulators such as benzodiazepines and neurosteroids compared to more common αβγ assemblies, making GABRE a subject of considerable pharmacological interest.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human GABRE Protein

Recombinant Human GABRE Protein (SKU: rp367894) is produced to support in vitro biochemical and cell-based investigations. As a member of the Cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily, the GABRE protein features the characteristic structural elements of this family, including a large extracellular N-terminal domain containing the GABA-binding interface, four transmembrane domains (TM1–TM4) with TM2 lining the ion-conducting pore, and an intracellular loop between TM3 and TM4 that governs receptor trafficking and modulation.

The epsilon subunit shares significant sequence homology with other GABA-A receptor subunits, particularly in the transmembrane and extracellular ligand-binding regions, while diverging in its intracellular domain — a feature that contributes to its unique functional and pharmacological properties. The recombinant form is designed to preserve these native structural features, supporting its use in binding assays, antibody validation, and structural studies.

Note: Specific purity, molecular weight, formulation, storage conditions, and host expression system details for rp367894 should be confirmed from the official Aladdin Scientific product datasheet. Refer to the product page or contact technical support for the certificate of analysis (CoA).

Research Applications

Recombinant Human GABRE Protein is a versatile tool for multiple research applications in neuroscience and pharmacology:

• Antibody Validation and Immunoassay Development: Recombinant GABRE protein serves as a positive control antigen for validating antibodies targeting the epsilon subunit in Western blot, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry workflows.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: The recombinant protein can be used in pull-down assays or co-immunoprecipitation experiments to identify binding partners of the GABRE subunit involved in receptor assembly or trafficking.
• Drug Screening and Binding Assays: GABRE protein can support the development of competitive binding assays to screen small molecules or peptides for affinity toward the epsilon subunit, relevant to CNS drug discovery programs targeting GABAergic pathways.
• Structural and Biophysical Studies: Purified recombinant protein is suitable for biophysical characterization techniques, including circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), to assess folding and ligand interactions.
• Research into Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions: Given the role of GABAergic signaling dysregulation in epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances, GABRE protein supports mechanistic investigations into these disease areas.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

Proper handling and storage of recombinant proteins is essential to maintain activity and integrity throughout experimental use. General best practices for recombinant proteins such as GABRE include:

• Storage: Store at the temperature specified on the product datasheet (typically –20°C or –80°C for long-term storage). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to aggregation and loss of activity. Aliquoting upon first thaw is recommended.
• Reconstitution: If supplied as a lyophilized powder, reconstitute in the buffer recommended in the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to minimize condensation.
• Quality Control: Aladdin Scientific recombinant proteins undergo quality control testing. Always consult the certificate of analysis (CoA) supplied with the lot for purity confirmation (typically assessed by SDS-PAGE) and other lot-specific parameters.
• Working Concentrations: Optimal working concentrations should be determined empirically for each assay format. Refer to published literature or contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for application-specific guidance.

For precise specifications including molecular weight, tag information, endotoxin levels, and formulation details for rp367894, please refer to the official product datasheet available on the Aladdin Scientific website.

Frequently asked questions

What is the GABRE gene and what does it encode?

GABRE is the gene encoding the epsilon (ε) subunit of the GABA type A receptor (GABA-AR). GABA-ARs are pentameric, ligand-gated chloride ion channels that mediate fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS. The epsilon subunit is a less-common subunit that, when incorporated into receptor assemblies, confers constitutive channel activity and distinctive pharmacological properties distinct from the more prevalent αβγ receptor subtypes.

What research applications is Recombinant Human GABRE Protein (rp367894) suitable for?

Recombinant Human GABRE Protein is suitable for a range of in vitro applications including antibody validation (Western blot, ELISA, IHC), protein–protein interaction studies (pull-down, co-IP), competitive binding and drug-screening assays, and biophysical characterization (CD spectroscopy, SPR). It is also used as a research tool in studies of GABAergic signaling and associated neurological conditions such as epilepsy and anxiety disorders.

How should Recombinant Human GABRE Protein be stored to maintain its integrity?

Recombinant proteins should generally be stored at –20°C or –80°C for long-term stability, as specified on the product datasheet. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided; aliquoting the protein upon first thaw is strongly recommended. For precise storage conditions specific to rp367894, always refer to the Aladdin Scientific product datasheet or certificate of analysis (CoA).

Why is the epsilon subunit of GABA-A receptors pharmacologically significant?

The epsilon subunit is pharmacologically significant because receptors containing this subunit display constitutive (agonist-independent) chloride channel activity and exhibit altered sensitivity to classical GABA-A receptor modulators, including benzodiazepines and neurosteroids, compared to the predominant αβγ2 receptor subtypes. This makes ε-containing receptors and GABRE protein valuable tools for dissecting subunit-specific pharmacology in drug discovery and basic neuroscience research.

References

1. Whiting PJ. GABA-A receptor subtypes in the brain: a paradigm for CNS drug discovery? Drug Discov Today. 2003;8(10):445-450. doi:10.1016/S1359-6446(03)02703-X
2. Bhatt DL, et al. (General reference): Olsen RW, Sieghart W. International Union of Pharmacology. LXX. Subtypes of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) receptors: classification on the basis of subunit composition, pharmacology, and function. Pharmacol Rev. 2008;60(3):243-260. doi:10.1124/pr.108.00505
3. Davies PA, et al. The 5HT3B subunit is a major determinant of serotonin-receptor function (cited as structural analogy context for Cys-loop family). Nature. 1999;397:359-363. [Cited as background for Cys-loop superfamily structure; not GABRE-specific.] doi:10.1038/16948

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.