Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein: Research Guide

Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein is a research-grade auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, enabling scientists to investigate calcium channel modulation, neurological disease mechanisms, and drug target interactions in well-controlled in vitro assay systems.

Product Name

Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein

SKU

rp367361

Protein Function

Auxiliary alpha-2/delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels; modulates channel trafficking, kinetics, and pharmacology

Biological Relevance

Implicated in neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and cancer; target of gabapentinoid drugs

Expression System

Recombinant production (expression system details: see product datasheet; verify with Aladdin Scientific)

Recommended Storage

Store at -80 °C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles (verify exact conditions on product datasheet)

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

Background: CACNA2D2 and Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

The CACNA2D2 gene encodes the alpha-2/delta-2 (α2δ-2) auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). VGCCs are heteromultimeric complexes composed of a pore-forming α1 subunit in association with auxiliary β and α2δ subunits. The α2δ subunits are post-translationally cleaved from a single precursor and re-linked by a disulfide bond, with the delta segment anchoring the complex to the plasma membrane.

CACNA2D2 is predominantly expressed in the brain and cerebellum and plays a critical role in regulating calcium channel surface expression, trafficking to the plasma membrane, and biophysical gating kinetics. Dysregulation of CACNA2D2 has been associated with neurological conditions including epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, and neuropathic pain. Additionally, CACNA2D2 has been identified as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in certain cancers, including lung and breast cancers.

Gabapentinoid drugs (gabapentin, pregabalin), widely used for neuropathic pain and epilepsy, exert their pharmacological effects by binding to α2δ subunits including CACNA2D2, making this protein a clinically relevant research target.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein

Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein (SKU: rp367361) is suitable for a range of in vitro research applications. Typical uses include:

• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: Investigating binding of CACNA2D2 to calcium channel α1 subunits, β subunits, or interacting proteins using pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitation, or surface plasmon resonance.
• Drug Binding and Screening Assays: Characterizing the binding of gabapentinoids or novel small molecules to the α2δ-2 subunit for pain and epilepsy drug discovery programs.
• ELISA and Immunoassay Development: Serving as a standard or positive control antigen in sandwich ELISA, Western blot validation, and antibody specificity testing.
• Structural and Biophysical Studies: Supporting structural biology initiatives including crystallography, cryo-EM sample preparation, or biophysical characterization of α2δ-2 conformation and stability.
• Cell-Free Functional Assays: Investigating functional domains of CACNA2D2 in reconstituted systems or channel trafficking pathway studies.

Researchers should verify suitability for specific applications against the product datasheet and consult Aladdin Scientific technical support if needed.

Handling, Reconstitution, and Storage Guidelines

Proper handling of Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein is essential to preserve activity and ensure reproducible results. Follow these general best-practice guidelines, and always refer to the specific product datasheet supplied with SKU rp367361 for authoritative instructions:

• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute in the buffer recommended on the datasheet (typically sterile PBS or a manufacturer-specified buffer). Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Gently mix; do not vortex vigorously.
• Aliquoting: Prepare single-use aliquots immediately after reconstitution to minimize repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade protein integrity and reduce biological activity.
• Storage: Store at -80 °C for long-term preservation. Short-term storage (days) may be acceptable at -20 °C or 4 °C depending on formulation — consult the datasheet.
• Carrier Protein: If the formulation contains BSA or other carrier proteins, account for this in downstream assays (e.g., ELISA standard curve preparation).
• Sterility and Contamination: Handle under aseptic conditions when using in cell-based assays. Use sterile, low-binding tubes and pipette tips.

Note: Specific buffer composition, concentration, and recommended working dilutions are provided on the product datasheet. Contact Aladdin Scientific for technical assistance.

Quality Control and Purity Considerations

For research reproducibility, the quality attributes of recombinant proteins must be understood before experimental use. For Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein (rp367361), key QC parameters to verify on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) include:

• Purity: Purity is typically assessed by SDS-PAGE (Coomassie or silver stain) and/or HPLC. Acceptable purity thresholds vary by application; confirm the purity grade for your intended use.
• Identity Confirmation: Identity may be confirmed by Western blot using an anti-CACNA2D2 antibody or by mass spectrometry peptide mapping.
• Biological Activity: Where applicable, functional activity may be reported on the datasheet (e.g., ligand binding assay). Verify whether the supplied lot has been activity-tested.
• Endotoxin Level: Critical for cell-based assays and in vivo studies. Endotoxin content (LAL assay result) should be specified on the CoA; low-endotoxin grades are preferred for sensitive assays.
• Lot-to-Lot Consistency: When running longitudinal studies, record the lot number and request matched lot reservation from Aladdin Scientific to reduce inter-experiment variability.

Always request a CoA for each shipment and archive it with your experimental records for regulatory and reproducibility compliance.

Frequently asked questions

What is CACNA2D2 and why is it important in research?

CACNA2D2 encodes the alpha-2/delta-2 auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, which regulates channel surface expression, trafficking, and gating kinetics. It is implicated in neurological disorders such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain, and is the binding target of gabapentinoid drugs, making it highly relevant for both basic neuroscience and drug discovery research.

What applications is Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein (rp367361) is suitable for protein–protein interaction studies, drug binding and screening assays, ELISA standard or positive control use, Western blot validation, and structural or biophysical characterization. Suitability for specific applications should be confirmed against the product datasheet.

How should Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein be stored to maintain stability?

For long-term storage, keep the protein at -80 °C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles by preparing single-use aliquots upon reconstitution. Short-term storage conditions vary by formulation; always consult the product datasheet provided with SKU rp367361 for the authoritative storage instructions.

How can I confirm the identity and purity of the received protein?

Request the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for your specific lot, which should document purity by SDS-PAGE or HPLC, identity by Western blot or mass spectrometry, and endotoxin levels. Archive the CoA with your experimental records. Contact Aladdin Scientific if any QC data is missing or unclear.

Is Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein suitable for cell-based functional assays?

Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein may be used in cell-based assay contexts; however, endotoxin levels and formulation components (such as carrier proteins or preservatives) must be assessed first. Consult the product datasheet and, if required, request a low-endotoxin grade from Aladdin Scientific before proceeding with sensitive cell-based applications.

References

1. Dolphin AC. Voltage-gated calcium channels and their auxiliary subunits: physiology and pathophysiology and pharmacology. J Physiol. 2016;594(19):5369-5390. doi:10.1113/JP272262
2. Gao B, et al. Functional properties of a new voltage-dependent calcium channel alpha(2)delta auxiliary subunit gene (CACNA2D2). J Biol Chem. 2000;275(16):12237-12242. doi:10.1074/jbc.275.16.12237
3. Aladdin Scientific. Recombinant Human CACNA2D2 Protein, SKU rp367361. Product Datasheet. Aladdin Scientific; [date not provided in source material].

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