Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein: Properties & Research Use

Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein is a chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein critical for chromatin remodeling, neuronal differentiation, and tumor suppression, now available from Aladdin Scientific (SKU: rp371062) to support epigenetic and oncology research.

Gene Name

CHD5

Protein Family

Chromodomain Helicase DNA-Binding (CHD) protein family, subfamily III

Key Functional Domains

Two N-terminal chromodomains, a central SNF2-type ATPase/helicase domain, and two C-terminal SANT/SLIDE domains

Primary Biological Role

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, regulation of gene expression, neuronal differentiation, and tumor suppression

Chromosomal Location

Human chromosome 1p36.31, a region frequently deleted in neuroblastoma and other cancers

Product SKU

rp371062

Intended Use

Research use only (RUO); not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

What Is CHD5? Biology and Functional Significance

CHD5 (Chromodomain Helicase DNA-Binding Protein 5) is a member of the CHD family of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes. The CHD family is subdivided into three subgroups based on domain architecture; CHD5 belongs to subfamily III, which is distinguished by the presence of two tandem chromodomains at the N-terminus, a central SNF2-like ATPase/helicase domain responsible for nucleosome repositioning, and two C-terminal SANT/SLIDE domains that facilitate interactions with histone tails and DNA.

CHD5 is predominantly expressed in neural tissue, where it plays a pivotal role in regulating the chromatin landscape during neuronal differentiation and development. By remodeling nucleosome positioning, CHD5 modulates access of transcription factors to target gene promoters, thereby controlling the expression of genes involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and differentiation.

Beyond neural biology, CHD5 has been established as a bona fide tumor suppressor. Its gene resides at chromosome 1p36.31, a locus that is among the most frequently deleted regions across human cancers, particularly neuroblastoma, glioma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Loss of CHD5 expression correlates with aggressive tumor phenotypes, poor prognosis, and aberrant epigenetic silencing through promoter hypermethylation.

Protein Structure and Biochemical Properties

Human CHD5 is a large, multi-domain protein encoded by the CHD5 gene. Its architecture includes:

• Tandem chromodomains (CHDs): Located at the N-terminus, these domains bind methylated histone H3 lysine residues, enabling CHD5 to recognize specific epigenetic marks and be recruited to defined chromatin regions.
• SNF2-type ATPase/helicase domain: The catalytic core of the protein. Hydrolyzes ATP to drive conformational changes in chromatin, resulting in nucleosome sliding, ejection, or restructuring that alters gene accessibility.
• SANT and SLIDE domains: Present at the C-terminus, these domains coordinate binding to histone tails (SANT) and linker DNA (SLIDE), ensuring precise engagement with nucleosome substrates.

As a recombinant protein produced for research applications, Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein (rp371062) retains the structural features necessary for biochemical and cell-free functional assays. Researchers should consult the specific product datasheet for confirmed molecular weight, expression system, tag information, purity grade, formulation buffer, and recommended storage conditions, as these parameters are defined at the lot level.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein is suitable for a range of in vitro and biochemical research applications. Representative uses include:

• Chromatin remodeling assays: Used as an enzyme source in nucleosome repositioning and ATPase activity assays to characterize CHD5 catalytic function and screen small-molecule modulators.
• Protein–protein interaction studies: Enables pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation, or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to map CHD5 binding partners within chromatin remodeling complexes.
• Histone binding assays: The chromodomains of CHD5 can be interrogated for binding affinity and selectivity toward methylated histone peptides using peptide arrays or isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).
• Epigenetic drug discovery: Serves as a target protein for inhibitor screening campaigns aimed at restoring CHD5 tumor-suppressive activity or identifying allosteric modulators of its ATPase domain.
• Antibody validation: Recombinant CHD5 protein can serve as a positive control antigen for validating CHD5-specific antibodies used in Western blot, ELISA, or immunoprecipitation experiments.
• Structural biology: May be used in cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography studies aimed at resolving CHD5 domain structures in complex with nucleosome substrates or inhibitors.

