Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein: Function & Research Use

Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein is a key research reagent representing the H subunit of the vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPase (V-ATPase) complex, enabling scientists to investigate proton pump assembly, lysosomal acidification, and related cellular processes in vitro.

Product Name

Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein

SKU

rp371920

Protein Function

Subunit H of the vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPase (V-ATPase) V1 domain; regulates ATPase activity and proton translocation

Biological Role

Essential for lysosomal and endosomal acidification, vesicular trafficking, and coupled proton transport across membranes

Gene Name

ATP6V1H (also known as VMA13, SFD)

Expression System

Recombinant (expression system to be confirmed with product datasheet)

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

What Is ATP6V1H? Gene, Protein, and V-ATPase Context

ATP6V1H encodes subunit H of the vacuolar-type proton ATPase (V-ATPase), a multi-subunit enzyme complex responsible for acidifying intracellular compartments including lysosomes, endosomes, the Golgi apparatus, and secretory vesicles. The V-ATPase consists of two major domains: the peripheral V1 domain, which hydrolyzes ATP, and the integral membrane V0 domain, which translocates protons across the membrane.

Subunit H (encoded by ATP6V1H) is a component of the V1 domain and plays a critical regulatory role. It is required for coupling ATP hydrolysis to proton pumping and for maintaining proper V-ATPase assembly and activity. The gene is conserved across eukaryotes, with the yeast ortholog known as Vma13p. In humans, ATP6V1H is ubiquitously expressed and is essential for normal cellular housekeeping functions including protein degradation, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and membrane trafficking.

Biological Functions and Pathophysiological Relevance

The V-ATPase complex, and by extension subunit H, participates in a wide range of physiological processes. Lysosomal acidification is essential for the activity of acid hydrolases that degrade proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Disruption of V-ATPase function leads to lysosomal storage disorders and impaired autophagy.

Beyond lysosomes, V-ATPase activity is critical in osteoclasts for bone resorption, in renal tubular cells for urinary acidification, and in tumor microenvironments where aberrant acidification supports cancer cell survival and invasion. Subunit H has been implicated in regulating the reversible dissociation of the V1 and V0 domains—a conserved regulatory mechanism that rapidly modulates V-ATPase activity in response to cellular nutrient status. Research has also connected ATP6V1H to neurodegenerative disease pathways, given the role of lysosomal dysfunction in conditions such as Parkinson's disease and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein

Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein (Aladdin Scientific, SKU: rp371920) is suitable for a range of in vitro research applications:

• Protein–protein interaction studies: Subunit H interacts with other V1 and V0 subunits. The recombinant protein can be used in co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), pull-down assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to map interaction interfaces within the V-ATPase complex.
• Enzyme activity assays: Reconstitution experiments using recombinant subunits allow researchers to dissect the contributions of individual subunits to ATPase activity and proton coupling efficiency.
• Antibody generation and validation: Recombinant ATP6V1H protein serves as an immunogen for antibody production or as a positive control in Western blotting and ELISA assays.
• Structural biology: High-purity recombinant protein is a prerequisite for crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and NMR studies aimed at resolving the structure of the V1 domain or the intact V-ATPase.
• Drug discovery: V-ATPase is a validated drug target in oncology and infectious disease. Recombinant ATP6V1H supports compound screening and mechanistic studies of V-ATPase inhibitors.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

When working with Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein, researchers should follow best practices for handling recombinant proteins to preserve activity and integrity:

• Storage: Store the protein according to the conditions specified on the product datasheet. Recombinant proteins are typically stored at −20 °C or −80 °C in a stabilizing buffer. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, which can lead to aggregation and loss of activity. Aliquoting upon receipt is strongly recommended.
• Buffer compatibility: Verify that the supplied formulation buffer is compatible with your downstream assay. Desalting or buffer exchange may be required for certain applications such as SPR or enzyme kinetics.
• Purity and identity verification: Confirm protein purity by SDS-PAGE and identity by Western blot using an anti-ATP6V1H antibody or an anti-tag antibody if the protein carries an affinity tag. Refer to the certificate of analysis (CoA) supplied with the product.
• Endotoxin levels: For cell-based assays, confirm that endotoxin levels are within acceptable limits (typically <1 EU/µg) as specified in the CoA.

Always consult the product-specific datasheet (referenced as absea#PP-11504 in supplier documentation) for authoritative specifications including molecular weight, purity grade, expression host, and recommended working concentrations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the function of ATP6V1H in the V-ATPase complex?

ATP6V1H encodes subunit H of the V1 catalytic domain of the vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPase. Subunit H is essential for coupling ATP hydrolysis to proton translocation and regulates the reversible dissociation of the V1 and V0 domains in response to changes in cellular energy status.

What applications is Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein (rp371920) suitable for?

The recombinant protein is suitable for protein–protein interaction studies (Co-IP, pull-down, SPR), enzyme reconstitution assays, antibody generation and validation (Western blot, ELISA), structural biology (cryo-EM, crystallography), and as a tool in V-ATPase-targeted drug discovery programs.

How should Recombinant Human ATP6V1H Protein be stored to maintain stability?

The protein should be stored at the temperature specified on the product datasheet (typically −20 °C or −80 °C). Repeated freeze–thaw cycles should be avoided; aliquoting the protein upon receipt is recommended to preserve activity and prevent aggregation.

Is ATP6V1H associated with any human diseases?

Dysfunction of V-ATPase subunits, including ATP6V1H, has been linked to lysosomal storage disorders, impaired autophagy, renal tubular acidosis, osteoporosis (via osteoclast dysfunction), and neurodegenerative diseases. The subunit is also of interest as a target in oncology due to the role of V-ATPase in tumor cell survival.

Where can I find the detailed specifications for rp371920?

Detailed specifications including purity, molecular weight, expression host, formulation buffer, and recommended applications are available on the Aladdin Scientific product page for rp371920 and in the product datasheet (referenced as absea#PP-11504). The certificate of analysis (CoA) shipped with each lot provides lot-specific quality data.

References

1. Forgac M. Vacuolar ATPases: rotary proton pumps in physiology and pathophysiology. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. 2007;8(11):917–929. doi:10.1038/nrm2272
2. Kane PM. The where, when, and how of organelle acidification by the yeast vacuolar H+-ATPase. Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews. 2006;70(1):177–191. doi:10.1128/MMBR.70.1.177-191.2006
3. Marshansky V, Futai M. The V-type H+-ATPase in vesicular trafficking: targeting, regulation and function. Current Opinion in Cell Biology. 2008;20(4):415–426. doi:10.1016/j.ceb.2008.03.015

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