Recombinant Human ATRN Protein: Properties & Research Uses

Recombinant Human ATRN Protein is a research-grade recombinant protein corresponding to the human Attractin (ATRN) gene product, widely used in studies of immune cell interactions, melanocortin signaling, and neurological function.

Product Name

Recombinant Human ATRN Protein

SKU

rp365352

Gene / Protein Target

ATRN (Attractin)

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Product Format

Recombinant protein (lyophilized or liquid; confirm with datasheet)

Supplier

Aladdin Scientific

Background: What Is ATRN (Attractin)?

Attractin (ATRN) is a large, multidomain glycoprotein encoded by the ATRN gene in humans. It was originally identified as a secreted factor shed from activated T lymphocytes and found to modulate early T-cell clustering during immune activation. The protein exists in two forms: a membrane-bound isoform and a soluble, secreted isoform present in plasma.

Structurally, ATRN contains multiple functional domains including a CUB domain, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, a lectin-like domain, and a transmembrane region (in the membrane-bound form). These domains underlie its diverse roles in cell–cell communication and receptor interactions.

Beyond immunology, ATRN has been implicated in melanocortin receptor signaling pathways and in the regulation of myelination in the central nervous system. Loss-of-function mutations in murine Atrn result in the mahogany phenotype, characterized by obesity suppression and hyperpigmentation, linking the protein to energy homeostasis and pigmentation biology.

Biological Functions and Signaling Pathways

ATRN participates in several key biological processes:

• Immune modulation: The soluble form of ATRN promotes T-cell spreading and early activation clustering, acting as a co-stimulatory mediator in adaptive immune responses.
• Melanocortin signaling: ATRN interacts with melanocortin receptors (MCRs), particularly in the context of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) activity. It is proposed to act as a low-affinity receptor or co-receptor facilitating agouti peptide effects on pigmentation and energy balance.
• Neurological function: Studies in rodent models suggest ATRN is required for normal CNS myelination; Atrn-deficient animals display spongiform neurodegeneration, indicating a role in maintaining neural integrity.
• Cell adhesion and migration: Via its lectin-like and EGF-like domains, ATRN may contribute to cell adhesion events relevant to both immune surveillance and tissue homeostasis.

These pleiotropic functions make ATRN a protein of interest across immunology, neuroscience, metabolic research, and dermatology.

Product Specifications and Quality

Recombinant Human ATRN Protein (SKU: rp365352) supplied by Aladdin Scientific is produced using recombinant expression systems to yield a protein suitable for in vitro research applications. Researchers should consult the official product datasheet for the following confirmed specifications:

• Expression system: Confirm from current datasheet (e.g., mammalian, insect, or E. coli-based expression)
• Purity: Typically ≥90% as assessed by SDS-PAGE (confirm with datasheet)
• Endotoxin level: Confirm from datasheet; low endotoxin is critical for cell-based assays
• Formulation: Lyophilized or liquid format; reconstitution conditions specified in datasheet
• Storage: Typically stored at -20°C or -80°C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
• Activity: Functional activity data, if available, provided in the product datasheet

All specifications listed above should be verified against the current product datasheet, as formulations may be updated.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human ATRN Protein is suitable for a range of in vitro and cell-based research applications, including but not limited to:

• Protein–protein interaction studies: Investigating ATRN binding partners such as melanocortin receptors or agouti-related peptides using pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation, or surface plasmon resonance assays.
• Functional/cell-based assays: Assessing the effect of ATRN on T-cell activation, clustering, or cytokine secretion in vitro.
• Antibody validation: Use as a positive control antigen for Western blotting, ELISA, or immunofluorescence assays targeting ATRN.
• Structural and biochemical studies: Characterizing domain function through limited proteolysis, glycan analysis, or circular dichroism.
• Drug discovery: Screening small molecule or biologic inhibitors of ATRN interactions relevant to metabolic or immune diseases.

Researchers are advised to optimize protein concentration, buffer conditions, and assay formats empirically for each specific application.

Handling, Storage, and Reconstitution Guidelines

Proper handling of recombinant proteins is essential to preserve activity and ensure reproducible results:

• Upon receipt: Inspect packaging integrity. Store immediately at the recommended temperature indicated on the product label or datasheet.
• Reconstitution: For lyophilized formats, reconstitute in sterile, protein-free water or the buffer recommended in the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Gently pipette to mix; do not vortex.
• Aliquoting: Prepare single-use aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw cycles, which can reduce protein activity and increase aggregation.
• Storage: Store long-term at -80°C. Short-term storage (up to 1 month) at -20°C may be acceptable; refer to the datasheet for specific guidance.
• Carrier protein: If using at very low concentrations, consider adding a carrier protein such as BSA (0.1%) to prevent adsorption to tube surfaces.

Always refer to the current product datasheet for product-specific storage and reconstitution instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What is ATRN and why is it relevant to my research?

ATRN (Attractin) is a multifunctional glycoprotein involved in T-cell immune activation, melanocortin receptor signaling, and CNS myelination. It is relevant to researchers working in immunology, neuroscience, metabolic disease, and pigmentation biology who need a well-characterized human protein to study these pathways in vitro.

What applications is Recombinant Human ATRN Protein (rp365352) validated for?

Recombinant Human ATRN Protein is suitable for protein–protein interaction studies, antibody validation (e.g., ELISA, Western blot), cell-based functional assays, and structural biochemistry studies. For confirmed application-specific validation data, please refer to the product datasheet or contact Aladdin Scientific technical support.

How should I store and reconstitute Recombinant Human ATRN Protein?

For lyophilized formats, reconstitute with sterile water or the recommended buffer per the product datasheet, and store long-term at -80°C in single-use aliquots to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Always consult the specific product datasheet for formulation-specific instructions, as these may vary between lots.

Is Recombinant Human ATRN Protein suitable for cell-based assays requiring low endotoxin levels?

Endotoxin levels are a critical quality parameter for cell-based assays. Please refer to the product datasheet for the confirmed endotoxin specification of rp365352. If endotoxin levels are not listed, contact Aladdin Scientific technical support for lot-specific certificate of analysis data.

Can I use this protein as a positive control antigen?

Yes, Recombinant Human ATRN Protein can be used as a positive control antigen for assays such as Western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence when using anti-ATRN antibodies. Ensure that the tag or isoform used in the recombinant protein matches the epitope recognized by your antibody; consult the datasheet for tag and sequence information.

References

1. Nagle DL et al. (1999). The mahogany protein is a receptor involved in suppression of obesity. Nature, 398(6723), 148–152. doi:10.1038/18210
2. Gunn TM et al. (1999). The mouse mahogany locus encodes a transmembrane form of human attractin. Nature, 398(6723), 152–156. doi:10.1038/18206
3. Duke-Cohan JS et al. (1998). Attractin (DPPT-L), a member of the CUB family of cell adhesion and guidance proteins, is secreted by activated human T lymphocytes and modulates immune cell interactions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 95(19), 11336–11341. doi:10.1073/pnas.95.19.11336

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