Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein: FAQs & Key Facts

Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein is a mitochondrially targeted enzyme critical for linking cytoplasmic glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation via the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle, making it an essential reagent for metabolic, bioenergetic, and diabetes-related research.

Product Name

Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein

SKU

rp371611

Gene / Protein

GPD2 (Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2, mitochondrial)

Protein Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Protein Function

Catalyzes the conversion of glycerol-3-phosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), linking cytosolic NADH oxidation to mitochondrial electron transport chain

Research Areas

Metabolism, diabetes, obesity, mitochondrial bioenergetics, cancer metabolism

What Is GPD2 and Why Is It Important in Research?

GPD2, or Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase 2 (mitochondrial), is a flavoprotein enzyme anchored to the outer face of the inner mitochondrial membrane. It catalyzes the reversible oxidation of glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), simultaneously reducing FAD to FADH₂ and donating electrons directly to the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) at the level of ubiquinone (CoQ).

This reaction forms the mitochondrial arm of the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle, a mechanism that regenerates cytosolic NAD⁺ and effectively transfers reducing equivalents from the cytoplasm into the mitochondrial matrix. GPD2 plays a pivotal role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic beta cells, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and the control of cellular redox balance. Dysregulation of GPD2 has been implicated in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, making it a high-value research target.

Product Specifications and Quality Attributes

Aladdin Scientific's Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein (SKU: rp371611) is produced as a recombinant protein derived from the human GPD2 gene sequence. Researchers should consult the product datasheet for the confirmed expression host system (commonly E. coli, baculovirus/insect cell, or mammalian cell platforms), exact molecular weight including any affinity tags, purity grade as assessed by SDS-PAGE and/or HPLC, and endotoxin levels.

Key quality attributes typically assessed for recombinant enzymes of this class include: protein purity (≥85% or ≥95% by SDS-PAGE depending on grade), endotoxin content (typically <1.0 EU/µg for cell-based assays), biological activity confirmation, and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA). Please download the current CoA and datasheet from the product page or contact technical support for the most current specifications.

Storage, Reconstitution, and Handling Guidelines

Proper handling of Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein is essential to preserve enzymatic activity and ensure reproducible experimental results. General best practices for recombinant proteins of this type include:

• Short-term storage (≤1 week): Store at 4 °C in the supplied buffer.
• Long-term storage: Aliquot to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and store at −20 °C or −80 °C as specified on the datasheet.
• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute in sterile deionized water or the buffer recommended in the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Gently mix; do not vortex.
• Carrier protein: Adding 0.1% BSA (bovine serum albumin) to the working solution may improve stability during dilution.

Always refer to the lot-specific datasheet for confirmed storage conditions and reconstitution volumes, as these may vary by formulation.

Recommended Applications for GPD2 Protein Research

Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein is suitable for a range of biochemical and cell-biology research applications, including but not limited to:

• Enzyme activity assays: Measuring GPD2-dependent oxidation of glycerol-3-phosphate spectrophotometrically, e.g., by monitoring DCIP reduction or oxygen consumption.
• Inhibitor screening: High-throughput or focused screening of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle for metabolic disease or oncology programs.
• Structural and biophysical studies: Crystallography, cryo-EM, SPR, or ITC experiments to characterize substrate binding, cofactor interactions, or inhibitor binding modes.
• Antibody validation: Use as a positive control antigen in Western blot, ELISA, or immunoprecipitation experiments.
• Functional reconstitution studies: In vitro reconstitution of the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle to study mitochondrial bioenergetics.

Confirm suitability for your specific application by reviewing the product datasheet or contacting Aladdin Scientific technical support.

Ordering, Shipping, and Technical Support

Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein (SKU: rp371611) can be ordered directly through the Aladdin Scientific website or by contacting your regional sales representative. Standard ordering options include various quantity pack sizes where available; please check the product page for current stock availability and pricing.

Shipping: Recombinant proteins are typically shipped on dry ice to maintain cold-chain integrity. Inspect the package upon receipt and confirm the product arrived in a frozen or cold state. Report any shipping damage immediately to Aladdin Scientific customer service.

Technical Support: For questions about protocol optimization, application suitability, or troubleshooting, contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team via the website contact form or email. Our scientists are available to assist with experimental design.

Returns and Refunds: Please refer to Aladdin Scientific's standard return and refund policy available on our website. Product quality concerns should be reported within the timeframe specified in the policy, accompanied by the batch number and CoA.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biological function of GPD2 and why is it relevant to my research?

GPD2 (mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) catalyzes the oxidation of glycerol-3-phosphate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate, transferring electrons to ubiquinone in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This activity is central to the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle, which regenerates cytosolic NAD⁺ and links glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. It is particularly relevant for researchers studying pancreatic beta-cell function, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer cell bioenergetics.

What expression system was used to produce Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein (rp371611), and what is its purity?

The specific expression host system and purity grade for rp371611 should be confirmed on the product datasheet or Certificate of Analysis available on the Aladdin Scientific product page. In general, recombinant GPD2 may be expressed in E. coli, insect cell (baculovirus), or mammalian cell systems, each with different glycosylation and folding profiles. Please download the current datasheet or contact technical support for confirmed lot-specific specifications.

How should I store Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein to maintain activity?

For short-term use (up to one week), store the protein at 4 °C in the supplied buffer. For long-term storage, aliquot the protein to minimize freeze-thaw cycles and store at −20 °C or −80 °C as directed by the lot-specific datasheet. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as these can significantly reduce enzymatic activity. Always refer to the product datasheet for confirmed storage recommendations.

Can Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein be used for inhibitor screening assays?

Yes, Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein is suitable for enzyme inhibitor screening. GPD2 inhibition is an active area of research in the context of metabolic diseases and oncology, as the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle contributes to tumor cell bioenergetics. Activity assays typically monitor glycerol-3-phosphate-dependent reduction of an electron acceptor such as DCIP or monitor oxygen consumption. Please consult the datasheet for confirmed enzymatic activity data and contact technical support for assay optimization guidance.

What is the SKU for Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein and how can I order it?

The SKU for Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein is rp371611. You can order it directly through the Aladdin Scientific website by searching the SKU, or by contacting your regional Aladdin Scientific sales representative. For bulk or custom quantity inquiries, please reach out to our sales team directly.

References

1. Mráček T, Drahota Z, Houštěk J. The function and the role of the mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in mammalian tissues. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013;1827(3):401-410. doi:10.1016/j.bbabio.2012.11.014
2. MacDonald MJ, Fahien LA, Buss JD, et al. Differences between human and rodent pancreatic beta cells in expression of the mitochondrial glycerol phosphate shuttle. J Biol Chem. 2004;279(4):3328-3335. doi:10.1074/jbc.M310538200
3. Aladdin Scientific. Recombinant Human GPD2 Protein [Product Datasheet, SKU: rp371611]. Aladdin Scientific; 2024.

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