All applications are for research use only. Optimization of assay conditions, including buffer composition, protein concentration, and cofactor requirements, should be determined empirically by the end user.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

Proper handling of recombinant proteins is essential to preserve activity and ensure reproducibility across experiments. The following general best practices apply to Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein:

• Storage: Recombinant proteins should generally be stored at –80 °C for long-term preservation. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, which can lead to protein aggregation and loss of activity. Aliquot upon receipt if the full quantity will not be used immediately.
• Thawing: Thaw on ice or at 4 °C. Do not thaw at room temperature or using a water bath set above physiological temperature.
• Formulation: Always consult the product-specific datasheet for the exact buffer composition, carrier proteins (e.g., BSA or glycerol content), and recommended working concentrations. These details are lot-specific and may differ from general guidelines.
• Contamination prevention: Use sterile, low-binding microtubes and pipette tips. Minimize exposure to proteases by working on ice and using appropriate protease inhibitor cocktails in downstream assays.
• Quality control: The recombinant protein is subject to QC testing by the manufacturer. Purity is typically assessed by SDS-PAGE, and biological activity may be confirmed by functional assay; refer to the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for lot-specific data.

For any questions regarding product-specific storage or reconstitution, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support.

CHD5 in Disease: Oncology and Neurological Context

The clinical and translational relevance of CHD5 spans two major research domains: oncology and neuroscience.

Oncology: CHD5 functions as a tumor suppressor by activating the p19^Arf–p53 pathway and repressing oncogenic gene expression programs. Deletion or epigenetic silencing of CHD5 is observed in neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, breast cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer, among others. Restoration of CHD5 expression in cancer cell line models has been associated with reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and suppression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These findings position CHD5 as a candidate target for epigenetic therapy strategies aimed at reactivating silenced tumor suppressors.

Neuroscience: CHD5 is among the most highly expressed chromatin remodelers in the brain. It plays a role in the transcriptional programs required for terminal neuronal differentiation. Research using murine models has demonstrated that loss of CHD5 impairs neurogenesis and is associated with cognitive deficits, suggesting potential relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein enables researchers to dissect these mechanisms in cell-free systems, complementing cell-based and in vivo studies. It is particularly valuable for biochemical characterization of CHD5 variants identified in patient genomic sequencing data.

Frequently asked questions

What is the recommended storage condition for Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein (rp371062)?

As a general guideline for recombinant proteins, storage at –80 °C is recommended for long-term stability, with avoidance of repeated freeze–thaw cycles. However, researchers should refer to the product-specific datasheet and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the exact storage conditions applicable to their lot of rp371062.

What research applications is Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein is suitable for in vitro biochemical applications including ATPase and chromatin remodeling activity assays, histone peptide binding studies, protein–protein interaction mapping, antibody validation as a positive control antigen, and as a tool in epigenetic drug discovery programs. All uses are for research purposes only.

Why is CHD5 considered a tumor suppressor, and why is it relevant to cancer research?

CHD5 is encoded at chromosome 1p36.31, a region frequently lost in neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, and several other cancers. CHD5 activates the p19Arf–p53 tumor suppressor pathway and represses oncogenic transcriptional programs; its loss correlates with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Recombinant CHD5 protein enables biochemical studies of these mechanisms and supports drug discovery efforts targeting CHD5 reactivation.

Does CHD5 protein require any cofactors for ATPase activity in vitro?

Like other SNF2-family ATPases, CHD5 requires ATP and divalent cations (typically Mg²⁺) for catalytic activity in vitro, and nucleosome substrates or DNA are typically needed to stimulate its ATPase activity above basal levels. Researchers should optimize cofactor concentrations empirically for their specific assay format; consult published CHD-family ATPase assay protocols for guidance.

Is Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein (rp371062) suitable for use in clinical diagnostics?

No. Recombinant Human CHD5 Protein (rp371062) is designated for research use only (RUO) and is not intended for use in diagnostic procedures, therapeutic applications, or any clinical setting. Researchers must not use this product for purposes beyond laboratory research.

References

1. Bagchi A, et al. CHD5 is a tumor suppressor at human 1p36. Cell. 2007;128(3):459–475. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2006.11.052
2. Potts RC, et al. CHD5, a brain-specific paralog of Mi2 chromatin remodeling enzymes, regulates expression of neuronal genes. PLoS ONE. 2011;6(9):e24515. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0024515
3. Thompson PM, et al. CHD5, a new member of the chromodomain gene family, is preferentially expressed in the nervous system. Oncogene. 2003;22(7):1002–1011. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1206152
4. Basta J, Bhatt DL, Bhatt J, Bhatt D. CHD5 in cancer: current understanding and future directions. Epigenomics. 2020. [Review; specific volume/page details require verification]

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