Recombinant Human MED17 Protein: Research Guide & Applications

Recombinant Human MED17 Protein is a key subunit of the Mediator transcriptional coactivator complex that plays a central role in regulating RNA polymerase II-dependent gene expression in human cells.

Product Name

Recombinant Human MED17 Protein

SKU

rp369451

Protein Function

Subunit of the Mediator complex; essential for RNA polymerase II transcription activation

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Application Area

Transcription regulation research, Mediator complex assembly studies, protein–protein interaction assays

Storage Recommendation

Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles; store aliquots at –80 °C for long-term stability

Biological Background of MED17

MED17 (Mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 17), also known as CRSP6 or TRAP80, is an integral component of the Mediator complex, a large multi-subunit coactivator that serves as a molecular bridge between gene-specific transcription factors and the general RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription machinery.

The Mediator complex is conserved across eukaryotes and is organized into distinct modules: the Head, Middle, Tail, and Kinase modules. MED17 resides within the Head module and is considered one of its structural cornerstones. The Head module makes direct contact with RNA Pol II and components of the pre-initiation complex (PIC), including TFIID and TFIIH, thereby facilitating the assembly and stabilization of the PIC at gene promoters.

MED17 has been shown to interact directly with several general transcription factors and is indispensable for basal and activated transcription. Dysregulation of MED17 has been associated with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, underscoring its physiological importance beyond its biochemical role.

Product Properties & Specifications

The Recombinant Human MED17 Protein (SKU: rp369451) supplied by Aladdin Scientific is produced using recombinant expression technology to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and high purity suitable for demanding in vitro research applications.

Key product attributes to verify upon receipt (please consult the specific Certificate of Analysis for confirmed values):

• Expression System: Confirm with the accompanying datasheet; common systems for Mediator subunits include E. coli, baculovirus/insect cell, or mammalian expression.
• Purity: Recombinant proteins from Aladdin are typically >85% purity as assessed by SDS-PAGE; confirm on CoA.
• Formulation: Check the CoA for buffer composition, stabilizers, and protein concentration.
• Tag Information: May include a His-tag or GST-tag to facilitate purification; confirm on the product datasheet.

Note: Specific numerical values such as exact molecular weight, concentration, and endotoxin levels should be confirmed from the product Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with each lot.

Handling, Reconstitution & Storage Protocol

Proper handling of Recombinant Human MED17 Protein is essential to preserve its biological activity and structural integrity. Follow the guidelines below:

Upon Receipt

• Inspect the shipment for dry ice or cold pack integrity. If the product has thawed unexpectedly, contact Aladdin Scientific customer support immediately.
• Record the lot number and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) values for your laboratory records.

Reconstitution (if lyophilized)

• Briefly centrifuge the vial before opening to consolidate the lyophilized material.
• Reconstitute in the volume and buffer specified on the CoA or product datasheet. Sterile PBS (pH 7.4) containing a carrier protein (e.g., 0.1% BSA) is commonly used.
• Gently pipette to mix; avoid vortexing, which can denature the protein.
• Allow the protein to dissolve completely at 4 °C or room temperature as directed.

Storage

• For short-term use (up to 1 week): store at 4 °C.
• For long-term storage: aliquot to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and store at –80 °C.
• Repeated freeze–thaw cycles significantly reduce protein activity and should be avoided.

Working Concentration

• Optimal working concentrations should be determined empirically for each application and experimental system.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human MED17 Protein is a versatile reagent suitable for a range of biochemical and cell biology research applications:

• In Vitro Transcription Assays: MED17 can be incorporated into reconstituted transcription systems to study Mediator complex function and RNA Pol II activation mechanisms.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: Used in pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to characterize interactions between MED17 and other Mediator subunits, transcription factors, or coregulators.
• Structural Biology: Suitable as a component for cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography studies aimed at resolving the structure of Mediator Head module assemblies.
• Biochemical Reconstitution: Enables reconstitution of Mediator sub-complexes in vitro to dissect module assembly and function.
• Antibody Validation & Western Blotting Standards: Can serve as a positive control or antigen for validating anti-MED17 antibodies.
• Drug Discovery: As a component of the transcription machinery, MED17 is a potential target for studies exploring small-molecule modulators of Mediator–transcription factor interactions.

Quality, Safety & Regulatory Considerations

Quality Control: Each lot of Recombinant Human MED17 Protein is subject to quality control testing. Consult the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with your specific lot for confirmed purity, concentration, and activity data. If no CoA is included, contact Aladdin Scientific to request one.

Research Use Only: This product is intended for research use only (RUO). It is NOT approved or intended for use in diagnostic, therapeutic, or clinical procedures. It must not be administered to humans or animals.

Safety Handling: Although recombinant MED17 protein does not carry a specific hazardous materials classification under standard reagent categories, standard laboratory biosafety practices should be followed:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, lab coat, and eye protection.
• Handle in a certified biosafety cabinet if required by your institution's biosafety protocols.
• Dispose of according to local institutional and governmental regulations for biological materials.

Regulatory: This product is not a controlled substance. Export may be subject to local regulations; consult your institution's export control office if applicable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the recommended storage condition for Recombinant Human MED17 Protein?

For short-term use within one week, store the protein at 4 °C. For long-term storage, aliquot the protein into single-use volumes and store at –80 °C. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles should be strictly avoided as they significantly compromise protein integrity and activity.

For which research applications is Recombinant Human MED17 Protein suitable?

Recombinant Human MED17 Protein is suitable for in vitro transcription assays, protein–protein interaction studies (pull-down, co-IP, SPR), structural biology investigations (cryo-EM, crystallography), Mediator complex reconstitution, antibody validation, and drug discovery research targeting the Mediator–transcription factor interface.

Is Recombinant Human MED17 Protein approved for clinical or diagnostic use?

No. Recombinant Human MED17 Protein (rp369451) is strictly for research use only (RUO). It has not been evaluated or approved for use in diagnostic, therapeutic, or any clinical application, and must not be administered to humans or animals.

How should I reconstitute lyophilized Recombinant Human MED17 Protein?

Briefly centrifuge the vial before opening to collect lyophilized material at the bottom. Reconstitute with sterile PBS (pH 7.4) supplemented with a carrier protein such as 0.1% BSA, using the volume specified in the product CoA or datasheet. Mix by gentle pipetting and avoid vortexing to prevent denaturation. Confirm specific reconstitution instructions from the lot-specific CoA.

What is the role of MED17 in transcription regulation?

MED17 is a structural and functional component of the Head module of the Mediator complex, which acts as a central coactivator bridging gene-specific transcription factors and the RNA polymerase II machinery. It contributes to the assembly of the pre-initiation complex at gene promoters and is essential for both basal and activated transcription of protein-coding genes.

References

1. Tsai KL, Sato S, Tomomori-Sato C, et al. A conserved Mediator-CDK8 kinase module association regulates Mediator-RNA polymerase II interaction. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. 2013.
2. Cevher MA, Shi Y, Li D, et al. Reconstitution of active human core Mediator complex reveals a critical role of the MED14 subunit. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. 2014.
3. Yin JW, Wang G. The Mediator complex: a master coordinator of transcription and cell lineage development. Development. 2014.
4. Kaufmann R, et al. Mutations in MED17 and intellectual disability. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010.

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