Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein: Properties & Applications

Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein is a key tool reagent enabling researchers to investigate the molecular mechanisms of intraflagellar transport, cilia assembly, and ciliopathy-related pathways in vitro and in biochemical assays.

Product Name

Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein

SKU

rp367408

Gene / Protein Target

IFT172 (Intraflagellar Transport Protein 172)

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Protein Complex Membership

IFT-B complex subunit

Primary Research Area

Cilia biology, intraflagellar transport, ciliopathy models

What Is IFT172 and Why Does It Matter?

IFT172 (Intraflagellar Transport Protein 172) is a large scaffolding subunit of the IFT-B complex, which is essential for the anterograde transport of cargo along the ciliary axoneme. Cilia and flagella are highly conserved organelles present on the surface of nearly all mammalian cell types; they function in motility, mechanosensation, and signal transduction—including Hedgehog and Wnt pathways.

IFT172 plays a dual role: it participates in the structural integrity of the IFT-B complex and has been reported to interact with components at the ciliary tip, facilitating the turnaround of IFT trains from anterograde to retrograde direction. Mutations in the human IFT172 gene are associated with a spectrum of ciliopathies, including Bardet–Biedl syndrome, Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa, underscoring its clinical relevance.

Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein (SKU: rp367408) from Aladdin Scientific provides researchers with a well-defined, ready-to-use protein reagent to study these processes biochemically and to develop or validate research assays.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein

IFT172 is one of the largest subunits of the IFT-B complex. The human IFT172 protein is encoded by the IFT172 gene located on chromosome 2p23.3. The full-length protein contains WD40 repeat domains and TPR (tetratricopeptide repeat) motifs that mediate protein–protein interactions within the IFT machinery.

Recombinant production of IFT172 allows researchers to obtain the protein in defined quantities and purity levels that are difficult to achieve from native tissue sources. Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein (rp367408) is produced to support a range of downstream biochemical and cell biology applications.

Note for procurement and lab managers: Specific purity grade, expression system, tag information, molecular weight, and storage buffer details should be confirmed directly on the product datasheet for SKU rp367408 on the Aladdin Scientific website or by contacting technical support, as these specifications are subject to lot-specific quality control.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein is suited for multiple research applications in the fields of cilia biology and intraflagellar transport:

• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: IFT172 serves as bait or prey in pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation experiments to map interactions within the IFT-B complex or with other ciliary components.
• Biochemical Reconstitution: Recombinant IFT172 can be used to reconstitute partial IFT-B sub-complexes in vitro, enabling mechanistic dissection of complex assembly.
• Antibody Validation and ELISA Development: High-purity recombinant protein provides a reliable positive control and standard for antibody-based detection methods targeting IFT172.
• Structural Biology: Purified recombinant IFT172 can support X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, or small-angle X-ray scattering studies aimed at elucidating the structural basis of IFT-B complex organization.
• Drug Discovery and Screening: As ciliopathies represent a significant unmet medical need, recombinant IFT172 can be employed in screening assays designed to identify small molecules that modulate IFT complex assembly or cilia function.

Researchers studying Hedgehog signaling, primary cilia, or rare genetic ciliopathies will find this recombinant protein particularly valuable as a defined biochemical tool.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

Proper handling of recombinant proteins is critical to maintaining biological activity and experimental reproducibility. General best practices for Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein include:

• Storage: Store according to the conditions specified in the product datasheet for rp367408. Recombinant proteins are typically stored at −20 °C or −80 °C in aliquots to minimize freeze–thaw cycles. Always refer to the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for confirmed storage conditions.
• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute with the recommended diluent (e.g., sterile water or PBS) as directed on the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening.
• Avoid Repeated Freeze–Thaw: Prepare single-use aliquots upon first thaw to preserve protein integrity and activity over time.
• Quality Control: Aladdin Scientific performs quality control testing on each lot. Purity is typically assessed by SDS-PAGE and/or HPLC; identity may be confirmed by Western blot or mass spectrometry. Review the CoA provided with your shipment for lot-specific data.

For technical questions regarding optimal assay conditions, buffer compatibility, or concentration recommendations, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support.

Ordering Information

Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU rp367408. To place an order or request a quote, visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact your regional sales representative. Bulk quantities and custom formulations may be available upon request—please contact our sales team to discuss your specific requirements.

For the most current pricing, availability, and full technical specifications including expression host, tag, purity grade, and recommended applications, refer to the official product page for rp367408 on the Aladdin Scientific platform.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IFT172 protein and what does it do?

IFT172 is a large subunit of the IFT-B complex, a multi-protein assembly required for anterograde intraflagellar transport along the ciliary axoneme. It contains WD40 repeat and TPR motif domains that mediate interactions within the IFT machinery, and it is thought to play a role at the ciliary tip in facilitating the transition from anterograde to retrograde IFT trains. Loss-of-function mutations in IFT172 are linked to multiple human ciliopathies.

What research applications is Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein (rp367408) is suitable for protein–protein interaction studies (pull-down, co-IP), biochemical reconstitution of IFT-B sub-complexes, antibody validation, ELISA development, structural biology studies (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography), and small-molecule screening assays related to ciliopathy drug discovery. Researchers should confirm specific validated applications on the product datasheet.

How should Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein be stored?

Storage conditions should be followed as specified in the product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) supplied with each lot of rp367408. As a general best practice for recombinant proteins, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles by preparing single-use aliquots and storing at the recommended temperature (typically −20 °C or −80 °C). Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for lot-specific guidance.

Are IFT172 mutations associated with human disease?

Yes. Mutations in the human IFT172 gene have been associated with several ciliopathies, including Bardet–Biedl syndrome, Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (short-rib thoracic dysplasia), and retinitis pigmentosa. These conditions arise from defective cilia function due to impaired intraflagellar transport. Recombinant IFT172 protein can therefore serve as a relevant reagent for disease modeling and mechanistic studies.

Where can I find the full technical specifications for rp367408?

Full technical specifications for Recombinant Human IFT172 Protein (rp367408)—including expression host, tag, purity, molecular weight, formulation, and recommended applications—are available on the official Aladdin Scientific product page. You may also contact Aladdin Scientific customer service or technical support for the Certificate of Analysis and additional documentation.

References

1. Taschner M, Bhogaraju S, Lorentzen E. Architecture and function of IFT complex proteins in ciliogenesis. Differentiation. 2012;83(2):S12-S22. doi:10.1016/j.diff.2011.11.001
2. Huangfu D, Anderson KV. Cilia and Hedgehog responsiveness in the mouse. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2005;102(32):11325-11330. doi:10.1073/pnas.0505328102
3. Halbritter J, et al. Defects in the IFT-B component IFT172 cause Jeune and Mainzer-Saldino syndromes in humans. Am J Hum Genet. 2013;93(5):915-925. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.09.012
4. Bujakowska KM, et al. Mutations in IFT172 cause isolated retinal degeneration and Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Hum Mol Genet. 2015;24(1):230-242. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddu441

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