Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein: FAQs & Key Facts

Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein is a key component of the intraflagellar transport complex B, playing an essential role in cilia assembly and maintenance, and is available from Aladdin Scientific (SKU: rp374126) for use in a range of in vitro research applications.

Product Name

Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein

SKU

rp374126

Gene / Protein Target

IFT20 (Intraflagellar Transport Protein 20)

Protein Family

IFT Complex B component

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Primary Research Area

Cilia biology, intraflagellar transport, cell signaling

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

What Is IFT20 and Why Does It Matter in Research?

IFT20 (Intraflagellar Transport Protein 20) is a small, evolutionarily conserved protein that functions as a core subunit of the IFT Complex B. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is the bidirectional movement of protein cargo along the axoneme of cilia and flagella, a process that is absolutely essential for the assembly and maintenance of these organelles.

IFT20 is notable among IFT-B components because it is not exclusively localized to cilia; it also associates with the Golgi apparatus, where it is thought to facilitate the trafficking of ciliary cargo proteins from the Golgi to the base of the cilium. This dual localization makes IFT20 a critical node linking intracellular vesicular transport with ciliary protein delivery.

Dysfunction of IFT20 and related IFT proteins has been implicated in a broad spectrum of human genetic disorders collectively termed ciliopathies, which include conditions such as Bardet–Biedl syndrome, Joubert syndrome, and nephronophthisis. Research into IFT20 therefore has direct translational relevance to understanding these diseases.

Product Specifications and Quality Attributes

The Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein offered by Aladdin Scientific (SKU: rp374126) is produced using recombinant expression technology to deliver a well-characterized, research-grade reagent. Below are the general quality attributes expected of this class of recombinant protein; researchers are advised to consult the product datasheet for confirmed lot-specific values.

• Protein Origin: Human (Homo sapiens), recombinant expression
• Form: Typically supplied as a lyophilized powder or liquid formulation (confirm with current datasheet)
• Purity: Research-grade recombinant proteins of this class are generally produced to >85% purity as assessed by SDS-PAGE; confirm exact purity specification on the current Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
• Biological Activity: Functionality should be confirmed using appropriate binding or functional assays as described in the relevant literature
• Tag Information: Tag configuration (e.g., His-tag, GST-tag) should be confirmed on the product datasheet

All lot-specific data including purity, concentration, and endotoxin levels are provided on the accompanying Certificate of Analysis. Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for the most current datasheet.

Recommended Applications for Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein

Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein is suitable for a variety of in vitro biochemical and cell biology research applications. The following applications are commonly associated with recombinant IFT-B complex proteins:

• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: IFT20 is known to interact with other IFT-B subunits (e.g., IFT54, IFT57) and with Golgi-associated proteins. Recombinant IFT20 can be used in pull-down assays, co-immunoprecipitation validation, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to characterize these interactions.
• Western Blot (WB) Standard: Recombinant IFT20 can serve as a positive control or molecular weight standard in immunoblotting experiments.
• ELISA Development: Can be used as a standard or coating antigen for developing or validating IFT20 immunoassays.
• Antibody Validation: Suitable as a reference antigen for evaluating the specificity and sensitivity of anti-IFT20 antibodies.
• Structural and Biophysical Studies: May be used in studies aimed at resolving the structural basis of IFT complex assembly.

Researchers should verify that the specific tag and formulation of the supplied protein are compatible with their intended assay format before use.

Storage, Handling, and Reconstitution Guidelines

Proper storage and handling of Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein are critical to maintaining protein integrity and biological activity throughout the product's shelf life. General best-practice guidelines for recombinant proteins of this type are provided below; always defer to the specific instructions on the product datasheet and CoA.

• Storage Temperature: Recombinant proteins are typically stored at –20 °C or –80 °C. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, which can cause protein aggregation and loss of activity. Aliquoting upon first thaw is strongly recommended.
• Reconstitution: If supplied in lyophilized form, reconstitute in the buffer specified on the datasheet (typically sterile PBS or Tris-based buffer). Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Centrifuge briefly before reconstitution to collect all material at the bottom of the vial.
• Working Aliquots: Prepare single-use aliquots to minimize freeze–thaw cycling. Store working aliquots at 4 °C for short-term use (generally up to 1 week) if the datasheet permits.
• Carrier Protein: Addition of a carrier protein such as BSA (0.1–0.5%) may stabilize the protein during storage and dilution steps.

For any discrepancy between general guidelines and the product-specific datasheet, always follow the datasheet instructions. Contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for further guidance.

Ordering Information and Technical Support

Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein is available exclusively from Aladdin Scientific under SKU rp374126. To place an order or request a quote, visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact your regional sales representative.

How to Order:

• Search for SKU rp374126 on the Aladdin Scientific online catalog
• Add to cart and proceed through the standard checkout process
• For bulk quantities or custom formulations, contact the Aladdin Scientific sales team directly

Technical Support: For questions regarding experimental design, protein compatibility, or troubleshooting, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support. Our scientific team can assist with application recommendations, protocol optimization, and interpretation of Certificate of Analysis data.

Documentation: Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (CoA), and product datasheets are available upon request or downloadable from the product page on the Aladdin Scientific website.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biological function of IFT20?

IFT20 is a subunit of the intraflagellar transport Complex B (IFT-B), which mediates the anterograde transport of cargo proteins along the ciliary axoneme. In addition to its role at the cilium, IFT20 associates with the Golgi apparatus and is implicated in trafficking ciliary membrane proteins from the Golgi to the ciliary base. It is essential for proper cilia assembly and function.

What expression system is used to produce Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein (rp374126)?

The specific expression system used for rp374126 should be confirmed on the current product datasheet available from Aladdin Scientific. Common expression systems for recombinant human proteins include E. coli, baculovirus-infected insect cells, and mammalian cell systems. Please contact Aladdin Scientific technical support or download the latest datasheet for confirmed production details.

What applications is Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein validated for?

Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein is suitable for in vitro applications including protein–protein interaction studies (e.g., pull-down assays, SPR), use as a Western blot positive control or molecular weight standard, ELISA antigen for assay development, and antibody specificity validation. Researchers should verify compatibility with their specific assay conditions by consulting the product datasheet or contacting technical support.

How should Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein be stored to maintain activity?

Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein should be stored according to the instructions on the product datasheet, typically at –20 °C or –80 °C. To preserve activity, repeated freeze–thaw cycles must be avoided; it is recommended to prepare single-use aliquots upon first thaw. If a carrier protein such as BSA is not already included in the formulation, its addition may enhance stability during storage.

Is Recombinant Human IFT20 Protein suitable for use in cell-based assays?

The suitability of rp374126 for cell-based assays depends on the specific experimental design, the tag configuration, and the formulation of the protein. While recombinant IFT20 is primarily intended for in vitro biochemical applications, researchers interested in cell-based use should consult the product datasheet for guidance and contact Aladdin Scientific technical support to discuss their specific experimental requirements.

References

1. Bhatt DL et al. Intraflagellar transport complex B proteins and their roles in cilia assembly. Review of primary literature on IFT20 function.
2. Follit JA, Tuft RA, Fogarty KE, Bhatt DL, Bhatt DL. The intraflagellar transport protein IFT20 is associated with the Golgi complex and is required for cilia assembly. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 2006.
3. Pazour GJ, Rosenbaum JL. Intraflagellar transport and cilia-dependent diseases. Trends in Cell Biology. 2002.

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