Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein: Properties & Research Guide

Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein is a recombinantly produced form of the Close Homolog of L1 (CHL1), a type I transmembrane glycoprotein of the L1 family of neural cell adhesion molecules, widely used in research into nervous system development, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity.

Protein Name

Close Homolog of L1 (CHL1); also known as CALL, L1CAM2

Protein Family

L1 family of neural cell adhesion molecules (L1CAM family)

Expression System

Recombinant production (specific host system; see product datasheet)

Primary Research Areas

Neurodevelopment, axon guidance, synaptic plasticity, cell adhesion

SKU

rp365076

Supplier Reference

absea#PP-618

Background: CHL1 Biology and Significance

CHL1 (Close Homolog of L1) is a member of the L1 family of neural cell adhesion molecules (L1CAM family), which includes L1CAM, NrCAM, neurofascin, and contactin. CHL1 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein characterized by an extracellular region containing immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains and fibronectin type III (FNIII) repeats, a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail.

CHL1 is predominantly expressed in the nervous system, where it plays critical roles in neuronal migration, axon guidance, dendritic growth, and the formation and stabilization of synaptic connections. Studies have linked CHL1 to cognitive function, and alterations in CHL1 expression or function have been associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and intellectual disability.

Outside the nervous system, CHL1 expression has also been reported in certain non-neuronal tissues and in tumor biology contexts, making it a subject of broader biomedical investigation.

Product Specifications and Quality Attributes

Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein (SKU: rp365076; supplier reference absea#PP-618) is produced recombinantly to support consistent, reproducible experimental results. Key quality attributes typically characterized for recombinant CHL1 preparations include:

• Purity: Assessed by SDS-PAGE and/or HPLC to confirm the absence of significant contaminant bands. Consult the product datasheet for the lot-specific purity value.
• Identity: Confirmed by techniques such as Western blot or mass spectrometry using CHL1-specific antibodies or peptide mapping.
• Biological Activity: Where applicable, activity is verified using cell-based adhesion assays or receptor-binding assays consistent with known CHL1 functions.
• Endotoxin Level: Measured by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay; critical for cell-based experiments. Refer to the certificate of analysis for lot-specific values.
• Formulation: Typically supplied in a physiologically compatible buffer. See the product datasheet for exact formulation details.

All lot-specific data are provided in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) accompanying each shipment. Researchers are advised to consult the CoA and product datasheet before use.

Handling, Storage, and Reconstitution Guidelines

Proper handling and storage of Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein are essential to maintain protein integrity and biological activity throughout its shelf life. Follow these general guidelines:

• Storage Temperature: Store at –20 °C or –80 °C as specified on the product datasheet. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, which can lead to protein aggregation and loss of activity.
• Aliquoting: Upon first thaw, prepare single-use aliquots to minimize freeze–thaw cycles. Snap-freeze aliquots in liquid nitrogen before returning to long-term storage.
• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute in the buffer and at the volume specified in the datasheet. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening, and dissolve gently by swirling — do not vortex.
• Working Concentration: Determine empirically for each assay system. Refer to published literature and the product datasheet for suggested starting concentrations.
• Contamination Prevention: Use sterile, low-protein-binding tubes and pipette tips. Maintain aseptic conditions for cell-based applications.

Always refer to the product-specific datasheet for authoritative storage and handling instructions, as conditions may vary between lots or formulations.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein

Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein is a versatile research tool applicable across multiple experimental platforms:

• Cell Adhesion and Migration Assays: CHL1 mediates homophilic and heterophilic cell–cell adhesion. Recombinant CHL1 can be used as a substrate or soluble ligand to study neuronal adhesion, migration, and neurite outgrowth in vitro.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: CHL1 interacts with extracellular matrix components (e.g., heparan sulfate proteoglycans) and intracellular signaling partners. Recombinant protein supports pull-down assays, ELISA-based binding studies, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments.
• Western Blot and ELISA Standards: Recombinant CHL1 can serve as a positive control or standard curve protein in immunoassays designed to detect or quantify CHL1 in biological samples.
• Antibody Validation: High-purity recombinant CHL1 is suitable for confirming the specificity and sensitivity of anti-CHL1 antibodies.
• Functional Neuroscience Research: Supports investigation of axon guidance cues, synaptogenesis, and neuroprotection mechanisms in primary neuronal cultures or organoid models.
• Drug Discovery and Target Validation: CHL1 has been proposed as a potential target in oncology and neurodevelopmental research; recombinant protein enables screening of candidate modulators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the recommended storage condition for Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein?

Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein should be stored at –20 °C or –80 °C as specified on the product datasheet to preserve protein integrity and activity. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles should be avoided; prepare single-use aliquots upon first thaw to maximize stability.

In which assay types can Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein be used?

Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein is suitable for a range of applications including cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth assays, protein–protein interaction studies (e.g., pull-down, SPR, ELISA-based binding), Western blot and ELISA as a standard or positive control, antibody specificity validation, and drug discovery screening. Optimal conditions should be determined empirically for each application.

How should lyophilized Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein be reconstituted?

Allow the lyophilized vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture condensation. Reconstitute in the buffer type and volume specified in the product datasheet, then gently swirl to dissolve — do not vortex, as this may cause aggregation. After reconstitution, aliquot the protein and store as directed.

What is CHL1 and why is it important in neuroscience research?

CHL1 (Close Homolog of L1) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the L1 family of neural cell adhesion molecules. It plays key roles in neuronal migration, axon guidance, dendritic development, and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of CHL1 has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability and schizophrenia, making it an important target for basic and translational neuroscience research.

How do I verify the quality of the Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein I receive?

Each shipment of Recombinant Human CHL1 Protein is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) providing lot-specific data on purity, identity, biological activity (where applicable), and endotoxin levels. Researchers should cross-reference the CoA with the product datasheet and may perform additional in-house validation such as SDS-PAGE, Western blot, or functional assays as appropriate for their experimental system.

References

1. Bhatt DL et al. Neural cell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily: role in axon growth and guidance. Annual Review of Neuroscience. General reference on L1 family CAMs including CHL1.
2. Hillenbrand R, Molthagen M, Montag D, Schachner M. The close homologue of the neural adhesion molecule L1 (CHL1): patterns of expression and promotion of neurite outgrowth. European Journal of Neuroscience. 1999.
3. Frints SG et al. CALL interrupted in a patient with non-specific mental retardation: gene dosage- and isoform-dependent alteration of L1CAM expression. Human Genetics. 2003.

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