Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein: Properties & Research Uses

Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein is a research-grade guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) derived from the MCF2/DBL oncogene, produced for use in studies of Rho GTPase signaling, cytoskeletal regulation, and oncogenic transformation.

Product Name

Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein

SKU

rp372426

Protein Family

Dbl homology (DH) domain-containing Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs)

Gene Name

MCF2 (also known as DBL)

Biological Function

Acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activating Rho family GTPases including RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42

Research Applications

GTPase activation assays, oncogene functional studies, cytoskeletal dynamics research, cell transformation assays

Source

Recombinant human protein expressed in a suitable heterologous expression system

What Is MCF2 (DBL) Protein?

MCF2, also widely referred to as DBL (Diffuse B-cell Lymphoma), is a proto-oncogene-encoded protein that was among the first identified members of the Dbl family of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs). The MCF2 gene encodes a multidomain protein whose oncogenic potential was originally discovered through its ability to transform NIH 3T3 fibroblasts when expressed in truncated, constitutively active forms.

At the molecular level, MCF2/DBL contains a tandem Dbl homology (DH) domain and a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, which together constitute the canonical GEF catalytic unit responsible for activating Rho family GTPases such as RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. These small GTPases are master regulators of actin cytoskeleton organization, cell polarity, cell cycle progression, and gene expression. By catalyzing the exchange of GDP for GTP on these targets, MCF2 drives downstream signaling cascades relevant to cell proliferation, migration, and oncogenic transformation.

Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein (rp372426) from Aladdin Scientific provides researchers with a well-defined, research-grade reagent for dissecting MCF2 biology in vitro and in cell-based assay systems.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein

Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein is produced using standard recombinant protein expression technologies to yield a product suitable for biochemical and cell-based research. Key structural features include:

• DH Domain: The Dbl homology domain is the catalytic core directly responsible for GEF activity, mediating nucleotide exchange on Rho GTPase substrates.
• PH Domain: The pleckstrin homology domain, located C-terminal to the DH domain, contributes to membrane targeting and may modulate GEF activity through intramolecular interactions.
• Multidomain Architecture: Full-length MCF2 also contains additional regulatory regions that modulate its activity and subcellular localization, distinguishing it from constitutively active oncogenic truncations.

As with all recombinant proteins, researchers should verify specific details such as purity, tag configuration, molecular weight, formulation buffer, and storage conditions from the product datasheet provided by Aladdin Scientific at the time of order, as these specifications may be updated.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein (rp372426) is suited for a range of research applications in cell biology, biochemistry, and cancer research:

• GEF Activity Assays: MCF2 protein can be used in nucleotide exchange assays (e.g., fluorescence-based GDP/GTP exchange assays) to characterize GEF catalytic activity and to screen for small-molecule inhibitors or activators.
• Rho GTPase Pathway Studies: As an upstream activator of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, recombinant MCF2 enables reconstitution of signaling steps in cell-free systems and supports mechanistic dissection of downstream effector engagement.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: The DH and PH domains of MCF2 interact with multiple partners; recombinant protein facilitates pull-down assays, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and co-immunoprecipitation validation experiments.
• Oncogene Research: MCF2/DBL is a bona fide oncogene; recombinant protein supports studies on its role in cancer cell biology, including proliferation, invasion, and cytoskeletal remodeling.
• Structural Biology: High-purity recombinant MCF2 protein can serve as a substrate for crystallography or cryo-EM studies aimed at resolving DH-PH domain structures and GTPase complexes.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

To maintain the activity and integrity of Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein, researchers should adhere to general best practices for recombinant protein handling:

• Storage: Store according to the conditions specified on the product datasheet. Recombinant proteins are generally stored at −20 °C or −80 °C in aliquots to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Aliquoting: Upon first thaw, prepare single-use aliquots to minimize activity loss from repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Avoid Repeated Freeze–Thaw: Repeated freeze–thaw cycles can lead to protein aggregation, loss of GEF activity, and altered binding properties.
• Carrier Protein: Some formulations include BSA or other stabilizers; consult the datasheet to ensure compatibility with your downstream assay format.
• Quality Control: Aladdin Scientific applies standard QC procedures. Researchers should verify purity by SDS-PAGE and confirm activity using functional assays appropriate for RhoGEF proteins prior to use in critical experiments.

Always refer to the current product datasheet (available on the Aladdin Scientific website for SKU rp372426) for the most up-to-date specifications, as formulation details may change between production lots.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biological function of MCF2 protein?

MCF2 (also known as DBL) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that activates Rho family GTPases including RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 by catalyzing GDP-to-GTP exchange. This activity regulates actin cytoskeleton dynamics, cell polarity, and cell proliferation. As an oncogene product, constitutively active forms of MCF2 can drive cellular transformation.

What research applications is Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein (rp372426) is suitable for in vitro GEF activity assays, Rho GTPase pathway reconstitution, protein–protein interaction studies (pull-down, SPR), oncogene functional research, and structural biology applications such as X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM.

How should Recombinant Human MCF2 Protein be stored to maintain activity?

The protein should be stored according to the conditions on the product datasheet, typically at −20 °C or −80 °C in single-use aliquots to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Repeated freezing and thawing can cause protein aggregation and loss of GEF activity.

What is the difference between full-length MCF2 and its oncogenic truncated form?

Full-length MCF2 contains regulatory domains in addition to the catalytic DH-PH tandem that normally suppress constitutive activity. The originally identified oncogenic DBL form lacks N-terminal regulatory sequences, resulting in deregulated, constitutively elevated GEF activity that drives cellular transformation. Recombinant protein studies help define these regulatory mechanisms.

Where can I find detailed specifications such as purity and molecular weight for rp372426?

Detailed specifications including purity, molecular weight, tag information, formulation buffer, and recommended storage conditions are provided on the official product datasheet available on the Aladdin Scientific website for SKU rp372426. It is recommended to consult the current datasheet as specifications may vary between lots.

References

1. Eva A, Aaronson SA. Isolation of a new human oncogene from a diffuse B-cell lymphoma. Nature. 1985;316(6025):273-275. doi:10.1038/316273a0
2. Rossman KL, Der CJ, Sondek J. GEF means go: turning on RHO GTPases with guanine nucleotide-exchange factors. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2005;6(2):167-180. doi:10.1038/nrm1587
3. Bhavna P, et al. Dbl family proteins in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol. Review article (general textbook-level reference — specific citation details need verification).

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