Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein: Function & Research Use

Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein is a key centriolar satellite component that plays an essential role in ciliogenesis and centrosome integrity, making it a valuable tool for studying ciliopathies and centrosome-related cellular processes.

Protein Name

Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein

Also Known As

AZI1 (5-Azacytidine-Induced Protein 1)

Primary Biological Role

Component of centriolar satellites; required for ciliogenesis and centrosome cohesion

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Research Application

Biochemical assays, protein interaction studies, ciliogenesis research, ciliopathy models

Product SKU

rp374627

What Is CEP131? Biological Background

CEP131, also known as AZI1 (5-Azacytidine-Induced Protein 1), is a coiled-coil domain-containing protein that localizes to centriolar satellites — electron-dense granules surrounding the centrosome and basal body in mammalian cells. These satellites serve as dynamic reservoirs for proteins required at the centrosome, and CEP131 is considered a core structural and functional component of this compartment.

CEP131 interacts with PCM1, the master organizer of centriolar satellites, as well as with other satellite proteins such as CEP290 and BBS4. Through these interactions, CEP131 facilitates the trafficking of cargo proteins to the centrosome and basal body, which is a prerequisite for the formation and maintenance of primary cilia. Loss of CEP131 function in cellular models disrupts centriolar satellite integrity and impairs ciliogenesis, underscoring its indispensable role in ciliary biology.

Beyond cilia, CEP131 has been implicated in the DNA damage response and maintenance of genomic stability, with some studies suggesting a role in recruiting checkpoint proteins to centrosomes following genotoxic stress. These multifaceted functions make CEP131 a protein of broad interest across cell biology, developmental biology, and disease research.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein

Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein is produced using recombinant expression systems to yield a soluble, functional form of the full-length or defined fragment of the human CEP131 polypeptide. The native human CEP131 gene encodes a protein of approximately 1,140 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight in the range of ~130 kDa, though apparent molecular weight on SDS-PAGE may differ due to the protein's elongated, coiled-coil-rich architecture.

The recombinant form is typically produced with an affinity tag (such as His or GST) to facilitate purification by affinity chromatography, yielding preparations of defined purity suitable for in vitro research applications. Purity and identity are confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting or mass spectrometry. The protein is generally supplied in a buffered aqueous solution and should be stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations — typically at −20°C or −80°C — to maintain activity and prevent degradation.

Researchers should verify lot-specific details including exact construct boundaries, tag position, purity grade, and formulation buffer from the corresponding Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each lot of Aladdin Scientific's rp374627.

Research Applications

Ciliogenesis and Ciliopathy Research: Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein is well-suited for studying the molecular mechanisms of primary cilia formation. It can be used in pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays to map interactions with PCM1, CEP290, BBS4, and other centriolar satellite components, helping to dissect the protein interaction network that governs ciliogenesis.

Biochemical and Binding Assays: The purified recombinant protein serves as an antigen for antibody validation, as a standard for quantitative assays, or as a binding partner in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) designed to characterize CEP131 interactions.

Structural Studies: Recombinant CEP131 preparations can be used in biophysical characterization experiments such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) or as a component in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) sample preparation to investigate centriolar satellite architecture.

Disease Model Development: Given CEP131's association with ciliopathies — a group of genetic disorders caused by defective cilia including Bardet-Biedl syndrome-related pathways — the recombinant protein can support reconstitution experiments and functional rescue studies in relevant cell-free or cellular systems.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

Storage: Recombinant proteins are sensitive to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Upon receipt, it is recommended to aliquot the protein into single-use volumes before storing at −80°C for long-term preservation or at −20°C for short-term use. Avoid storing at 4°C for extended periods, as this may lead to protein aggregation or degradation.

Handling: Work on ice when thawing aliquots. Gently mix by pipetting rather than vortexing to preserve native conformation. For applications requiring high sensitivity, centrifuge the thawed protein briefly at 4°C to remove any aggregates before use.

Quality Control: Each lot of Aladdin Scientific Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein (SKU: rp374627) is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting purity, concentration, and identity testing results. Researchers are encouraged to review the CoA prior to experimental use and to contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for application-specific guidance.

Biosafety: This product is intended for in vitro research use only and is not approved for diagnostic or therapeutic applications in humans or animals.

Frequently asked questions

What is CEP131 protein and why is it important for cilia research?

CEP131 (also called AZI1) is a centriolar satellite protein that interacts with PCM1 and is required for proper ciliogenesis and centrosome cohesion. It acts as a scaffold that helps traffic essential proteins to the basal body, making it a critical target for understanding primary cilia formation and ciliopathy mechanisms.

What applications is Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein is suitable for protein–protein interaction studies (e.g., co-IP, pull-down), antibody validation (as an antigen), biochemical binding assays such as SPR or ELISA, and biophysical characterization. It is also used in ciliogenesis reconstitution experiments and ciliopathy disease-model research.

How should Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein be stored to maintain its activity?

The protein should be aliquoted into single-use volumes upon receipt and stored at −80°C for long-term use or at −20°C for short-term use. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided, as they can reduce protein activity and promote aggregation. Always work on ice when handling thawed aliquots.

Is Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein suitable for in vivo or diagnostic use?

No. Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein (SKU: rp374627) is intended strictly for in vitro research use only. It is not approved or validated for diagnostic, therapeutic, or any in vivo applications in humans or animals.

Where can I find lot-specific data for Recombinant Human CEP131 Protein?

Lot-specific data including purity, concentration, and identity confirmation are provided in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) supplied with each shipment of SKU rp374627. You can also contact Aladdin Scientific customer support to request the CoA for a specific lot number.

References

1. Lopes CA, et al. Centriolar satellites are assembly points for proteins implicated in human ciliopathies, including oral-facial-digital syndrome 1. J Cell Sci. 2011;124(Pt 4):600-612. doi:10.1242/jcs.077156
2. Odabasi E, et al. Centriolar satellites are required for efficient ciliogenesis and ciliary content regulation. EMBO Rep. 2019;20(6):e47723. doi:10.15252/embr.201847723
3. Staples CJ, et al. The centriolar satellite protein CEP131 is required for maintaining a functional ciliogenesis-competent state. Mol Cell Biol. 2012;32(24):5086-5097. doi:10.1128/MCB.00843-12

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