Recombinant Human HPN Protein: Key Facts & FAQs

Recombinant Human HPN Protein is a research-grade recombinant form of the human hepsin (HPN) serine protease, produced for use in biochemical assays, structural studies, and investigations into cancer biology and cell signaling.

Product Name

Recombinant Human HPN Protein

SKU

rp367824

Protein Family

Type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP)

Gene Name

HPN (Hepsin)

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Primary Research Areas

Oncology, cell signaling, proteolysis, hepatocyte biology

Supplier Reference

absea#PP-25181

What Is HPN (Hepsin) and Why Is It Scientifically Important?

HPN, commonly known as hepsin, is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is abundantly expressed in the liver and at lower levels in various other tissues. As a member of the TTSP family, hepsin is anchored to the plasma membrane and directs its catalytic activity extracellularly, where it participates in the processing of growth factors, extracellular matrix components, and other substrates involved in tissue homeostasis and cell proliferation.

Hepsin has garnered significant research interest due to its markedly elevated expression in prostate cancer and several other malignancies, making it a candidate biomarker and potential therapeutic target. Studies suggest that hepsin promotes tumor invasion and metastasis by activating pro-hepatocyte growth factor (pro-HGF) and modulating the HGF/MET signaling axis. Beyond oncology, hepsin plays roles in normal hepatocyte function and blood coagulation pathway regulation.

Product Specifications and Quality Attributes

Recombinant Human HPN Protein (SKU: rp367824) is produced as a recombinant protein intended for in vitro research use. The product is referenced under supplier code absea#PP-25181. Researchers should consult the certificate of analysis (CoA) supplied with each lot for precise details on purity, biological activity, endotoxin levels, and formulation, as these parameters are lot-specific and subject to quality control verification.

Typical quality attributes evaluated for recombinant serine proteases of this class include: purity assessed by SDS-PAGE or HPLC, functional activity confirmed by enzymatic or binding assay, endotoxin content measured by LAL assay, and protein concentration determined by standard spectrophotometric or colorimetric methods. Please request the current CoA from Aladdin Scientific at the time of ordering to obtain lot-specific data.

Storage, Handling, and Stability Recommendations

Proper storage and handling of recombinant proteins are critical to maintaining their integrity and functional activity. As a general guideline for recombinant serine proteases, aliquot the protein upon receipt to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause aggregation and loss of enzymatic activity. Short-term storage (up to one week) is typically performed at 4 °C, while long-term storage should be at −20 °C or −80 °C, ideally in the presence of a carrier protein (e.g., 0.1% BSA) or appropriate stabilizing buffer as specified in the product datasheet.

Always refer to the specific storage conditions stated on the product label and datasheet for Recombinant Human HPN Protein (rp367824), as formulation details can vary by lot. Avoid exposure to repeated temperature fluctuations and keep samples on ice during bench work. Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support if you observe unexpected loss of activity or precipitation.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human HPN Protein

Recombinant Human HPN Protein is suited to a range of in vitro experimental contexts. Key applications include:

• Enzymatic activity assays: Characterizing the substrate specificity and kinetic parameters of hepsin using fluorogenic or chromogenic peptide substrates.
• Inhibitor screening: Identifying and evaluating small-molecule or peptide-based inhibitors of hepsin protease activity, relevant to drug discovery programs targeting prostate cancer and other HPN-overexpressing tumors.
• Protein–protein interaction studies: Investigating hepsin interactions with pro-HGF, coagulation factors, or extracellular matrix proteins using pull-down, SPR, or ELISA-based approaches.
• Structural biology: Supporting crystallography or cryo-EM studies to elucidate hepsin's active site architecture and inhibitor binding modes.
• Biomarker research: Developing and validating immunoassays for hepsin detection in clinical or experimental samples.

Researchers should validate the protein's activity in their specific assay system using appropriate positive controls before proceeding to primary experiments.

Ordering, Technical Support, and Regulatory Information

Recombinant Human HPN Protein is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU rp367824 (supplier reference: absea#PP-25181). To place an order, visit the Aladdin Scientific website, contact your regional sales representative, or reach out to our customer service team. Bulk quantities and custom formulations may be available upon request.

For technical questions regarding experimental design, assay optimization, or troubleshooting, please contact Aladdin Scientific technical support with your lot number and CoA in hand. This product is intended for research use only (RUO) and is not approved or validated for diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical use in humans or animals. Users are responsible for compliance with all applicable institutional biosafety and ethical guidelines when working with recombinant proteins.

Frequently asked questions

What is Recombinant Human HPN Protein and what does HPN stand for?

HPN stands for hepsin, a type II transmembrane serine protease encoded by the HPN gene in humans. Recombinant Human HPN Protein (rp367824) is a laboratory-produced form of this protease used for in vitro research into its enzymatic activity, protein interactions, and role in cancer and liver biology.

What are the recommended storage conditions for Recombinant Human HPN Protein (rp367824)?

As a general best practice for recombinant serine proteases, aliquot the protein upon receipt and store long-term at −20 °C or −80 °C to prevent activity loss from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Short-term storage may be at 4 °C. Always refer to the specific conditions stated on the product datasheet and CoA for this lot, as formulation details may vary.

What research applications is Recombinant Human HPN Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human HPN Protein is suitable for enzymatic activity assays, inhibitor screening, protein–protein interaction studies (e.g., with pro-HGF or coagulation factors), structural biology investigations, and immunoassay development. It is intended for in vitro research use only and is not approved for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

How do I request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for this product?

You can request the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for Recombinant Human HPN Protein (rp367824) by contacting Aladdin Scientific customer service or technical support with your lot number. The CoA contains verified data on purity, activity, endotoxin levels, and formulation for your specific batch.

Is Recombinant Human HPN Protein approved for clinical or diagnostic use?

No. Recombinant Human HPN Protein (rp367824) is designated for research use only (RUO). It has not been approved or validated for use in clinical diagnostics, therapeutic applications, or any in vivo use in humans or animals. Users must comply with all relevant institutional biosafety and ethical requirements.

References

1. Bhatt AS, Bhatt AS, Bhatt DL et al. Hepsin: a serine protease with diverse roles in cancer and normal physiology. (General review — specific citation details require verification.)
2. Tripathi M, Nandana S, Yamashita H, et al. Roles of hepsin in prostate cancer progression and invasion. (Specific citation details require verification.)
3. Aladdin Scientific product page: Recombinant Human HPN Protein, SKU rp367824. https://www.aladdinscientific.com

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