Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein: FAQs & Technical Guide

Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein is a research-grade recombinant form of the human Gap Junction Delta-4 protein, enabling scientists to investigate gap junction channel assembly, intercellular communication, and related disease mechanisms in controlled in vitro systems.

Product Name

Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein

SKU

rp368043

Protein Family

Connexin / Gap Junction Delta family

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Format

Recombinant protein (lyophilized or liquid; confirm with datasheet)

Primary Research Use

Gap junction biology, intercellular communication, structural and functional studies

What Is GJD4 and Why Is It Scientifically Important?

GJD4, also known as Connexin 40.1 or Gap Junction Delta-4, is a member of the connexin protein superfamily. Connexins are transmembrane proteins that oligomerize to form hemichannels (connexons), which then dock with connexons on adjacent cells to create gap junction channels. These channels allow the direct passage of small molecules, ions, and second messengers between neighboring cells, underpinning electrical coupling, metabolic coordination, and coordinated tissue responses.

GJD4 is expressed in specific tissues and has been studied in the context of cardiac conduction, neuronal communication, and epithelial homeostasis. Dysregulation or mutation of connexin family members, including GJD4, has been linked to hereditary conditions affecting the heart, ear, skin, and nervous system. Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein enables researchers to study channel formation, protein–protein interactions, and potential therapeutic targeting in a defined biochemical setting.

Product Specifications and Quality Assurance

Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein (SKU: rp368043) is produced using a recombinant expression system. Researchers should consult the official product datasheet for confirmed details on the following parameters, as these may be updated:

• Expression Host: Confirm from current datasheet (common hosts include E. coli, baculovirus/insect cells, or mammalian expression systems).
• Tag: A purification tag (e.g., His-tag or GST) may be present; verify with the datasheet.
• Purity: Typically >85% as assessed by SDS-PAGE for research-grade recombinant proteins; confirm exact specification on datasheet.
• Endotoxin Level: Supplied at low endotoxin levels suitable for cell-based assays; exact values should be verified from the certificate of analysis (CoA).
• Formulation: May be supplied in lyophilized or liquid form; consult the datasheet for buffer composition.

All Aladdin Scientific recombinant proteins undergo quality control testing. Please request the lot-specific CoA for detailed analytical data.

Recommended Storage, Handling, and Reconstitution

Proper handling of Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein is essential to maintain activity and integrity. General best-practice guidelines are provided below; always defer to the lot-specific datasheet and CoA for authoritative instructions.

• Storage Temperature: Lyophilized protein is typically stored at -20 °C or -80 °C. Liquid formulations are generally stored at -80 °C. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Reconstitution: For lyophilized material, allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening. Reconstitute in the recommended volume of sterile, ultrapure water or the buffer specified in the datasheet. Mix gently; do not vortex.
• Aliquoting: After reconstitution, prepare single-use aliquots to minimize freeze–thaw cycles and store at -80 °C.
• Working Concentration: Determine empirically for each assay; refer to published literature on connexin proteins as a starting reference.
• Shelf Life: Confirm from the datasheet; lyophilized proteins typically retain activity for 12–24 months when stored correctly.

Research Applications and Experimental Considerations

Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein is suited to a range of in vitro research applications involving gap junction biology. Representative uses include:

• Biochemical Assays: Use as an antigen for antibody validation, or as a standard in Western blot, ELISA, or dot blot experiments.
• Structural Studies: Support biophysical characterization of connexin folding, oligomerization, and hemichannel assembly.
• Protein–Protein Interaction Studies: Investigate binding partners of GJD4 through pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation, or surface plasmon resonance assays.
• Drug Screening: Use as a target protein in binding or functional assays to screen small-molecule modulators of gap junction channels.
• Functional Studies: Reconstitution into lipid bilayers or proteoliposomes to study channel properties.

Important Considerations: Connexin proteins are hydrophobic integral membrane proteins. Handling may require detergent-compatible buffers or specific lipid environments for optimal solubility and functionality. Researchers should consult primary literature and the product datasheet before designing experiments.

Ordering, Shipping, and Technical Support

Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU rp368043. To order or obtain further information:

• Online Ordering: Place orders directly through the Aladdin Scientific website using the SKU or product name.
• Shipping Conditions: Recombinant proteins are typically shipped on dry ice to maintain integrity during transit. Confirm shipping conditions at the time of order, as these may vary by formulation and destination.
• Lead Time: Standard lead times apply; contact Aladdin Scientific customer service for current availability and estimated delivery times.
• Technical Support: For application-specific guidance, custom formulation requests, or bulk inquiries, contact the Aladdin Scientific technical support team. Our scientists can assist with experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Documentation: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (CoA), and full product datasheet are available upon request or via the product page on the Aladdin Scientific website.

Frequently asked questions

What is GJD4 protein and what is its biological function?

GJD4 (Gap Junction Delta-4, also known as Connexin 40.1) is a member of the connexin superfamily of transmembrane proteins. It forms hemichannels that pair with connexons on adjacent cells to create gap junction channels, facilitating direct intercellular exchange of ions, small metabolites, and signaling molecules essential for tissue homeostasis and coordinated cellular responses.

What expression system is used to produce Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein (rp368043)?

The specific expression host for rp368043 should be confirmed on the current product datasheet or Certificate of Analysis available from Aladdin Scientific. Common expression systems for connexin proteins include E. coli, insect cell (baculovirus), and mammalian expression platforms, each offering different post-translational modification profiles.

How should I reconstitute and store Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein?

For lyophilized preparations, equilibrate the vial to room temperature before opening, then reconstitute with the volume of sterile ultrapure water or buffer specified in the datasheet. After reconstitution, aliquot into single-use volumes and store at -80 °C to avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles that can reduce protein activity. Always refer to the lot-specific datasheet for definitive instructions.

What are the recommended research applications for Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein?

Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein is suitable for use as an antigen in antibody validation, as a standard in Western blot or ELISA, in protein–protein interaction studies (e.g., pull-down, co-IP, SPR), and in drug screening assays targeting gap junction channels. Researchers may also use it for biophysical characterization or functional reconstitution into lipid bilayers.

How do I obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for rp368043?

The SDS and lot-specific CoA for Recombinant Human GJD4 Protein (rp368043) are available through the product page on the Aladdin Scientific website or upon request from our customer service and technical support teams. We recommend always requesting the CoA for your specific production lot to verify purity, concentration, and quality control data.

References

1. Söhl G, Willecke K. Gap junctions and the connexin protein family. Cardiovasc Res. 2004;62(2):228-232. doi:10.1016/j.cardiores.2003.11.013
2. Laird DW. Life cycle of connexins in health and disease. Biochem J. 2006;394(Pt 3):527-543. doi:10.1042/BJ20051922
3. Pfenniger A, Wohlwend A, Kwak BR. Mutations in connexin genes and disease. Eur J Clin Invest. 2011;41(1):103-116. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02380.x

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